A/N: Greeting readers! I am well aware that I suck and I haven't updated in a while. I won't bore you with excuses. Eric makes a brief appearance via phone, but I promise that he will return fully in the next chapter. Patience, dear readers, patience. R&R and enjoy!

Threat Level Red

After our talk Sookie wanted to get some much needed rest, but I wasn't quite ready to hit the hay. I left the room to give her some peace and quiet to get some sleep. Alcide was still dealing with Debbie so I was alone for the moment. I trudged into Alcide's kitchen and stood there considering my options. I definitely wasn't hungry, but I was thirsty. I found some orange juice that hadn't passed its expiration date and poured myself a glass just as my cellphone began buzzing in my pocket.

I sighed. I knew who it was. I hadn't given my number to anyone yet and the only person that had called me so far was Eric. He also would be the only one calling in the wee hours of the night. I still hadn't gotten the chance to ask him how he managed to find out my new number, but it didn't surprise me at all, Eric was capable of many things. I checked the caller id and confirmed that it was the same number that had called me earlier before I hit the ignore button and pocketed the phone again. I still had nothing to say to Eric. My feelings had not changed. I was done with him. And I meant it this time.

I sat down at Alcide's kitchen table to enjoy my late night drink and felt my phone buzzing again. My teeth gritted and I shut my eyes in frustration. If I could say nothing about Eric, but one thing it would be that the darn Viking was persistent. I realized immediately that he would just continue to call if I ignored his phones call and pulled out my phone.

"What do you want, Eric?" I answered bitterly.

Eric's normally smooth and velvety voice sounded urgent although he spoke in a harsh whisper. "Wolves are staking out your home."

I frowned. "Why are you whispering?"

"I do not know when you and Sookie had intended to return to Bon Temps, but you will stay in Jackson. It is not safe for you in Bon Temps," he ordered.

I huffed. Werewolves staking out my house waiting to kill me most likely, just great. I could add that to the ever growing list of things that I had to worry about. I had expected to return to Bon Temps to face the wolves already, this news didn't surprise me. I just hoped that by unbinding my powers I would be capable of defending myself.

"Eric, I can't stay in Jackson forev-."

"This is not a suggestion," Eric cut in quickly, his voice so low that I had to plug my other ear just to hear him better. The urgency in his tone was beginning to worry me. He almost sounded desperate. "You will stay in Jackson with Alcide. Do not return to Bon Temps until you hear from me. If you do not hear from me by dawn after tomorrow you leave Jackson immediately. You tell no one where you are going and you never return to Louisiana or Mississippi again. Do you understand?"

My stomach sunk. I had passed worry and moved on to full-fledged fear now. "Eric, what is going on?"

"For once, Chase Morgan, listen to me and do as I say," Eric said.

"Eric-," I started.

"Goodbye, Chase."

The line went dead and I was left staring at my phone as if I expected it to do some magic trick. I felt frozen as my brain took in the information that Eric had presented me with. I had underestimated the situation that I was in, yet again. My only guess was that he had figured out who had sent the wolves after me and was planning to go resolve the matter himself to protect me. But from his tone of voice it didn't sound as if he thought his chances of survival were good. I had a sickening feeling that, that may have been the last time I ever talked to Eric Northman again.

I retrieved his number from the call log and called him back, wanting to know more. I was almost angry that he would call me and not explain himself to me, especially if he was going on some sort of suicide mission on my behalf. Which I hoped for his sake he wasn't.

It didn't even ring.

"You've reached Eric Northman. Leave a message."

My stomach sunk further into the pits of my body and a sense of dread swept through me as his voicemail recording played through my ears. Eric, what the hell are you doing?

"Chase?"

I turned at the sound of my name, finding Alcide standing in the kitchen, looking at me with a face full of concern. In my worried state I didn't even realize that I had risen from the kitchen chair and begun pacing. I ended the call on my cellphone and looked at Alcide, at a loss for words.

"What's the matter?" he questioned me.

"It's Eric," I said slowly as I slid my phone into my pocket. My hands felt numb. "He…He…" I couldn't finish the sentence. I didn't know what was happening. I didn't know what Eric was doing. I didn't know what to think other than I was in danger. As usual.

Alcide came closer, taking me by the biceps and forcing me gently into a chair. I was thankful because I felt like I needed to sit, but my body wouldn't move on my command. He knelt down so that he was eye level with me. "What did Northman say?" he asked.

