I unloaded my suitcases in the spare bedroom that was across from Sookie's. Just like most of the rooms in the house, the walls were white. The only thing about this room was that it used to be Jason's so there was a few items he left here. The sheets and quilt was something of a young boy, which brought a smile to my face. There were footballs littered throughout the quilt and the sheets had sports gears on them. Along the walls, posters of NFL players and NASCAR drivers lined otherwise white walls the room. Various sports icons from his junior high/high school years. I'd like to say I knew who they were but I had no clue. Both sports I didn't particularly care for, and didn't follow.
I'd have to tease Jason about it the next time I see him, hopefully it would be soon. I'd like to make amends for storming out and not getting a chance to say "good-bye". We never got to talk about what happened the last time we saw each other. Three years later, I'd like to say I was over what had happened. I hope he was in the same mind frame to do so. But then again, Sookie had mentioned when we got out of the car, that Jason and Dawn became this off and on again item. Now that she was gone, where would he stand? I know the police was blaming him, Sookie was convinced Jason is innocent. If Sookie was convinced than so was I. Getting to know Jason over the time I was here, Jason was to gentle of a person to do such a thing. But then again, there were gentle looking people in the past who became mass murders. Sookie had also stated that Jason and Tara were now a thing, if that was even believable. Tara was so lost over Jason, and Jason was to oblivious to even notice Tara's interest in the past. I don't think Tara would have made a move to get with Jason. While Jason saw Tara as more of a "friend" than a potential sex item. Or at least that was how things were last time, in my experience people change very little over time.
I set both suitcases on the bed in front of me. Sighed as I opened them up to pull out my various outfits looking for the one I wanted. There was a knock on the open bedroom door. I turned to see Gran was standing in the doorway. She was in her nightgown, with a small cup of something in her hands. I loved Sookie's grandmother, she was always so welcoming and loving. She always made everyone fell like she was their affectionate grandmother.
"Hey Gran!" I exclaimed setting my clothes down and made my way to greet her with a hug.
"Adriane! How good it is to see you again. I'm so glad Sookie forced you to stay with us rather than at that dingy motel at the edge of town! That is no place for a young woman such as yourself!" Gran exclaimed bringing me into a hug, "How we all missed you!"
I laughed lightly, "I missed all of you too, Gran! I hope I'm not intruding; I'd hate to be in the way."
"Hush now, you are never in the way. I'm glad to have others in the house! It gives me an excuse to cook family meals again. I'll have to call Jason and Tara over for them. Now I'm sorry to hear about Beth, she was like family around here."
"We will find her, I'm determined," I smiled lightly, "Sookie and I are going to go looking tonight."
"She told me, just you too be careful. I'm glad vampire Bill is going with you. It's nice to have a strong man around with two girls in such a place."
Wait, the vampire was going with us? I was under the impression that if I went he wouldn't go. I guess it's better to have a bigger group going to a place that could be so potentially dangerous, but still. A car ride alone with that guy? God, I wish I rented a car back at the airport so I could drive myself. But then I'd be leaving Sookie alone with him, I didn't want that either.
"You trust him?"
"Of course, he's such a gentleman, always kind to Sookie. It's about time she found herself a man," Gran said with a smile and nod, "We just have to look for you."
"Oh I'm okay with the way things are now. But if you trust Bill then so will I," Not really I'll still be watching this guy like a hawk.
"That's all fine and good. Just be careful tonight," Gran stated and tapped her hand against my cheek, "I'm heading to bed. Be quiet when you come in."
I smiled, "We will. Sleep well."
Gran nodded and left the room, closing the door behind her. I sighed and looked back at my pile of clothing. Sookie wanted to leave within an hour and I couldn't find what I wanted to wear. I went back over to the pile and dug through it a bit, I must have left it back home. After thirty minutes of indecisiveness there was another knock at the door, I had decided to do my makeup and hair in the meantime, as I thought about my outfit.
