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Part 35 – Optional

Bill's POV

Sitting in the Dallas Sheriff's nest, waiting for Eric, I felt angry. I was angry that I had drawn the Viking's attention to Sookie, I was angry that I hadn't been able to protect her from Rene, I was angry that Eric knew of her abilities, was angry that Sookie was forced to work for Eric and I was angry that the Viking had manipulated Sookie, once again, this time into to travelling to Dallas with him to search for a missing vampire. What was so important about this vampire anyway?

Eric had been absent from the room for entirely too long; he had assured me that his travel coffin would be delivered directly to the Sheriff's nest. Since I had had time to rise and then travel here from the Hotel Camilla with Sookie, he must be up. The bickering between the Dallas Sheriff's lieutenants was beyond tiresome and the only redeeming feature of the trip thus far was Sookie's delight at having flown in an aeroplane; she had only just finished gushing about it.

When Eric finally arrived, his entrance was announced by a vase shattering against a wall; at least it stopped the petty arguing.

"What's going on?" an ancient vampire asked Eric.

Before Eric could say anything, the vampire who had introduced herself as Isobel at the door spoke up. "Godric, this is Bill Compton and his human, Sookie Stackhouse. Eric has brought them here to help search for Adrienne."

The male vampire snorted at this introduction. He clearly thought the likelihood of a human being useful in the present situation about as ridiculous as I found his attire.

Inwardly I cursed, realising for the first time that a number of vampires were about to learn of Sookie's gift. Eric knowing was bad enough, but these other vampires were an unknown quantity and I didn't know how much of a threat they would pose to Sookie.

"Sheriff," I acknowledged the authority in the room. Even though I didn't want Sookie involved in whatever this was, I was intrigued to know what was so special about this missing vampire for two vampires as old and seemingly powerful as Eric and Godric to be so invested in their safe return. There was, after all, little that I could do to influence the situation.

"Pleased to meet you," Sookie added fearlessly, while I cringed at both her naivety and impropriety.

"Mr. Compton, Ms. Stackhouse," the Sheriff greeted us before focusing his attention on Eric and Isobel. "What exactly is your plan?"

"We massacre the lot of them," Stan growled.

"Brilliant," Isobel exclaimed in exasperation, falling into one of the white leather sofas. "Anti-vampire church found slaughtered, I won't who did it? This isn't an action movie Stan!"

"I could go and find out if the Fellowship has them," Sookie offered.

"Absolutely not," I contradicted her.

"I made a deal with Eric," Sookie argued.

"No, Sookie, no matter what Eric says this is none of our concern," I exclaimed, but it was too late, all the vampires in the room were considering her offer.

The predatory smile that appeared on Eric's lips was doing nothing to reassure me.

"Bill Compton," Sookie started her rebuttal, indignation lacing her words. "I am doing this. If that fanatical church took her it's not right and if I can help then I have to. Eric seems to think she's worth saving which is unusual in itself, plus Pam told me that even Thalia is worrying after her."

"Well then, it's decided," Eric concluded. "Sookie will infiltrate the Fellowship of the Sun."

After making that magnanimous declaration Eric and the ancient vampire vacated the room. No doubt Eric's Texan counterpart would want to know why exactly Eric thought Sookie would be useful. The whole situation was incredibly frustrating. I could not refuse Eric. Any failure to comply with his orders would entitle him to take Sookie. He outranked me in both position and age and if I caused too much fuss I risked attracting the attention of another, much older, Sheriff.

A few minutes later I was still fuming and Sookie was still being stubborn. To add insult to injury, through the entire meeting she had been staring at the two Sheriffs, one in traditional black leather and the other in white; her pupil's had been dilated.

"You're very brave to make the offer you have," Isobel complimented Sookie; I hadn't realised that she was still in the room with us. It took every ounce of my control to keep from growling at her for encouraging Sookie's stupidity.

"It will be during the day," I reminded Sookie, hoping to dissuade her. "If something happen I will not be able to go to you."

"Nothing's going to happen," Sookie assured me. "It'll be easy; I'll be in and out before you have even risen for the night."

"If it will make you feel better I will get my human, Hugo, to accompany her," Isobel offered. "She will raise less suspicion if she isn't on her own. I know that unaccompanied women draw attention in these sorts of crowds"

I didn't say anything; it wouldn't make a difference either way, Sookie had already made up her mind to do this. All I could do was hope that everything would turn out okay. At the beginning of the evening I thought that I was angry at Eric. It turned out that I am furious.

"Yes, as a woman who has been without a man for most of her life, I know what that's like," Sookie calmly accepted Isobel's suggestion, squeezing my hand as she said this.

"Bill, I have to do this," she coaxed, sensing my reluctance to let her go. "You're the one who's always telling me that my telepathy is a gift and now I finally have the chance to help someone."

"But why does that someone have to be a vampire that you don't know and at Eric's insistence?" I pled, already knowing that nothing I said would sway her.

"That's not true," Sookie countered. "I know Adrienne and so do you. She used to tend bar at Fangtasia after Long Shadow left. All the vampires in the Area like her and she was always nice to me, not all creepy like some of the other vampires."

"Vampires can be very manipulative and act in the way that best suits them," I reminded her. "You have no way of knowing what she's really like."

"Well, she was nice to me at Fangtasia and she certainly didn't have to be," Sookie continued stubbornly. "Plus all the interviewers have said she was really nice too... for a vampire at least."

Sometimes I loathed Eric.

A/N: Eric's POV up next, hopefully I got Bill about right in this chapter.

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