A/N: I'll be brief. I don't own anything. I suck hard at updating. And I think I really hate Alan Ball at this point.

Thanks to everyone who is still reading.

Chapter 10

Bees couldn't be pleasantly surprised, at least Sookie didn't think they could. But after her exclamation she had the feeling that the buzzing mass, that was the lawyer's thoughts, cocked their collective heads thoughtfully and grinned at her. Or it could have been Mr. Cataliades himself.

She shook the offered hand. It was the polite thing to do after all. "Sorry about that. I think I'm missing a few filters at the moment."

The man had a friendly chuckle, one that didn't seem to belong to a man, exactly. Not a human one at least. She was slowly coming to realize the subtle differences between everyone; be it the faint glow and absence of a readable mind of a vampire, the apparent physical warmth and snarly thoughts of a shifter, to the odd buzzing and otherness of the person standing in front of her.

His eyes, even though they were smiling at her, were a little unnerving.

"I think maybe it's time for little Sookie to run along home before she turns into a pumpkin." Pam said.

"That isn't quite how the story goes, Pam, but I'll agree with you there. I need to get before I do something truly embarrassing." Looking at Eric though and that sexy amused eyebrow of his made her want to reconsider. "Like lick that delicious eyebrow."

Did she just say that out loud?

He waggled them. She whimpered.

Giving one last pathetic mewl, she stomped her foot. "Please take me home, Pam."

In a flash, Pam was at her side. "Master," she said with a respectful bow.

A gracious nod answered her. "Behave yourself, Miss Stackhouse."

The lawyer tipped his imaginary hat to her. "It was very good to meet you, Miss Stackhouse."

"It was nice to meet you Mr. Cataliades."Sookie waved as Pam pulled her away. Before they disappeared down the hall she blew a kiss at Eric, then promptly scolded herself for doing something so embarrassingly desperate in front of a room of people she didn't even know. "Get a grip on yourself, Sookie."

Outside in the alley behind the club, she stopped and took a deep breath of the garbage and urine soaked air around her, hoping the nauseating smell would put her mood off enough to think straight. When the odor of a decomposing animal (she hoped it was a rat) hit her nose, she knew it worked. Not even the image of Eric's award winning posterior could wipe the smell away. Reluctantly, she followed Pam to her minivan, taking the passengers seat.

"Mr. Cataliades isn't human, is he?"

Pam backed out of her marked space. "No, he's a demon, or half demon or something." The vehicle pulled onto the road with a squeal. "He's a damn good lawyer, the best I know of."

"Huh," Sookie shook her head, "The more I learn the more I realize I don't know a thing."

Pam smirked, pulling onto the highway, "At least you're learning, Sookie dear."

00000

Eric took a seat at his desk while Damon sat on the couch, taking up a good deal of it. "I take it your visit isn't simply because of our Queen's desire to have paperwork signed in a timely manner."

Damon sat back with a sigh. "That would be correct, Mr. Northman. I fear that her majesty's greed and financial straits will shortly be her undoing. I am here to make sure that when her house of cards falls, as it surely will, it does not take down the entire state with it in the collateral damage."

"I am still not interested in taking the throne."

His visitor chuckled. "No, just like your maker, neither one of you wishes to rule, though both of you would be quite suited to the job, much more so than your respective monarchs ever were. Those in the Authority-"

Eric waved the comments away. "I don't wish to talk politics."

"Unfortunately, we must. Now that Sookie is out in the open, she is vulnerable. She will need to be protected."

Eric's eyes narrowed on the demon sitting before him. Yet another supernatural being was interested in the telepath. "What do you know of Miss Stackhouse?"

Something in the deep black eyes of the lawyer seemed to flash for the briefest of seconds. "I am not at liberty to say. But there are those on the Council that would be very grateful knowing that she is being watched over by someone of your strength and temperament."

Mention of the Council had his mind racing immediately. The governing bodies of the supernatural world did not tend to take interest in the affairs of humans unless there was a very important reason. The suspicion that Sookie was part Fae, coupled with her telepathy and the Council's interest in her meant only one thing. "Which house does Sookie belong to?"