I swallowed hard. Eric had told me not to say anything, but I trusted Alcide. If I could tell no one else what was going on I knew that I could tell him. "I think he found whoever it was that is after me and he is going after me. He said that there are wolves staking out my house and I am to stay in Jackson with you until I hear from him," I explained.

"Sounds like a good plan to me," Alcide agreed.

"But if I don't hear from him I am to leave Jackson immediately and never come to Louisiana or Mississippi again," I continued gravely. The numbness had spread. I couldn't feel my arms anymore.

"Oh shit," Alcide muttered straightening and placing his hands on his hips.

All I could do was continue to sit there as the numbness spread through my body and I wondered just what Eric was planning to do. I knew now that my threat level had gone to red and there was no way that I could return to Bon Temps if Eric was saying that I had to leave and never return. I didn't know where I would go if I didn't hear from Eric. He had said to tell no one so that meant running to my family, friends and anyone else that knew me was out of the question. If I went to any one I knew, I would be putting them in danger.

"I am sure Northman is going to be fine. He is a smart fanger and he won't go into any situation that he knows he can't get out of," Alcide reasoned kneeling in front of me again.

My stomach sunk further. I hadn't even fully grasped what not hearing from Eric would mean. The thought of Eric Northman dying because of me made my stomach turn violently and I had to swallow hard to keep from throwing up. I may have hated him at times, but I couldn't imagine a world without Eric Northman in it. The last thing I wanted for him was death.

Alcide's warm hand wrapped around mine and he bent his head catching my eyes with his. "Chase, everything is going to be alright," he assured softly. "Until we hear from Eric I will keep my eye on ya' and make sure you are safe alright?"

I nodded slowly. That's all I could manage. I wanted to believe him, but the feeling of dread that sat in my gut just wouldn't allow me to. I launched myself into his arms making Alcide straighten his body before wrapping his arms around me tightly. I buried my face into his chest wanting to find comfort there in his warmth and the steady strong thump of his heart. I wanted to forget about Eric's phone call and what he could be doing at that moment. I wanted to forget everything and just lose myself in Alcide. Alcide must have sensed what I needed because he held me tighter, pressing his face into my hair. I felt safe in his arms, but the feeling of dread didn't waiver.

"I won't let anything happen to you, Chase," Alcide promised.

The next morning I awoke to the feeling of warmth against me and strong arms around me. I blinked as I lifted my head groggily, the sight of Alcide's living room coming in more clearly. I was draped across the couch; my upper body resting against Alcide's. He was still fast asleep, one arm thrown across the top of the couch with his head resting against his shoulder. His hair was a tousled mess and he was snoring lightly.

I couldn't help the weak smile that spread across my face. He had done his best to comfort me after the phone call from Eric, but despite his strong arms around me and his reassurances I still didn't feel any better. The dread was still sitting in my stomach and I couldn't help but expect the worse. I had no idea if Eric was even alive now. I didn't know if I would be running for my life tomorrow morning or where I would even be the next day.

I sat up slowly and slid off the couch, not wanting to wake Alcide. I tiptoed into the kitchen and leaned against the counter, pulling my cellphone from my pocket. I was hoping that there would be a missed call, voicemail, text, or hell even an email from Eric saying that the coast was clear, that I was safe, and he was alive, and there was nothing to worry about. But there was nothing. Only an alert saying that my battery was low. My teeth bit into my lip as I tried to force myself to calm down. I still had another day and night, which was plenty of time for him to deal with whatever situation and get back to me. I didn't want to spend the whole day stressing or worrying over it. He had said dawn of the next day and I would give him that time.

I dialed Connor's number next so that I could tell him that I would not be returning to Bon Temps. The call went to voicemail after ringing a few times and I swallowed hard and forced my voice to stay steady as I listened to the recording.

"You've reached Connor Munroe, I am unable to come to the phone right now, but leave a detailed message and I will return your call as soon as possible."

"Dad, hi, it's Chase. Something came up. I am gonna be in Jackson for a few more days so when I get back to Bon Temps. No need to worry. Everything is fine. Talk to you soon," I lied.

I ended the call and hoped that I hadn't given away too much in my voice. I didn't want him to worry. I didn't want him to drop everything and come running. I didn't want to put him in danger. He may have been a witch, but that didn't mean he was indestructible.

After regaining my composure I headed into the bedroom, finding Sookie exiting the bathroom dressed in shorts and a bright yellow striped t-shirt. She smiled brightly at me when she noticed my presence and I attempted to return it. I knew that I had failed immediately when her face dropped and she stopped right in her tracks. Her eyes squinted slightly as she looked at me and I prepared myself to receive the third degree.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing," I lied without hesitation.