Exasperated, I called, "Come in."
Sookie poked her head in the doorway, "Any luck?"
"No, can I see what your wearing? I must have left my outfit back home. I have no idea what to wear," I huffed and ran a hand through my hair.
Sookie stepped in, she was wearing a short dress. The dress was cute, it was a halter-top that was white mixed with red flowers. The low cute of the dress and push up bar gave Sookie ample cleavage. She wore red heels with them. Her hair was pulled away from her face by a headband, framing her face. Someone around here was trying to attract someone else.
"Well don't you look cute!" I exclaimed with a smile.
"Thanks, what are you thinking about?" She asked as she stepped in, "Bill will be here soon."
"Well I have this shirt with these short," I held up a crimson v-cut elbow length shirt with a pair of black jean shorts, "Or this dress." At which point I set down outfit one and held up a burgundy short skirted summer dress.
"I can see where you are having problems," Sookie took a step closer to the bed as she weighted the options, "Hmm, I'd say the shirt and jeans. I have some heels that you can wear with them."
"I'd appreciate it, all I have are my flip flops and tennis shoes. I was in a rush to get to the airport, I packed all these outfits with no shoes or jewelry. I think I was just grabbing items and tossing them inside," I laughed at myself as I rubbed the back of my head.
"Get changed while I grab somethings. I'll be back in a moment." With that she left the room.
I quickly stripped and changed into the new outfit for a night of clubbing. It has been a while since I'd be out. I looked in the mirror, where I barely recognized myself. The shirt fit a bit tighter then I remembered, it hugged my pear-shaped frame nicely. The cut of the shirt made my breasts look bigger than they actually were, the shirt was a bit short cutting off at the top of my hips. Thankfully the shorts I was wearing were high waist and covered any possible midriff that would show. The problem that lied in there was that the high waist makes shorts look shorter. I quickly went back over to my luggage to sort through to find another pair, when the door opened. I didn't mind the shirt so much, but with the shorts I looked a little too eager to please a man than I wanted.
"Bill is here," Sookie said while handing me some accessories, "You look great. We have to get going. He says the place gets harder to get into the later we go. Even with him being a vampire there could be problems getting in. So let's go!"
"But these shorts?" I asked, pulling them down as best as I could at the cuff.
"You look great, Bill is driving. Let's go. You can put the rest on in the car."
"But Sookie-" I was cut off.
"Come one Adriane," And with that she left.
Groaning, I eyed myself in the mirror. I guess I looked club worthy, and quickly left the room. My makeup was on point, I had mastered the smoky eyeshadow I wanted, my lashes were perfect. If it wasn't for these shorts, I'd feel better about my look. I went downstairs as quickly as I could. Meeting the two by the front door.
"Adriane, this is Bill. Bill, Adriane," Sookie said holding her hand out pointing to the appropriate party as she introduced us.
Bill nodded at me, his eyes didn't leave mine, "Pleasure. I'm afraid, Sookie hasn't told me much about you."
"Yeah?" I asked looking at Sookie as I dropped a shoe to hold out my hand, "Well it's nice to meet you, Bill."
"You're from the north?" Bill asked as he took my hand for a quick shake. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised to find that I couldn't read his thoughts with this little touch. Actually besides the chill on his skin, I felt absolutely nothing with this touch. I think I was more scared by this than anything else. Even when I was blocking out a person's thoughts I felt something when we touched. Whether that touch felt friendly or hostile, I felt something. In his, I felt nothing. Bill let my hand go after a single up and down motion, then bent over to grab the fallen shoe.
"Yeah, Ohio actually. Born and raised. I met Sookie a few years ago when my car broke down just outside Bon Temps with my friend Beth."
Bill stiffened a bit as he handed me the shoe, "You were friends with Beth?"
"We grew up together," My eyes narrowed a bit seeing the way he tensed at the mention of Beth, "Did you two not get along well?"
