Okay, so I had meant to post all of the Club Dead scene in one go, but unfortunately life/work happened. I figured it was better to post the first half than make you wait another week for all of it. So here is Installment #1! If you disagree and want it all at once... well, then don't read this section until I post another chapter and you will get your wish!

The salon had been an interesting experience. Alcide had forgotten to mention that he had told his sister about Sookie, using her code name. Eric must have told him that she went by Pam Smith, as the name Sookie Stackhouse was quite possibly compromised. It lead to a very confusing introduction. Still, it had felt wonderful to be given the "full treatment", while Janice, Alcide's sister, and her team ooh-ed and ah-ed over her hair. Unfortunately, she was not completely sure the elegant up-do and french mani/pedi could make up for having to blatantly lie to such a nice person as Janice.

Not to mention, ample time under a dryer or soaking your feet left her plenty of time to think about the fact that she had told Eric she loved him. If human males went running at those three little words, she could not imagine what her aloof vampire would do.

It helped that she was able to help Janice by getting back the woman's earrings from a light fingered customer. Not only had she done a good deed, but she hadn't even needed to use her powers for it. She just happened to be observant at the right moment and quick on her toes. Janice had been especially grateful as the earrings once belonged to her mother.

In the end, Janice had refused to let Sookie pay for any of it, happy that Alcide had someone who cared about him, which only hiked up Sookie's sense of guilt. The waitress did manage to tip everyone who had helped in her transformation. Working in the service industry, she understood the value of a good tip. With the money she saved on her makeover, she splurged for a cab ride back to Alcide's. There was no way she was going to risk her hairdo on the wind, this early in the day.

However, she probably should have considered her timing better because being alone in the apartment was torture. There was nothing to clean, fix, or cook, and it was too early to get ready. She couldn't even take a nap to pass the time and risk messing up her new coiffure. It was infuriating to pace around the apartment, so she finally turned on the TV. The noise did little to quell the thoughts running through her head, and of course, nothing good was on.

She was imaging all of Eric's possible reactions to her message. Part of her could see him laughing it off, which was bad enough, but then another part of her pictured him sitting her down for the talk. He would tell her that he did not/could not feel that way about her, and that he did not want to lead her on. That was her greatest fear, and the one thing that had kept her from uttering those words before, even when she had been sure about it. Until a pretty dress and some sparkly jewelry had betrayed her.

Now, she would have to face his reply. Just what the doctor ordered, more stress.

"Hey Honey, I'm home." Alcide called when he returned from his meetings.

"Hilarious, Alcide."

"I thought going to the salon was supposed to put girl's in a good mood... it always worked with my mom."

She sighed at her own temper. "Sorry, just got a lot on my mind."

"Yeah, I imagine so." He thought she meant the vampire mission. Why did it always seem like her love life was more stressful than her work? "Well, you look great!" He finally informed her with a genuine smile.

The man definitely knew how to lift a girl's spirits. "Thanks, but you ain't seen nothing yet!"

"I bet." His eyes sparkled just a bit too much.

Really, it was her fault. She should be actively not encouraging him. Janice had let it slip that Debbie's engagement party had been the night before, which meant his obsession (whether he wanted to admit it or not) was on her way to being officially off the market. Posing as his girlfriend during this time was bad enough, she had no intention of leading him on. A subject change was, therefore, in order.

"What time are we gonna leave?" Scheduling was a very safe topic.

"Well, vamps will rise at sun down, but they usually like to get a little business done before they go out on the town. We will leave around seven and grab a bite to eat at this diner in town. Then, we can head over when we're done. Being a weekend, I can almost guarantee Russell will be there to hold court."

She got this strange mental of image of Arthur and the round table only everyone had fangs... "That's good. Otherwise, I guess I'll be storming the castle."

"You may still have to. It's gonna take more than a cute smile to get in to his compound."

"I figured. Hopefully, Godric can help with that." Once again, she wished they had gotten together and discussed all of this ahead of time. Damn Vamp schedules.

"Seems like a well thought out plan." Alcide's words mirrored her own thoughts, but she still didn't appreciate the implication, probably moreso for the truth in it.

"Well, I am a fly by the seat of my pants kind of gal."

"I'm starting to realize that."

There was an awkward silence where Sookie remembered TX, and Alcide probably thought about their non-date night. Or maybe he was thinking about their conversation in the truck about her relationship with Eric. Either way, the assessment that she had meant as a joke, suddenly seemed pretty true to form. Had she always been that way?

"Well," Alcide broke through the quiet, "want to play a few rousing rounds of Scrabble to kill the time?"

"Sure!" Sookie was happy for anything had would occupy her mind. "I should warn you, though, my word of the day calendar might give me an unfair advantage."

"Just don't go peeking in my head, and we'll be just fine."