"Chase," she countered as if that was enough to make me spill.

"Sookie," I countered back.

She continued to stare me down in a scrutinizing gaze as if she expected me to crumble and falter. I held my ground though. I didn't want to tell her what was going on for the same reason that I wouldn't tell anyone else; to keep her safe. Eric had told me to tell no one and If I had to run no one could know where I was or going. I needed to play it cool.

"Something happen with you and Alcide again?" she asked crossing her arms.

I huffed. "No Sookie, Alcide and I are doing fine. Nothing happened," I assured, waving away her scrutinizing glare. I turned my back on her and went looking for my phone charger in my bag.

"Sometimes I really wish I could read your mind, Chase Morgan," Sookie said finally tearing her gaze away from me with a shake of her head.

And I am really glad that you can't Sookie Stackhouse, I thought as I plugged my phone charger into the wall.

"What time do you want to head back?" Sookie asked finally changing the subject as she began making Alcide's bed.

I slid into a sitting position on my phone and plugged my phone into the charger. "Change of plans," I said trying to keep my voice casual. "I am going to stay in Jackson and ride this thing out. Help you find Bill."

Sookie hesitated again, turning back to me with that same suspicious gaze. "I thought-."

"I know. I know. But Alcide talked me into it and reminded me that werewolves are still in Bon Temps looking for me and I know what I said and I know what I wanted, but for now things changed so…just don't make it a big deal," I said quickly. "Besides I am thinking of seeing where this whole Alcide thing pans out," I added with a shrug. I hoped that if I told her it was because of Alcide she would believe me and let it go.

Sookie didn't say anything for a long moment, her suspicious gaze deepening. I maintained my cool demeanor and began rifling through my bag to get a change of clothes. I settled on some shorts and a red t-shirt before zipping the bag and looking up to find that she was still looking at me.

"You sure nothing is going on?" she questioned again placing a hand on her hip.

"You are paranoid Sookie Stackhouse," I sighed rising back to my feet. "Nothing is going on."

She seemed to relax a little and her smile returned. "Well I am glad that you are staying. You are the only reason Alcide is helping me and I could really use a friend right now."

I smiled at her. "I am glad I am staying too."

I had a feeling I would be lying a lot from then on.

I took my sweet time in the shower, allowing the hot water to relax my tense muscles, and forcing myself to think about absolutely nothing to give my brain a break. When I finally got out there was no hot water left and I felt a little refreshed. I dressed, brushed my teeth and put my hair in a loose bun before putting on a brave face and exiting the bathroom. Sookie sat in the corner of Alcide's bedroom removing the black nail polish from Janice's make over from her nails. I heard movement from outside the bedroom and realized that Alcide was awake. I panicked for a moment, worried that Alcide may have told Sookie about the phone call from Eric. But knowing Sookie she would have immediately been on my case the minute he had told her.

I made my way into the kitchen wanting to talk to Alcide and make sure that he knew that I wasn't planning on telling Sookie about the Eric situation. He was in the kitchen, clad in a red button down and those jeans that hung just right on his body. He was leaning against the kitchen counter drinking straight from the orange juice carton. He set the carton down when he noticed my presence and smirked at me cautiously.

"Hey," he said in greeting. "How are ya'?"

I went to his side, leaning against the counter beside him, making him turn towards me. "Hey," I replied. "I am okay…thank you for last night…"

"It was my pleasure," Alcide replied stepping closer to me.

His close proximity made it a little hard to think, but I forced my brain to focus. "I need to talk to you."

One dark eyebrow arched in curiosity as he looked at me. "What is it?"

"I need you to not tell Sookie about my phone call from Eric," I said keeping my tone low. "Don't think about it either cause then she will hear it."

Alcide seemed confused. "Why?"

"If Eric's plan or whatever he is doing doesn't work and I am still in danger by dawn tomorrow and have to leave then no one can know where I am or where I am going. If whoever is after me comes looking to my family and friends and other people who know me asking questions, then they won't have to lie. And vampires won't be able to glamour it out of them," I elaborated. "It's what's best for everyone to keep them safe…including you."

Alcide frowned, his face dropping. "Are you telling me that if you don't hear from Northman you are planning to run out of Mississippi and not even tell me where you are going?"

I nodded. "It is for your protection."

Alcide stepped closer to me, we were nearly touching. "I'm not the one that needs protecting, Chase. It's you," he said almost angrily.