"Not remarkably well," Bill replied, I almost picked up a bit of a rumble in his voice. Interesting, but I would keep my prejudice to myself. Just because he was a vampire did not make him a horrible person, even though everything in my body told me to be careful and not trust him. But, if Beth didn't like/trust him then I don't think I should.
"They got off on the wrong foot. Beth was over when Bill showed up out of nowhere, scaring her half to death," Sookie explained.
"Oh," I replied as I hooked the shoe Bill handed me onto my foot, "Well we should be heading out. I'd hate for us to be late because of me."
"Quiet right, we should be on our way," Bill concluded and held open the door for both Sookie and myself. Which we exited out of and headed toward his car. I was surprised by his ride, a Beemer? I guess once again I shouldn't be surprised by it, if he was old then he might have had his money stored way. With interested, he'd be probably a millionaire. I slide into the back seat of his car, letting the love birds sit together.
"How old are you Bill?" I asked as I buckled in and he started the car.
"I was made in 1870 but my sire, but my human life began sometime in the 1840's. In my age I cannot recall the exact date or either," Bill stated.
"Ah, so that would make you roughly 168?"
"That would be correct."
I hummed at his response, then silently looked out the window. 168…wow, he would be a historian's gold mine. All the places he must have been; the things he must have encountered. What a wealth of knowledge that is locked inside his head, safe beyond anyone's reach. Too bad he wasn't around when I had to interview my grandparents in elementary school. The kids nowadays would have it so easy if they had relatives that were vampires. I felt the car kick into gear as Bill took us down the road.
As we wound down the road that took us to the highway, Bill kept looking over at Sookie. The way he eyed her was almost predatory, he looked her up and down. I know she didn't see it that way, but it was almost sickly; like he had laid claim over her. Owning her. I know we were fragile humans in his eyes, but he didn't need to look at her like she was a deer and he was a coyote.
"May I say something?" He asked as he leaned onto the armrest in between the two.
"What is it?" Sookie questioned with a light laugh in her voice.
"I feel as though I might have a problem keeping my word to your grandma, in regards to the promise to keep you safe."
"Whys that?"
"You," He looked over her once again with his pause, "Look like vampire bait."
Sookie beamed, "Is that your way of saying that I look nice?"
I half wanted to scoff at their exchanged, but Bill leaned closer a bit with a half cocky smile, "It doesn't matter what I think. If I remember correctly, this isn't a date."
"It's not, Adriane's here. If it were a date we would be alone," Sookie replied with a small smile. Thank god she didn't forget I was here.
"I can leave though if you guys want time alone," I piped up at the chance.
"Adriane, you have to come! I need your help," Sookie said half turning around in her seat to face me a bit.
"I was about to say, you are not dressed much better," Bill interjected looking at me through the rear view mirror.
I crossed my arms over myself, feeling vulnerable as he looked me over in the mirror, "I didn't have anything else that would be appropriate for this kind of setting. I don't dress gothic, nor do I want to have my neck sucked on."
"I don't think they will be looking at your neck," Bill replied. I could see his slightly raised eyebrow as he peered at me.
"Where else would they go?" I asked as a light blush crept across my face, "Wait, I don't think I want to know."
"Well I do, where else would a vampire go?" Sookie asked.
"Sookie, please do not open this bag of worms," I begged.
"There are plenty of other accessible arties to go after on the human body, besides the neck. Some where the blood flows a bit more easily," Bill paused most likely to pick his next words carefully, "Where less work is required on both partners."
"Like where?" Sookie asked naively.
"Sookie please, I really do not want to know any more than that. I think my imagination is more than enough," I spoke up before Bill could go into more depth.
"I can tell you when Miss Adriane is not around," Bill replied focusing on the road once again.
"I'd appreciate that, I'm just so curious about the mysteries behind vampires. As a race, ya'll are so secretive," Sookie said.
"We prefer it that way," Bill replied.