"Alcide Herveaux... are you accusing me of cheating?"

A broad smile spread across his face. "Just being proactive here."

They were pretty evenly matched between his college education and her extensive reading. It lead to a pleasantly heated couple games that reminded her why she enjoyed spending time with the werewolf, even if he was a sore loser. When politics weren't involved, he was so easy to be around.

It effectively sped up the last hour before it was time for Sookie to start getting ready. Even with her hair already done, she figured it would take her longer than it took him. Boys had it easy. A couple buttons and zippers, brush your hair, maybe a splash of cologne, and you're good. Just getting her zipper up was an ordeal, but she struggled through it rather than go out and ask for his help. That would have been a tease. In the end, it paid off.

The dress was strapless, so she had done her make-up first, a little heavier than normal for the special occasion. The dress fit like a glove, hugging her form all the way down to her knees before flaring out at the bottom. The hem of the tulle was asymmetrical, showing off her kitten heels in the front with only a hint of a train in the back. It felt like wearing golden cotton candy... only less sticky. Perhaps nicest of all, it was actually easy to walk in.

She was very glad that she did not know how much this jewelry had set Eric back. Maybe like she read about it magazine, he had just gotten it for the event and she would be returning them later. Of course, that made her more nervous. What if something happened to them? The chandelier earrings and plunging choker, which she was fairly certain sparkled with actual diamonds, set off her exposed neckline. It made her feel a little bit like vamp eye candy, drawing the eye to her jugular. The cuff bracelet covered up the marks left over from Long Shadow's attack. No one would accuse her of being under-dressed.

It was the second time she had left Alcide speechless, though she did feel a little bad about the coke that he did not realize was overflowing all over his counter. Normally, she would have helped him clean it up, but no way was she risking getting something on her dress before they even ate. He cleaned it up quickly, stealing glances at her the whole time. Posing as his girlfriend was really, really, not fair. Maybe she should have pretended to be Godric's... girlfriend?

"You look... wow."

"You look pretty James Bond-ish, yourself." She tried to keep it light. He really did clean up well, even if he couldn't get his hair to lay right.

"You really know how to shop."

"Actually, Eric surprised me by slipping this in to my bag, so I didn't have to go shopping after all."

His rising anger could be felt through her shields, though why he was angry she could hardly tell. Why shouldn't her boyfriend buy her nice things?

The thought stuck for a moment. It was the first time she had ever said that, even in her mind, and she could have smacked herself in the forehead. Looking at it from this side, it made perfect sense, but hadn't she been balking at that very thing since they got together? Sometimes she amazed even herself.

"I gotta hand it to the guy; he's got good taste." Alcide had finally managed to quash his temper. "Would you like some help with your coat?"

"Yeah, thanks!" She handed him the warm bundle in her arms and let him help her slide into it. She probably could have managed it on her own, but no need to be rude.

Once they reached the open air, she was glad for her fur and closed toe shoes. She never would have thought to buy a coat if she had been shopping for herself, and the air had turned decidedly chilly. Even Alcide gave an uncharacteristic shudder. He was usually very warm, the apartment was kept abnormally cool. Noticing the surprised look on her face, he shrugged and looked up at the night sky.

"Full moon tonight."

"Shit." His earlier mood swing made a little more sense.

"Timing is not our thing, huh?"

"Nope, I guess not." She knew he was reading more into that statement than she was, but it was still true.

"Don't worry, this ain't my pack, so no responsibilities to keep others in line, and the club we're going to is all Supes anyway."

"Yeah, that's good, and I will stay out of alleyways."

"It's a deal."

Her phone rang as they pulled up to the restaurant. Sookie seriously contemplated not answering because she knew it was Eric, but he would worry then. She took a deep breath.

"Sookie..."

"Hey Eric!" She cut in before he could say anything important. Sure, the suspense was killing her, but it could definitely be much worse. And not knowing was better than being disappointed right then. "Look, I'm really sorry, but Alcide and I are about to eat. Can I call you later tonight to let you know what happened?"

"Of course."

She sighed in relief, hoping he couldn't hear it over the phone.

"And Sookie?"

"Yeah?" She held her breath.

"Don't think this means we aren't going to talk."

"Yeah, I know, but now's just not a good time."

"Bye." At least she got a farewell, but he hadn't said it back... not that she gave him much of a chance.

Alcide's eyebrows were raised in question over the conversation, but he remained blissfully silent on the subject when she shook her head.

The diner was not what she had expected. While the people were from all different walks of life, from jeans and hoodies to as fancy as, well, Sookie and Alcide, it didn't look like any diner she had ever been in. It seemed more like a place for the human world (with a few Weres thrown in the mix) to rub elbows. Several of the humans jostled for Alcide's attention whether for business or pleasure.