Damon grinned. Eric was as quick as his maker, and, fortunately, just as trustworthy. He was one of the few vampires still walking the earth today privy to the knowledge that the extinction of the Fairies was only a cover-up; that many still traveled between realms, masking their scents, hiding pointed ears. "You must keep her heritage a secret, sheriff. If others found out-"

"Which pointy eared fuck left her in the backwoods of Louisiana to fend for herself?" Eric growled. "If you don't tell me demon, I will go to the Council and ask them myself."

"No!" Damon shouted, much to Eric's surprise, but quickly calmed himself. "No. Whatever you do, you must not reveal her to them."

The usually unflappable demon's alarmed response set off warning bells. "You are being very obtuse, even for a lawyer. Explain."

"I expect these words to go no further than this room. Even as much as you trust your child, you will not tell her."

Eric nodded.

"Sookie is the granddaughter of Fintan Brigant and the great-granddaughter of Niall Brigant."

"Which makes her a Princess of the Sky Fae."

"Indeed it does. I don't believe I have to impress upon you the danger she would be in should her lineage be discovered?"

"No." he said quietly. "Her grandmother, Adele…"

"Fintan fell in love with her. Her husband, Earl I believe his name was, could not give her children due to a childhood illness, something she dearly wished for. With Fintan it became possible. She gave him two children, both of which have died far too early; one in illness, the other to a flood. I don't need to tell you that the second death is suspect."

"Which leaves two grandchildren, Sookie and Jason."

"Three. Sookie, Jason and Hadley. She is the Queen's favorite pet at the moment."

Eric closed his eyes, realizing now why his queen had suddenly become aware of her, "Which is how she found out about Sookie to begin with."

Damon nodded. "Although they each have Fae blood in their veins, of the three, only Sookie possesses the essential spark."

"She alone would hold interest for the Prince."

"And now you see why she must be protected and kept away from the eyes of certain members of the Council."

Eric rubbed the bridge of his nose, not from a headache, but from the memories of what one would feel like. Knowing Sookie was becoming more and more complicated. It still didn't detract from his interest in her. He could feel her moving away from him with his child, and wondered what the demon would think if he knew he'd given the little Fae princess his blood. That would be a question for another time, he had more important ones to deal with at the moment."Why did you let her send Compton here?"

For the first time that evening, Damon lost his jovial disposition, showing a hint of his demonic temper. "I was on assignment for the last few weeks, in another realm entirely. By the time I had learned what that spineless seducer had done, you had called to get started on her paperwork. I think Sophie Anne suspects that I would have interfered with her new acquisition." He shook his head. "There are rumors drifting about that Nan and the Authority are on the verge of replacing her with a more malleable ruler."

Eric snorted. "Just what we need, a king or queen under Nan's heavy hand, smiling for the humans like a trained ape."

"With the Newlin's and their Fellowship of the Sun church spreading their propaganda, it may unfortunately be exactly what is needed."

"Which means another puppet on a throne that I will pay tithes." He looked at the man across from him and shook his head, "So much for not discussing politics."

"I wouldn't have mentioned it had it not been important."

This was why taking the crown was such a bad idea, Eric thought. It was all ass kissing and back stabbing when a lot of the issues could be solved with the swing of his sword. Frankly, he was ready to just take a match to Sophie Anne's palace and sort out the remains on another night. It was getting to be tiring serving her and her overindulged retinue. And now he had to put up with Compton in his area.

A little regicide began to look better and better.

00000

Pam made fairly good time driving Sookie back home, even after the barmaid pleaded with her to slow down. It gave them some time to talk and get to know each other, something Eric asked his progeny to do for him so he would have ideas about what Sookie would like on their date.

When they reached Hummingbird Lane, Sookie noticed the lights coming from Bill's home. There were also moving trucks and a number of trade vehicles from plumbing to electricians. It made her even angrier at the man, what with him saying he couldn't get anyone out to his home to work on it, making it yet another flagrant lie on his part. She was so mad she could just spit and hope that one of those carpenters would slip and accidently stake him with a piece of scrap wood.

It wasn't a very Christian thing to think, but the good Lord would just have to go with her on this one.

"I know this may not be my place, Pam, but should I say anything about Bill's friends? They were really forward and creepy. I mean, does Eric know about them already?"

"Which ones?"

"The three that were with him the other day, they were all pretty bad; Malcolm, Liam and Diane? I don't have a clue what their last names are."

