Eric sat with Sawyer on one side of him and Sookie on the other. Pam stood on the opposite side of the table beside the human they were interviewing while Bill stood behind Sookie. He heard Sawyer sigh again for what must have been the sixth time in ten minutes. He turned and looked at her but saw that she was staring at her notebook again toying with her compass necklace. He turned back and saw Pam giving him a look. He would never forget the look on her face when he had walked in wearing Sam's cowboy shirt. Her expression had made him keep the shirt on. It was very rare he saw her surprised anymore.

"... And then I decided that I wanted to be a bartender," the guy was saying. Eric looked at Pam. She shook her head.

"Next," he said watched as Pam grabbed the guy and led him out.

"Thank God, I need a drink," Sawyer said going to get up.

"You are pregnant, no drinking," Eric said grabbing her arm and pulling her back down in her seat.

"I said I needed a drink, I did not say that it was going to be liquor. So, remove your hand Blondie, before you lose it."

"I would love to see you try to take it."

Sookie and Bill watched the exchange and saw the looks in Sawyer and Eric's eyes. There was a battle for control happening between them. Bill watched as Eric let go of Sawyer's hand. Sawyer glared at him then stood up and walked over to the bar. Bill turned and looked at Eric. He had a small smile on his face.

"This is Cadence everyone," Pam said leading the next one in.

Sawyer wanted to mix herself a vodka and coke and wallow in her self pity. She sighed however and just made herself a coke knowing that drinking was not going to solve her problems just cause more. She watched as the bleach blonde with the spiked heels and micro mini walked in the room. She wore a bikini top with a white mesh top over it and Sawyer really wished that she had mixed something stronger then just plain old pop in her glass. She drank some and walked back over to the table. She stopped half way though when Cadence went to sit at the table. She saw the brand on the side of her navel and suddenly knew that trouble had come to Fangtasia. She downed her drink in no time.

"So, Cadence I-," Sookie started.

"Where did you get that brand?" Sawyer cut in walking to the table and placing both hands on it leaning in.

"Well..."

Shit, how does she know about the brand? Shit shit shit. This was supposed to be easy, Sookie heard the thoughts from Cadence in her head.

Sookie, she's a hunter. My guess is this is her first solo hunt. I need you to just let me get this. And if it gets out of hand... Hold Bill and Eric back. I got this, Sookie heard Sawyer's thoughts directed at her.

"It's the symbol of the sun, right? A circle with a dot in it?" Sawyer asked watching Cadence.

"Yes, it is."

"Where did you get it?"

"No where special."

"Now, that really isn't an answer is it?"

Eric watched as suddenly Cadence's head slammed against the table. Pam jumped back and he felt Sookie jump beside him. He shook his head when he saw Bill reach out. He wanted to see what Sawyer was going to do. She knew something that they didn't.

"What the fuck?" Cadence demanded.

"We are going to try this one more time. Where did you get the brand? Was it outside Tulsa, at dawn?" Sawyer pushed.

"Yes, dammit. How did you know?"

"Because that's where I got mine."

Sookie watched as Sawyer stood back and unwrapped the silver chain from around her wrist. She showed Cadence that she also had the brand on her wrist. Sookie watched as Cadence's eyes darkened and became cold.

Sook, now would be a great time to move, Sawyer's voice echoed in her mind.

"YOU!... But... How could you turn your back on everything that you were taught?" Cadence demanded getting to her feet. She barely saw Eric wave Pam off.

"Oh, it was pretty easy. Have you watched someone stake a vampire yet?"

Bill's head shot up. He felt Sookie take his hand and watched as she stood up slowly. She pulled him back. He watched as Sawyer looked at Cadence and he suddenly knew that there was something going on between them that he wasn't privy too. He looked at Eric and saw the frown on the older vampire's face. He suddenly knew that Eric didn't know either.

"Yes, it was beautiful," Cadence said shoving the table between them aside.

"No, it isn't. It is disgusting and... Hateful. Look at them Cadence, look at Bill holding Sookie. Does he deserve to die?"

"He will kill her. What about that one?" Cadence asked pointing at Eric, "I saw how you looked at him when I came in. Would you let him live too?"