The remainder of the car ride was spent in much silence. The only communication was between Sookie and Bill, their eyes darted back to each other every now and then. Obviously still figuring out how they felt about each other, it was clear to me that this was more than a crush and sexual attraction. I'd almost say it was cute if not for the fact that once and a while Bill looked at her with a different look in his eye. If only I could read his thoughts, to know exactly what he was thinking about Sookie. The look he gave was dangerously dark.
After a short while, Bill brought the car to a stop in what almost looked like an old warehouse district of the city. If not for the line that ended in the parking lot and the deep bass that vibrated in your chest, I'd almost think Bill brought us here to kill us. All three of us exited the vehicle, Sookie hooked arms with Bill as they passed the line. I followed closely behind as to not loose them in the crowd of leather and spikes.
We walked past the bouncers and into the red lit area. The whole bar looked like it belonged in some fantasy version of a vampire bar. The walls were mixed with red lighting and red walls with black base boards that climbed up halfway up the wall. The bar itself was black, there were mini stages that held women on them dancing half naked to the "unching" vibrations given off by the speakers. Some of their motions were too blurred for my eyes to see, pegging them for obvious vampires.
Then in the far back corner there was a final larger black stage that had a single white spot light lit, which drew all attention to the man sitting in the ugly black throne of a chair. I say throne only because of the way he sat in the chair, he sat like a king…no a god upon his throne. He was leaned back in the chair almost slouched in boredom, but he wasn't you could see it in the remainder of his posture. The way he looked over the crowd with shadowed eyes since his chin was slightly tucked into his chest. His elbows rested on the armrests and his hands were brought together to form an almost steeple at his fingertips. All those in front of him were vermin in his eyes.
"Haven't seen you in a while," Said the woman who stood as the final gatekeeper to the kingdom. Her outfit matched the interior of the bar, she wore a black corset with black beaded jewelry, black jeans, and black leather heeled boots. Her pale face and superior-then-thou look pegged her as a vampire. Like many in the bar, it was almost too easy to point out the individuals who were vampires.
"I've been mainstreaming," Replied Bill.
"Good for you, who are the figurines you brought with you?" The woman asked in indifference to his remark.
"Pam this is Sookie and Adriane. Ladies this is Pam," Bill replied.
"Pleased to meet you!" Sookie exclaimed holding out her hand towards Pam. Pam only smirked and looked at the hand, confused Sookie looked towards Bill. Who in return shook his head and Sookie lowered her outstretched hand.
"I'll need to see both of your ID's," Pam replied holding out her hand.
"Oh sure!" Sookie exclaimed and pulled out her small bag to find her ID.
"Getting carded in a vampire bar," I chuckled as I too went through my clutch looking for my ID, "Not what I was expecting."
"In my age, I have become unable to tell human age," Pam replied staring down at me as she took my ID and Sookie's, "We must be careful that we serve no minors in any capacity."
With that, Pam returned Sookie's ID first, only to look Sookie up and down with a small smirk. I could almost see Sookie twitch under Pam's gaze as she looked to Bill for support. I was glad Sookie was the one under her gaze and not myself. She eyed Sookie much like Bill did, predatory and wanting to eat up the innocence in her eyes. Then she turned to me, handing my ID over with the same look she gave Sookie, but at me she looked more like I was meat. Pretending to be stronger than I was I straightened my posture and took my ID without looking away.
"Twenty-six and from Ohio, I'd almost think this is a fake ID," Pam said as I took my ID from her hands.
"I can vouch that she is the age she says," Bill stood up for me. Thank god he was right there; I don't think I could stand under Pam's gaze much longer. I would have probably crumbled and every vampire in this bar would be on top of me drinking my blood.
"Whatever you say, welcome to Fangtasia. Don't wander to far from your companions. Some might think you are alone," Pam warned with a toothy grin towards me.