"Malcolm, Liam and Diane?" Pam repeated slowly.

"Yeah."

"Tribal tattoos, bad hair, cheap clothes? Looking like the poster children for 'What Not To Wear'?" Sookie nodded. "That them?"

"Sounds right. They were hanging out with Bill the other evening with a couple of fangbangers. The guy, Jerry, he had Hep V and was planning to spread it to the vampires before I outted him. They took him and a woman named Janella and left. I think they mentioned a place out in Monroe. A nest?"

An evil smile spread over Pam's face, "Oh, Sookie. You just make my nights so enjoyable. I've been after that bitch Malcolm since the seventies. The fucker got blood on a vintage Chanel double breasted…"She caught sight of Sookie's bewildered look and remembered most talk of couture would probably be lost on her, if her wardrobe had been any clue. She began texting with a free hand. "Never mind. They are unregistered in the area. Eric will be most upset."

"If he's going to be upset, why are you smiling like the cat that ate the canary?"

Pam's grin only grew wider, "Because the night is young, and it smells like blood and payback."

"I see." They began to roll down her driveway. Sookie did her best not to imagine what Pam had in store for the creepy men and woman. Probably something very messy.

"Shit."

Looking over, she found her friend frowning. "What's up?"

"Oh, nothing. But my fun will have to wait for another night. Eric needs me back at the bar." The van stopped. "Please tell me if anything else happens with your charming new neighbor. I'll be over tomorrow night to take care of things."

"Okay, Pam." She stepped out and shut the door behind her. "Thanks for tonight, for being my chauffer and all."

"Not a problem, my luscious little barmaid." With a wink and a flash of fangs, the vampire sped down the rough drive and into the night.

Sookie waved and made her way up the porch steps and into the house. Barking from outside made her come back out to the porch. Just at the tree line to the property, a familiar dog that hung around town stepped out of the woods.

The collie trod up to the porch and stopped just below the steps.

"Hey there, fella." Sookie smiled and stepped down to approach him. "What are you doing out so late? You want a nice belly rub?"

The dog backed away a few steps and gave her a sheepish look.

She frowned. Normally he was friendly to her and would eagerly lick her face while she scratched him behind the ears. This was the first time the stray had ever been standoffish. Could a collie even look sheepish? "You okay, boy?"

The dog took another step back just before the air around him began to shimmer. A sickening bone crunching, flesh moving sound followed and after a moment the stray collie dog that always hung around Merlotte's was gone.

In his place was a completely naked Sam, wearing the same sheepish look the dog had just worn. "Hey there, Sook."

Sookie couldn't help herself. Really she couldn't. She was a healthy adult woman with working eyes after all. Those eyes took an appreciative stroll all the way up and down her handsome boss before she managed to look away. Rubbing his belly seemed to take on a different meaning altogether. This was just all kinds of awkward. "Uh, hey, Sam."

His hands went down to cover the dangly bits that Sookie was doing her church going best to avoid ogling. "Do you think maybe we could talk, Chere?"

She cleared away the frog that had crept into her throat. "Do you think you could put on some pants, Sam?"

A blush crept up on the man's cheeks, the beginnings of a smile perked up the corners of his mouth. "Sure, gimme just a minute and I'll meet you in the kitchen?"

"I'll be waiting." Sookie heard him move into the woods, where she hoped he left some clothes, and went inside the house. In the kitchen, she set out two glasses and pulled the tea out of the fridge. "Vampires, demons, and shifters, oh my. I bet even Dorothy Gale would be confused by now." A slightly hysterical giggle escaped her.

"Sookie? Is that you, dear?" Gran shuffled into the kitchen, blinking her eyes. They warmed when they fell on her granddaughter. "You're home later than I expected. Did things go well?"

Sookie brought out another glass, kissing Gran's cheek, "They did. I got to meet a demon tonight."

Gran gasped in surprise. "Land sakes! A demon? What was it like?" She took a seat at the table as Sookie poured out some tea, eager to hear about her meeting.

Sookie shrugged, "Real nice." The back door opened and Sam stepped inside, this time wearing a pair of jeans and a faded saints t-shirt. "Pam said he's actually a half demon, but he looked almost completely normal. I could only tell he was different because his head sounded like a beehive and he had real different eyes."