"Alcide, I know that you care about me and I care about you too; which is the exact reason that I am doing this," I said with a sad smile, putting my hand on his chest. "I couldn't bear it if something happened to you because of me."

"I'm more worried about something happening to you," he countered.

I sighed, my eyes dropping. "Alcide, I really need you to have my back on this. Just trust me when I say that it is what's best for everyone and promise that you won't tell Sookie," I urged.

He hesitated, regarding me with a disapproving look. I knew he didn't like it. I could see the battle waging within him to fight me on it, but he sighed in defeat and nodded. "Whatever you say, Chase."

"Thank you, Alcide," I whispered, smiling at him reassuringly.

I rose on my tip toes and pressed a kiss to his cheek. Fire raced through me as my lips made contact with his skin and I hesitated still in his space. His head turned slightly as I tried to regain my composure and tell my body to move. I couldn't though, I was frozen, stuck in his gravitational pull and wanting nothing more than to kiss the supple lips that were barely an inch from mine. I could feel the heat coming off of Alcide in waves, his body calling to my own as his brown eyes held my gaze. His hand reaching up to cup my neck before sliding into my hair. He let out a soft growl as his hand tightened in my hair and I saw the irises of his eyes turn yellow just like they had that night in Lou Pine's. A thrill rushed through me and my lips parted as a soft moan escaped my throat.

"Chase, do you have any-."

Alcide and I broke apart quickly as Sookie's voice rang out, startling us both. Sookie stood in the door way to the kitchen, her mouth open in surprise, an empty bottle of nail polish in her hand. "Oh I am sorry…." She said shaking her head slightly as if she were coming out of some daze. "I didn't know you guys were-."

"it's fine, Sookie," I said quickly, cutting her off and saving Alcide and me the embarrassment of her finishing that sentence. "We weren't doing anything."

That clearly was a lie and Sookie's facial expression showed that she didn't believe me one bit. Alcide cleared his throat and adjusted himself as discreetly as he could in front of two girls. He took two steps away from me, finally relieving me of his overwhelmingly inviting heat.

"I um…I'm gonna go run some errands," he declared. His eyes lingered on me for a second as he moved past me and I felt myself blushing. "You two stay out of trouble," he ordered as he reached the door.

"Wait, what's a pack master?" Sookie called making Alcide stop as he pulled the door open.

"God dammit!" Alcide growled turning back to Sookie and I.

"I'm sorry, Alcide, but I gotta do what I gotta do," Sookie halfheartedly apologized.

I looked at him in confusion. Sookie must have read something in his mind that she shouldn't have heard because Alcide didn't look pleased. He placed his hands on his hips as he looked at her irritably. "This is Were business," Alcide said firmly. "It's goes against all of our laws to tell you anything."

"What's going on?" I asked, my confusion still unresolved.

"I heard Alcide thinking about things going too far and needing to tell a pack master and I want to know what that is." Sookie answered quickly not bothering to look at me.

"Is that like the werewolf boss?" I asked looking at Alcide.

"I'm not telling you guys anything. You both are in enough trouble and it's none of your concern," Alcide said simply. His tone still firm and commanding.

"Alcide, I have been listening to deep dark private thoughts since I was a little girl. Keeping secrets is how I have stayed alive," Sookie reasoned.

Alcide was unmoved. "No."

"Then I am going to have to dig it out of your head and I really don't want to do that," Sookie refuted angrily.

Alcide cursed again, shifting his stance, before sighing in defeat. "Pack isn't a democracy. Most Weres don't have much sense, you saw. They're all teeth and fight and sex. Pack master is our alpha. He makes the big decisions. Keeps the rest of us in line," Alcide explained.

"How much does the pack master know about what went on last night?" Sookie asked.

"That's what I have to find out," Alcide replied with a sigh. "Then he will tell us what to do."

"We're coming along," Sookie stated tossing the empty nail polish bottle into the trash.

"I am not breaking anymore of our rules for you!" Alcide said loudly.

"Then you might as well invite Debbie over to tear Chase up cause that's what she is going to do if you leave us here alone," Sookie shot back, crossing her arms.

Alcide hesitated, looking at me. I shrugged. I couldn't really argue with that statement. Debbie Pelt definitely didn't want to be best buddies with me. Alcide didn't look pleased with my lack of response, but lamented again in defeat with another sigh, his shoulders dropping.

"Just work with me Alcide," Sookie insisted patting Alcide on the shoulder. "It gets easier."