Conversation was not really required of her, which was fine with Sookie. She had no real interest in making small talk with these people, but she was polite when necessary, no needs to hurt Alcide's prospects in any arena. It helped that she was able to hold her head high, outclassed by no one in the place, even if some of them dripped with a few more precious stones than she did. Eric's dress was beautiful but classy enough that she was filled with a confidence none of her own dresses could have provided. For once, she drank in the envious thoughts of the women around her and ignored the more unflattering thoughts from some of the men. Feeling somehow above it all. It must be how Elizabeth Taylor felt.

That was not to say she was not paying attention. Sookie kept close tabs on those speaking to Alcide, allowing her shields to fall in order to get a solid reading. Not everything she heard endeared her to humankind. Being around vampires as much as she had lately, she had started to think their agendas and convoluted thoughts processes set them apart from humans, but sitting there, she was reminded that really the only difference was how much better vampires were at it. Practice makes perfect. It helped that she couldn't hear what vampires were thinking... usually.

"You should watch out for O'Malley." She told him once they were in his car again. Her dress was pooled around her after Alcide helped stuff her back in. Eric probably had not been thinking of her entering and exiting a truck when he picked out the dress.

"Why's that?"

"Well, mainly because he plans on screwing you six ways till Sunday." When he looked confused, she tapped her forehead with a perfectly manicured finger. "He bribed a lady in your office, Thomasina maybe?, to let him know your bid on some job. That way, he can underbid you."

"Damn." He hit his fist on the steering wheel, angrier than was normal. Stupid full moon. She waited while he reined in his temper again. This time when he looked at her, it was an expression she had never seen before. Appraising almost. "Damn... you would be handy to have around." No doubt he was realizing her worth beyond a pretty face and a nice conversation for the first time.

"Yeah, too bad Eric had me sign that non-compete clause. We'll just call that last one advice among friends" Alcide laughed heartily, but she was serious. It went beyond a normal contract and gave him exclusive rights to her work as a consultant. She was not sure it was actually legal considering as far as anyone who could enforce it was concerned, telepaths didn't exist. Then again, he had never actually mentioned her telepathy in the document. Sookie just laughed too rather than get into all that.

"So, you said this club is from Supes. Will I be allowed in?"

"Yeah, when one of us brings in a human, we kind of vouch for them." She had a feeling that was more serious than he was making it sound.

"How come I've never heard of it?"

"Well, it's kind of private. It's called Josephine's by the vamp owner, but we call it Club Dead." 'We' probably meant the Weres. She didn't really see any vampires referring to it that way.

"Pleasant."

"Godric'll be meeting us there."

"Good." Not that she was going to mention it to Alcide, but Sookie would feel much better once Godric was with them. The car was practically humming with Alcide's nervous energy. It was much worse than last time. Godric was much more... stable. After a couple thousand years, he kind of was what he was.

The street that Alcide finally stopped on was completely deserted. This area was one of those that shut down after normal business hours. Not the kind of place she expected a vampire bar. Then again, Fangtasia was by a Toys-R-Us. She did not like it when she finally stepped onto the curb, the cold seeping past her warm coat. She liked it even less when the car pulled off of its own accord. She might even have turned back to try and catch it, if Alcide hadn't been holding her arm in his. It did remind her of that alleyway.

"Don't worry. It'll wear off once we're inside. It's just some of their precautions so nobody wanders it. Can't have this place overrun by norms; it would kill the ambiance."

He was obviously trying to joke, but no part of her felt like laughing.

A goblin greeted them in the entry. At least, that was the first word that popped in Sookie's head to describe the little... creature.

Mr. Herveaux, we did not expect to see you tonight." When you might morph into the big bad wolf at any moment, Sookie finished for him mentally. Though, of course, she was getting nothing but fuzzy from his head like so many Supes.

"I am meeting a potential client with Ms. Smith."

"I expect there will be no trouble." Despite his stature, the goblin managed to make that sound threatening.

"Of course." Alcide's lips were tight, obviously unhappy with the diminutive man's tone. However, if the Were was keeping it this tight, then maybe the goblin was not someone to piss off.

"Enjoy your evening." Alcide nodded curtly but did not speak again until they had their coats checked in and were seated.

A disinterested waiter took their drink order. For a moment, she thought about going with something fancy, but in the end, went with her usual gin and tonic. That way she knew she would end up with a drink she liked, not that she planned on drinking much.

"What now?" His mood did not seem much improved.

"I don't really know." She answered truthfully, trying not to be annoyed. It was the full moon. She repeated that to herself like a mantra.

"That's him over there." Alcide pointed out, no doubt trying to be helpful.