"Hey, Mrs. Stackhouse." Sam sat down and took a sip of his tea.

"Why, Sam Merlotte, what has you out here so late?"

"I'm here to apologize to your granddaughter."

"Whatever for?"

Sam looked from Gran to Sookie, wondering how much to say.

She cocked her hip and looked at him defiantly, almost daring him to start something in front of her grandmother.

He sighed, "I hid something from her and got upset and yelled at her at the bar today."

"For no good reason I might add." Sookie snapped at him.

"I actually have plenty good reason to be upset. But I could have been calmer and explained things better, instead of flying off the handle like I did." He looked at Sookie again, "Sorry, Sook."

Her anger wilted at the apology from her friend. "That's okay, Sam. I have to say, I wasn't exactly in the best of moods when I came in."

"I don't blame you there. Tara told me what went down with Bill Compton. I told Terry to eighty six him if he comes in when I'm not around. He's banned from the bar."

Sookie smiled a bit. "Thanks, Sam."

He gave her a nod, "If he acts up, I'm calling Northman. It's his area after all."

"I'm sure he'd appreciate it. Bill wasn't exactly truthful to him either." She sat down and sipped at her drink. "I don't know how much Tara explained to you-"

Sam nodded, "He's some sort of procurer for the vampire hierarchy."

"Can they do that?" Gran asked. "Take people from their homes and families if they're special?"

"Vampires don't tend to follow the law like regular folk. They have their own set of rules, their own higher ups to keep them in line. Much as I hate to say it, knowing Eric Northman may be an advantage to you." He sat back in his seat. "He's a lot older than that Queen Sophie Anne, and from what I've heard, a lot more sane."

"I thought you didn't trust him."

"I don't…exactly. But he's the law in the area, and until recently, there's been peace and quiet for the most part. I at least believe he'll not want to attract any undue attention to you."

Sookie could accept that, after seeing how the vampires worked for just a little while. Maybe Sam had cause to be wary, having known about them for longer. It was at least something to think on. "I'll keep that in mind, Sam."

"That's all I ask, Sook. That and to take care of yourself."

"Is that what you hid from her? That you knew about the Vampires and Mr. Northman?" Gran asked.

Sam rubbed the back of his neck, "Not exactly, mam." He looked to Sookie. "It's your call."

"But it's your life, Sam." Sookie looked at the woman who raised her. "I think she can handle it. Plus it'd be nice if I didn't have to hide it from her."

Gran raised a brow, "Now would the both of you like to stop speaking about me like I'm not sitting in front of you at the same table? I do believe I brought you up better than that." She shot a look at her grandbaby. "What in heaven's name has you both forgetting your manners?"

"Sam's a shapeshifter, Gran." Sookie blurted out.

Gran looked at the owner of the local bar, and never batted an eyelash. "Why, Mr. Merlotte, I knew there was much more to you than met the eye." She stood up and went to the fridge, "Would you like a slice of pecan pie, Sam?"

Sam, of course, was a bit shocked at how well the older woman was taking things. "Uh…sure. That'd be great."

"Good, you can help Sookie and me finish it. I was hoping Jason would come around for a piece, but he seems to be busy with Tara these days."

Sookie stood to help Gran get plates out of the cupboard, looking at her a little strangely. "Gran, don't you want to know what a shapeshifter is?"

She set the pie down and began to dish out servings, "That's what the pie is for, Sookie. I imagine it's going to take a while for Sam to explain it. Can't let our guest do so on an empty stomach."

000000

When the pie was finished and Sam had explained as much as he could about being a shapeshifter and about Weres in general, he bid Adele a good night and made his way outside with Sookie following him. "Do you know who they are? Your parents, I mean?"

He breathed deeply through his nose, tasting the night air, shaking his head. "No. Never got the chance to ask the Merlotte's either. When I needed questions answered, they were long gone."

Sookie hugged herself against the chill in the air, "Do you want to know them?"

Sam scratched the side of his neck, "Sorta… I don't really know, Sook. There are things I'd like to know, of course, but then there are some things I'm not sure I want to know the answers to."

She nodded, kicking at a rock by her feet, "Like why."

"Yeah, like why." He turned to look at her with a grin, "I always thought your Gran was a real forward thinking woman. She barely batted an eye when I said I could shift."