Bill placed a hand on my upper back and nudged me along as he pushed us forward. I was in the lead as he and Sookie took the rear. I did my best to leave my guard up as we walked past people, I flinched as a few accidental hands and elbows brushed my own. I caught the thoughts of those humans. Some were just passing tourists that wanted to have the "experience" of a vampire bar, some were vampire rights activists, some were vampire groupies just looking to get laid by one. Was I the only one who was terrified to be here?
"This place feels like what a vampire bar would be if it was a ride at Disneyworld!" Sookie exclaimed as she took in the wonder of bar itself.
"Don't get to comfortable," I replied.
"Indeed, this place tends to become more," Bill paused trying to think of the right word, "Authentic as the night wears on."
I blushed a little as we passed by a woman who only had on a pair of shorts shorter than mine and an "x" of duck-tape that covered her nipples. A "boy" with spiked hair and barely any material on quickly passed by us as we dodged the oncoming traffic of those leaving the bar area, heading to the dance floor. Two seats opened at the bar and I practically dove to claim one, hoping Sookie would join me. Anything that would get me away from the humans who only had sex on their mind, some of their thoughts would make Casanova blush. Exhausted from my mental exertion of keeping people from touching me, I sat upon the stool.
"Would you girls like something to drink?" Bill asked as Sookie slid into the stool next to me.
"Yes please!" I sighed as the bartender walked up to us. Before he opened his mouth to reveal his fangs, I knew he was a vampire. Just like Pam in the front; his pale skin, choice of clothing, and predatory eyes gave it away. In his previous life he must have been a biker to something, some of the tattoos on his body were questionable and the greasy long hair almost screamed "I'm a badass, don't mess with me".
"How's it going, Bill?" The vampire said as he placed his hands on the bar and leaned towards us. His fangs were in full display, probably for show since this place needed to be more obvious who were vampires here.
"Very well, thank you," Bill replied. I don't know why he was so polite to all of these assholes. He also seemed to know all of them. I'd bring that up to Sookie another time when the vampires weren't in such close proximity to me.
"I'd say it is," He remarked as he nodded towards Sookie. Thank the lord he was ignoring me, "This your meal for the night?"
"This is my friend Sookie, and her friend Adriane," Bill pointed towards me after introducing Sookie, "Ladies this is Longshadow."
I wanted to snort and laugh out loud at this poor character's name. I bet it was something he thought of himself thinking it would be more badass. I could almost see him, sitting alone in front of a mirror saying, "All the other vampires are making fun of my name I need something that would make me seem all dark and tall, like a big shadow. That's it! I'll be Longshadow!"
Being the ever polite girl she was Sookie exclaimed, "It's nice to meet you!"
Longshadow just stared at the girl. I think I almost have this scene down. Someone introduces you to another vampire, you just stare afterwards to make things more uncomfortable, and size each other up.
"I'll have a bourbon on the rock," I spoke up to end the awkwardness of the silence as Longshadow stared down Sookie.
"Gin and tonic for me," Sookie added on.
"And a bottle of O negative for myself," Bill continued as he pulled out his wallet to pay, "Longshadow, Sookie has a few questions to ask if that would be alright with you."
"We just have a couple of pictures we would like for you to look at. Do you recognize either of these women?" Sookie asked as she quickly pulled out a picture of Dawn, Maudette and Beth.
"Yeah I've seen them in here," Longshadow replied as he took the pictures and set them down at the bar so he could look as he mixed our drinks.
"Great! Thank you! And do you also happen to remember who they were with during their time here?"
"That's something we don't notice here," Longshadow replied as he leaned closer and looked Sookie dead in the eye almost like a warning, "You won't either."
Definitely a threat.
"Okay then, thank you! I appreciate you taking the time!" Sookie replied as she started to reach for the photos.
Before Sookie could take the photos away, Longshadow held up a picture of Maudette.
"She wanted to die," He said as he set the image down and slide it back to Sookie.
"How do you know?" I asked, bring his attention to me, grabbing my drink since it was the first one finished.
He changed his gaze and leaned closer to me, "Everyone who comes in here does…In their own way. That's who we are: Death."