Sawyer felt Eric's eyes boring into her back. She clutched the sliver chain in her hand and looked at Cadence. She really wanted to scream no at the top of her lungs but the truth was as much as Eric irritated her and made her want to kill him she wouldn't. She believed he had soul just like Bill. Whether he had a conscious or not was another story.

"He's still alive, isn't he?" Sawyer shot back.

"That isn't an answer."

"Yes, I would let him live. And believe me, if you spent ten minutes in his company you would know that that is a huge sacrifice on my part."

Eric saw Cadence's hand go to the back of her mini skirt. He went to stand up and stop her but Sawyer whirled around and suddenly the silver chain was wrapped around his arm trapping him to the chair. He looked up and looked in her eyes. He growled and showed her his fangs but she shook her head and turned back to Cadence. He suddenly understood. She was telling him this was her fight; her people. He winced and looked down at the silver. They were going to have a long talk after this.

Sawyer watched as Cadence pulled out a knife. She cursed and decided to go on the attack instead of letting Cadence get the upper hand. She leaped across the floor trying to remember her training. She landed on top of Cadence and they fought over the knife. Sawyer blocked Cadence with her forearm when Cadence brought the knife to her throat.

"You don't deserve to live," Cadence said.

"Funny, because I think everyone in this room is thinking the same thing about you," Sawyer answered grabbing Cadence's arms and flipping her over her head.

Pam stood back and didn't want to admit it but Sawyer's fighting skills impressed her. Of course she wanted to rip her limb from limb for daring to restrain Eric but when she had looked at Eric he had shaken his head. She watched as Sawyer flipped back up to her feet. She wondered who was going to win this fight.

Sookie was worried about Sawyer fighting being pregnant and all but she listened in to Sawyer's thoughts and heard that her friend seemed to know what she was doing. She felt Bill take her in his arms and was thankful he was there. If it did get out of hand she would tell him to help Sawyer.

Sawyer turned to face Cadence. She saw Cadence pull her arm back and then suddenly the knife was imbedded in her right shoulder. She fell to one knee cursing. She reached up and pulled the knife out. She looked up and saw Bill about the strike from behind Cadence.

"Okay, now you made me angry," Sawyer said.

With the turn of her head the silver chain unwrapped itself from around Eric's wrist and found a new home wrapped around Cadence's neck. Cadence kicked her feet as the chain lifted her higher and higher off the floor of the club. Sawyer dropped the knife on the floor and fell to her side. She felt the blood sipping though her shirt. She blinked her eyes when Eric came to her side. She then saw Sookie and Bill join him. She looked at Sookie.

"Is she out yet?" she asked about Cadence.

"I can't hear her thoughts," Sookie said.

"Good."

They heard a thump behind them as Sawyer let Cadence's body fall to the floor. Then the silver chain flew in between Sookie and Bill and was in Sawyer's hands. She shoved it in her pocket and looked at Eric. She grabbed the shirt and pulled him closer to her.

"Swear to me you won't kill her," she said feeling Sookie place a towel Bill had got her on the knife wound.

"She tried to kill you, she would have killed us," Eric stated hearing her heartbeat slow.

"And that's what they want. They want you to kill her so that they have an excuse next time to hunt a vampire. After all the evil nasty vampires killed poor Cadence. No, you tie her up and send her back to them. There'll be a black pickup truck parked about two blocks away with New Mexico license plates. The GPS will tell you where to take her back to her mentor."

"How do you know so much about this?"

Sawyer closed her eyes. She had been dreading that question. She opened them and looked at Eric. She knew he would hate her after she told him the truth and he would probably kill her. She didn't care anymore. He needed to know because they would send more here.

"I was raised a vampire hunter. My parents... They were, are hunters. And now since vampires have come out of the coffin, it is way easier than ever before to hunt you. Tonight was the first time ever that I fought against one of my own for a vampire. Do me favour, don't make me regret it."

Eric watched as Sawyer passed out. He picked her up in his arms and looked at Pam. She looked at him as if expecting him to start drinking from Sawyer right there. He felt Bill's eyes on him and Sookie's. He knew they were expecting the same thing.

"You heard her. Tie up Cadence and bring her back to her mentor but do not kill either of them," Eric ordered.

"Are you insane? She is one of them," Pam told him in his native language.

"Wrong. She was one of them. Now go on."