Sookie returned his grin, "That's my Gran. Nothing shocks her."

"She seems to like them vamps, too."

"She sure does. Pam and her get along like a house on fire. And I swear I saw her blush when Eric shook her hand."

The smile on Sam's face fell somewhat when he heard the small sigh that passed Sookie's lips at the mention of the sheriff's name. "And what Tara said about him offering you a job? Am I gonna have to find a replacement for my best waitress?"

"I'm not quitting, Sam. I'm only gonna be working a couple nights a week for them, just part time."

"You sure you want to be doing that? Working for a vampire?"

"Sam, I know you have misgivings about it, but what else can I do? Eric made me a really good offer and he's protecting me from a crazy queen that wants to add me to her collection. I can almost picture myself in a glass case next to a set of bone china and a creepy doll." Sookie shuddered and Sam nodded. "Plus…I'm twenty five years old and a waitress at the local bar. I'm really lucky to have this job, I know, but what happens in ten years?"

"Sook, you'll always have a job as long as I'm open."

"That's not it, Sam. When I was little, I used to have dreams of growing up, traveling the world, going to college, getting married, having babies…" her eyes turned up to the starry skies, remembering being that naïve little girl once again. "Some of that's never gonna happen and I'm okay with it."

"Cher-"

Sookie held up her hand to stop him from saying anything more. "I am, Sam. And I'm not saying it to get your sympathy. Just because I can't have some things, it doesn't mean I'm upset about it anymore. We all have to make sacrifices, and I'm happy with my life for the most part. But later on down the line when everyone I know is moving on and having kids or things like that…I just want to know I took some chances, you know? Maybe it's a bad idea, I'll just have to wait and see."

He considered her words. "Can't argue with you there. Bon Temps isn't the greatest town for big dreams."

Sookie smiled. "But it is good for all the little ones."

His smile came back. "It is," he agreed.

"Do you need a ride home?"

Sam took a deep breath of the night air again. "No. I think I'll take a run."

"Would you like me to bring you your clothes when I come in for my shift?"

"Could you?"

"Sure. Let me just turn around." She did so, and heard that weird bone and flesh moving sound again. When she peeked over her shoulder, the collie was back, sitting next to a pile of Sam's clothing. Reaching down to pick them up, she scratched behind his ears. "I'll see you tomorrow night, Sam."

The dog barked and touched his nose to her cheek before running into the woods again. Sookie watched him disappear before heading inside for the night.

000000

Today was a day for basking in the sun, Sookie felt. It was her one real vice in the world, sunbathing, and she knew years from now she may end up looking like she was made of leather, but she couldn't deny the siren song of the golden orb hanging above the farmhouse, smiling down on her like an old friend. It would be impolite to ignore him. So, with her portable radio set on the local country station to drown out the construction noise coming from across the cemetery, she lounged in her favorite spot while Gran trimmed her rose bushes.

Eric's blood had done its job. Last night had been the first night since taking Bill's blood that she had not dreamt about the man. That isn't to say her dreams were PG by any means, but at least she didn't feel the need to run to the bathroom and lose her dinner.

She did wake up twisted in her sheets, sweaty and just a little bit frustrated, images of a Viking still running through her mind.

It was just about noon when Jason's truck came up the drive, stopping just next to her car. The man himself jumped down from the cab, jogging around the front to help Tara down, waving to her as he did so. Sookie, waving back, had to smile at how gallant her brother was being recently. She watched him walk up to Gran and give her a kiss on her cheek before looking around and picking up a rake.

Tara picked up a lawn chair and situated it next to Sookie's, sitting down and leaning back with a happy little sigh. "Hey, Sook."

"Hey, Tara." Sookie shook her head, watching Jason go to the shed to bring out the mower. "Is Jase feeling okay?"

"Think so. He wanted to get out here to help Gran out with some yard work before the sun gets too far up. Why are there trucks all up and down the street?"

She huffed, "Bill. He's having his house redone."

"I thought you said he was having trouble with finding people to work on his house?"

"Yeah, that's what he said. Turns out that was a lie, too."

"I tol-"

Sookie turned up the radio, just so she wouldn't hear her friend remind her of what an idiot she was.

"Hey, Sook." Jason walked up and took a seat next to Tara, shifting her onto his lap. "How come there's all those trucks by Bill's place?"