It would have been apparent who he was even without Alcide's nod in Russell Eddington's direction. The vampire king had chosen a booth right off the dance floor, in the middle of everything. Everyone at the table was oriented around him, whether consciously done or not. She also noticed that every single person at that table, vampire or human, was male... and very good looking. It was not what she had expected, but suddenly Alcide's comment about her smile being useless made much more sense. At least, she wouldn't have to worry about him hitting on her.

"I can't very well just walk up to him."

"Godric should be here soon. Just wait for him." His tone was dismissive.

She bristled at the insinuation that she could not do this on her own, though she had been thinking about waiting for him before Alcide said it so haughtily. She thanked the waiter for her drink, taking a large swig to swallow any angry words that might have popped out of her mouth. It was the full moon. Instead, she scanned the room. Russell had a human male on his right, but the guy was not thinking about the current hiding place of Bill Compton. She moved on.

The crowd was definitely light on the shifters this evening, mostly vampires and their human shadows. Something at the bar caught her attention. Either things were about to go terribly, terribly awry, or the fates were smiling upon her. Not that she believed in that.

"Be right back." She said a little more coldly than necessary.

Alcide probably thought she was going to the ladies' room. He was staring into his own drink like the elixir would keep him from snapping at some point during the night. Sookie practically felt Alicide jump when she turned towards Russell's table. Apparently, you could just walk right up to him.

"Excuse me, your majesty." Her voice was quieter than she had intended, but it felt like such a weird thing to say.

At first, she was not sure they had heard her, but the table quieted down when Russell held up a hand. It was then that every eye turned towards her. Sookie was quite used to men staring at her, but this was unnerving.

"I'm real sorry to disturb y'all." She turned on the Southern belle. Just because he didn't like women didn't mean it couldn't still charm him. "I just didn't know who else to talk to bout this."

"What seems to be the problem?" His own accent was Southern, though a little more practiced than her natural twang. Apparently, he expected humans who were here to know who he was as he had not balked at her using his title.

"Well, it's just, that man over there talking to the lady." Normal humans couldn't seem to tell a vampire from a human, so she left out that the lady was a vampire as she discreetly pointed to the bar, knowing every eye followed even if not a single head turn gave it away. "That's Steve Newlin, the leader of those Fellowship Fanatics. I've seen him on the T.V." And what he was doing here of all places she did not know, but she would recognize him anywhere. Luckily, he probably wouldn't recognize her. Not blonde and all dolled up as she was. However, he was bound to remember Godric when the vampire showed up, but Sookie planned on that not happening. "My date's meeting a real important client here tonight. Well, a possible client, and I'm just certain that Mr. Newlin ain't up to no good. I don't want there to be any trouble that my hurt my date's prospects, and I figured you probably wouldn't want there to be any problems here either. Weres have tendency to make a big scene, especially seeing as it's a full moon." She informed them all conspiratorially to explain why she had not had her date take care of it.

She thought she heard a few chuckles, but they were quickly cut off. "Thank you, Miss..." A vampire had already slipped out of the booth towards the anti-vampire freak and whoever he was with. It seemed they agreed that this was better taken care of by a vampire.

"Pam... Pam Smith. A pleasure to make your acquaintance." She just really had to hope she had not just gotten another human killed, no matter how badly he may have deserved it.

"The pleasure is mine, I am sure. The 'lady' he was speaking with is my second." She wasn't sure if she should understand the weight of that, so she only widened her eyes a little. "You were right; I would not like there to be any trouble."

They both watched as Russell's second slipped a stake out from the jacket of the other glamoured human who was with Newlin. One way or another, it was going to be a bad night for those two, but really, they had brought it on themselves. Did they think they were going to stake a vampire here of all places and then skip out holding hands?

"Oh goodness."

"I also believe you were right about them being up to no good."

"Just doing what I thought was right."

"Then I applaud your sense of moral obligation. I hope all goes well with your date." It was clearly a dismissal.

"Thank you sir." She actually curtsied before returning to Alcide's table. Sookie might not have been invited into the inner circle, but she had definitely gotten her foot in the door.

Alcide's knuckles were white, and she half expected to see the table buckling under his grip. He had been just as nervous as she was, only she was hiding it much better. It had been a good decision not to drag him beside her.

"A little warning next time before you saunter off to flirt with death."

"Stop being so over-dramatic. It was kind of a split second decision anyway. Remember, fly by the seat of my pants. Plus, this way you had plausible deniability, if it had gone badly."

"Not helping."

She took another sip of her drink to cover her smile. She really shouldn't be messing with him while they were stuck here.

"So... what now?"

Jesus Christ, Shepherd of Judea she was starting to hate that question. "Now, we wait for Godric."

Just wanted to say, if I didn't get around to replying to your reviews last turn, I'm really sorry, but thank you all for the encouragement! I really needed that!

And I will take it again (or complaints/concerns) this chapter as well!