Pam shook her head and walked over to Cadence and grabbed her. Eric carried Sawyer to the back where his office was. He carried her in the room and laid her on the couch. He got up and shut the door when he heard Sookie's footfalls in the hall. He locked it then kneeled by the couch. He reached out and slapped Sawyer across the face. Sawyer's eyes snapped opened and she turned to look at him.

"Ow," she said turning and looking at the ceiling.

"You restrained me, you are lucky that is all I do to you," Eric said ripping her shirt away and getting a closer look at the knife wound.

"I had it under, " she hissed as Eric stuck his finger in her wound, "Do you mind?"

"You need my blood to heal."

"I would rather die a thousand deaths."

"And what of your children?"

"Since when are you the poster boy for parenting?"

"You have two choices; either drink my blood and live or don't and die. Your choice, it is no loss on my part."

Sawyer looked at Eric pale eyes and suddenly knew he was lying. Something in his eyes, something she couldn't explain, told her that if she died he would consider it a loss. She wasn't sure if it was because of her ability or if it was because he liked her. She meantally slapped herself; him like her? Yeah, sure that was the pain talking. She nodded her head and watched as he bit his wrist and then brought it to her mouth. She grabbed it with her hand and placed her mouth on the bite mark. She started sucking and drinking his blood. She closed her eyes and tried to focus on the fact that she would be keeping her children alive instead of the awful taste it had. She felt Eric place his other hand under her neck and gently stroke her soft skin. She let go when he pulled his arm away. She closed her eyes and couldn't believe how much better she felt.

"Thank you," she said wiping her mouth.

"No thanks needed, with my blood inside of you we are now connected. I will know where you are at all times."

"Does that include bathroom breaks? Because I am pregnant, and pregnant women use the washroom often."

Eric shook his head. He pulled off her torn shirt and looked at her white bra that was also covered in blood. He stood up and went over to his desk and grabbed his leather jacket from behind his chair. He went back to the couch and covered her with it. She looked at him confused. He stood there and looked at her.

"You can sleep here, no one will bother you. I will bring you home tomorrow night," he stated.

"Why tomorrow night?"

"Because there are some things we need to discuss and now is not the time. Sleep."

Sawyer watched as Eric left the office locking the door again. She closed her eyes and pulled the jacket closer to her face. She smelled it and hated to admit it but he smelled good. His jacket smelled of smoke mixed with a musky scent that Sawyer assumed was all Eric. She smiled softly and let herself drift off to sleep. She would listen to him this time and this time only. Plus, the couch really was comfortable.

Sookie placed the club floor. She turned when Eric walked out from the back. Bill grabbed her hand but she pulled away and walked right up to Eric. She stood toe to toe with him.

"Where is Sawyer?" she demanded.

"In my office, sleeping hopefully," Eric said.

"She needs medical attention, Eric," Bill said walking over to them.

"It has been taken care of."

"You... You gave her your blood," Sookie said shocked.

"Yes, I did. And unlike you, she said thank you."

"Did you trick her like you tricked me?"

"I did not have to. She likes me."

"Eric," Bill said not wanting this to become another battle.

"I am taking her home," Sookie said going to walk to the back.

Eric grabbed her arm and turned her around to face him. He shook his head and let go of her when Bill looked at him. He was not going to let Sookie take Sawyer home until he had his questions answered. He crossed his arms across his chest.

"She will stay here until tomorrow night. I have questions that she needs to answer."

"I am not going to trust her here with you!"

"Sookie, I promise you no harm will come to her from me or anyone while she is here in Fangtasia."

Bill looked at Eric and believed him. He took Sookie's hand and pulled her close to him. She turned to look at him and he shook his head. He really believed that Eric would keep Sawyer safe while she was with him. Bill smiled at Sookie.

"Bill-."

"She'll be fine, Sookie. I believe Eric. Let's get you home," Bill said looking at her his eyes full of love.

Eric rolled his eyes. It really sickened him to see Bill and Sookie fall into each other's eyes. Humans were food not soul mates to vampires. He forced his mind not to think about Sawyer when he thought that. He just needed her because her ability could be of great use to him and now he needed to know more about her family the vampire hunters. He watched as Sookie turned back to him and pointed her finger at him. He looked at her amused.