Growling, she put her arm over her face, prepared to ignore her brother.

"What did I say?"

"Sookie's just pissed cause Bill's a lying asshole." Tara said matter-of-factly.

Jason frowned. "Why did you break up with him, anyway?"

"We weren't even boyfriend and girlfriend, Jase."

"Yeah, but a few days ago, you was actin like he hung the moon. Now, you growl anytime anyone says the name Bill." She growled. "See what I mean?"

Sookie sat up and took a deep breath. "Bill was sent here by his boss in New Orleans to collect me because of my quirk. He got the Rattray's to beat me up so I would take his blood so he could try to control me cause I can't be glamoured."

The words took a minute to sink in, but you could tell just by the forming frown on Jason's face, when it finally hit home. "Mother Fucker!" he shouted and leapt to his feet, knocking Tara onto the grass.

"Jason! Stop!" Sookie chased after him as he began to stalk across the cemetery, the quickest way to Bill's. She knew she should have gotten Eric to stop him from doing anything. "Jason!"

He whirled on her and she almost ran into him. "Why the hell didn't you say nothin?"

"Because I didn't want you to do anything that could get you hurt." She said, hearing Tara coming after them. "Jase, he threw the Rat's trailer around like it was a toy to make it look like a twister got them."

"Really?" Sookie nodded just as Tara came over and smacked his arm. "Ow! What the fuck, Tar?"

"Did you not see me bounce my ass off the ground when you dropped me?"

He rubbed his arm, realizing what he'd just done. "Oh, um, sorry, babe."

"Plus, Sookie's right. You can't fight Bill. Leave it to that Eric guy."

"He another vamper?" Jason asked suspiciously.

Sookie rolled her eyes, "Yes, Jase, he's another vampire. He has authority over Bill and told him he wasn't allowed near any of us, just so you know. Gran's met him, and she really likes him."

"Maybe I should meet him too then."

"Maybe?" she said, trying not to outright deny him in meeting her new friend, but a little time to cool off would be in order. On both their parts. "He runs a couple of businesses in Shreveport, plus he has all the vampire stuff going on. He's real busy."

"Yeah, okay." Jason shrugged. He glared over in the direction of Bill's property. "But if anything does happen and Bill don't toe the line, you call me and tell me so I can come over and whoop his undead ass."

"You'll be the second person I call after Eric."

"Just make sure you tell him I got dibs. You're my kin, after all." He reached out and pulled her into a hug. "And next time you get your ass beat and don't tell me, I'm gonna get me a switch and finish the job."

Sookie hugged her big brother back, "Okay, Jase. I will."

He pulled away a little and looked down at her with a smile. "Promise?"

"Promise." She returned his smile.

"Allright then." He let his sister go and grabbed Tara's hand. "Let's get back and have us some lunch."

The trio began to make their way back to Gran's, avoiding the markers they were each quite familiar with. This part of the cemetery held the gravesites of people that didn't live to see the turning of the last century. So none of them were expecting a new headstone.

"Shit!"Jason cried out as he stumbled head first over a gravesite.

"Jason!" Both girls cried out.

"Naw, I'm okay."He stood up to brush off the leaves and dirt that clung to his hair. "I just tripped over this…" he squinted at the headstone. "Sook? Do you remember a family name of Douche? Maybe a Cajun?"

Sookie frowned and stepped over an older marker to read the name on it. Her frown slowly turned into a smile and uncontrollable giggles when she read the entire name. "Oh…my…Lord…Pam…"A complete sentence wouldn't make it past her lips, what with the laughter and all. "It's…it's Bill's!"

Tara came to look down at the grave and smiled herself as she read it. "'Here is where William Thomas 'Douche' Compton should lie. Unfortunately, he won't stay here. The world is poorer for knowing him.' This that lady vamp that was at Merlotte's the other night?" Sookie could only nod breathlessly. "I think I like her."

Jason scratched his head, "I don't get it." His eyes traced over the relief on the marble, "Is that a-"

"Yes!" Sookie cried out, now in tears.

Her brother grimaced, "Why did they put a gaping asshole on a tombstone?"

"The better question would be how she got a flower to bloom in it so fast." Tara said, admiring the happy little daisy.