"You make sure she calls me tomorrow morning and that she is okay. I mean it Eric, she better come back in one piece," Sookie said turning and walking out with Bill following her without waiting for Eric to reply.

Pam walked past them as she came back into the club. She looked at Eric and saw the look on his face. She walked over to him and stood in front of him. She could still smell Sawyer in the club. She watched as Eric started to pace. She waited for him to speak to her before she started asking her questions.

"Sawyer is in my office. I want you to tell everyone that she is mine. If any harm, and I mean any harm comes to her, I will personally rip that vampire limb from limb and place what is left outside to await the morning sun. Understood?" Eric asked looking at Pam.

"I will let everyone know. Are you going to question her?" Pam asked.

"In time."

"Eric-."

"Pam, I know what I am doing. I lived a thousand years; I believe I can handle one girl."

"Really? Because from what I have seen that one girl sure can handle you."

"She and I will discuss what happened tonight as well. She will learn that in the future I will not be as easy to handle."

"You have lost your mind."

"Thank you for the vote of confidence. She will need some clothes when she wakes up."

"Then get her some."

"Pam."

"She is not wearing my clothes. Last time I let that happen my best corset walked out of this club and still hasn't come back."

Eric watched as Pam stalked by him without another word. He didn't push her; he would just find something of his to let Sawyer wear. He looked at his club and sighed. It would need to be cleaned before they opened. And since he seemed to be the only one around, he might as well do it. He went behind the bar and started to get cloths to clean Sawyer's blood off the dance floor. He looked at the stain there on the floor and had to admit that Sawyer had fought well. He wondered what else she was hiding from him. He smiled thinking he was going to enjoy trying to find out.

Sawyer opened her eyes and blinked away the sleep. She turned and jumped when she saw Eric sitting in his office chair watching her. She sat up and raked a hand though her hair. She looked at him and hated to admit it but the guy cleaned up real well. He wore a black velvet jacket that fitted him well with a black tank top underneath and tight leather pants. She looked down and realized she was only in her bra and shorts. She pulled his jacket around her as covering.

"What time is it?" she asked softly.

"6 AM," Eric answered.

"Ahhh, doesn't that mean you should be sleeping?"

"Vampires my age do not always need to take to the ground every day. In fact the older one gets... The less one sleeps."

"Oh... That's gotta suck."

Eric nodded. He got up and grabbed the clothes from the side of his desk. He walked over to her and placed them in her lap. He would never admit it but seeing her with his jacket wrapped around her made him want to take her right there. He watched as she took the clothes and looked up at him.

"Thanks," she whispered.

"There is a shower though there," he said pointing to another door, "It is my personal shower. You can use it to wash away the blood."

"Why... Why are you being nice to me? I just admitted that I was part of a family that murdered vampires. Shouldn't you be torturing me?" Sawyer asked looking back at his clothes running one finger down one of the yellow lines on the track pants.

"That comes later," Eric said teasing her.

"I'm serious. You are the Sheriff of Area 5, isn't it your duty to make sure that vampire killers get punished."

"Why? Have you killed any vampires lately?"

"No... I never have killed a vampire. I choked when my dad... When he took me on my solo hunt. I see that they have moved up the age."

"How old were you?"

"Fourteen. I'm going to go take that shower."

Sawyer pulled on his jacket to cover herself. She stood up and walked over to the other door. She stopped and turned back to look at Eric. She stood there a moment holding his clothes close to her chest. She smiled a little.

"If I open this door, you won't burst into flames, right?" she asked.

"I won't. Everything in the building expect for the actual club is sealed tight."

"Oh," she turned to leave again then stopped. She turned and looked at him again, "Eric, I'll be fine. If you need to sleep, then sleep. I can take care of myself.

"You do know my name, after all."

Sawyer rolled her eyes and opened the door and walked into the other room shutting the door behind her. She leaned against it and shook her head. She told herself that she couldn't let herself get attached to Eric. She wouldn't become Sookie. Eric wasn't Bill and she knew if she did she would only get hurt. Plus, she was pregnant and had the twins to worry about. She placed her hand on her stomach and told herself the last thing she needed was a man messing everything up; even if he was a good looking man like Eric. She moaned.

"I need to get laid," she muttered walking over to the shower tossing the clothes he had given her on the counter and pulling off his jacket. Being around him was going to get her into trouble.