Bill shoved his money at Longshadow, as we took our finished drinks. Bill corralled us towards an open table closer to the stage and away from Longshadow. Sookie started looking around, probably listening in on people. One person who caught her attention started walking towards the stage, he was an older gentleman. He was probably in his 40's somewhere, he was balding and wore rather causal clothing for the bar scene he was in. Nothing about him looked particularly interesting, but he thoughts must have been since Sookie watched him so closely.
"How's your drink?" Bill asked from across the small bar table, obviously trying to snap Sookie's focus from the one man.
"It's a gin and tonic. A gin and tonic tastes the same just about anywhere," Sookie replied looking back at Bill.
"I know exactly what you mean," Bill replied raising his drink to his lips.
What was it with vampires and double meanings? He obviously wanted to get into Sookie's pants, why did he half to hint at wanting to taste Sookie. If I had driven here myself I would have left by this point into the evening, even though we just got here. I looked at Sookie to see her reaction, there was a slight twitch in here eyebrows. I wasn't sure what to make of the reaction, when her focus fell onto the god on the stage. He had changed positions, instead of leaning on his elbows he was leaning into the back of the chair. He stared at one of the dancers on a small stage in front of him, but he still looked bored from his throne.
I lifted my drink to my lips and threw it to the back of my throat. Hissing slightly as the alcohol burned my throat as it went down, "Who is that?"
Bill groaned internally, "You noticed him."
"God no, it's not like that-"
"It's okay, everyone notices him. That is Eric," Bill explained as he cut me off.
"Who is he?' Sookie asked.
"He is the oldest thing in this bar," Bill replied.
The man, Sookie had been eyeing, was up at the god's feet. He whispered something as he went to touch his knee. Before I could register something happening, the man was halfway across the room. I could guess from a kick, seeing as Eric himself had not moved. The man landed on a table, scrambling up onto his hands a knees with a cut to his forehead. All the vampires in the man's area were up at attention, they hissed and swarmed the man. One woman with fangs out beat them all to the quarry. She said something and helped him up, only to lead him away.
"Still think you are in Disneyworld?" Bill asked looking at Sookie then to me.
I took this moment to stand up from my seat and hop off the barstool.
"Where are you going?" Bill asked as he raised his drink to his lips to take another sip.
"I'm getting another drink, I do not want to be sober in this place," I replied.
"I would strongly advise against that train of thought," Bill replied staring at me straight on.
"Fine, just one more drink," I said as I raised my hands in defeat.
Bill eyed me with a look of disapproval, "Don't wander far."
"I'll be right over there," I pointed to an open corner of the bar, "You can see me from your seat, mom."
Bill just glared at my comment, "I am just concerned for your safety. This place is not as it seems."
"Keep a hand at the level of your eyes," I quoted looking at Bill with a hand raised.
"Quite right, Adriane," Bill replied as he looked at me from over his drink.
"I'll be back in a moment," With that I turned and headed towards the bar leaving Bill and Sookie alone for a moment.
I arrived at the corner of the bar, purposely avoiding Longshadow. I did not want to talk with him alone again, instead I opted for the blonde who stood behind the bar with a wide open smile on her face as she spoke to other customers. I leaned against the bar trying to get her attention with a wave, she just held up a finger as she continued to talk to the man across from her. I sighed and turned to lean against the bar. The bar was starting to get more crowded, more people were migrating to the dance floor. By my count there was more humans than vampires in the area. There were very few vampires who were not part of the staff. I guess a vampire bar was not a scene vampires wanted to be a part of, or at least this bar, or it was just too early still for them to be out. As my eyes moved around the area I noticed most of the tourists had left as more people dressed in gothic attire appeared. Bill was right, as the night wears on the bar was becoming more "authentic". I guess soon Sookie and I will be doing our own hunting, since many of the people here were more comfortable in this setting.
"Can I help you?" A heard a friendly southern voice from behind me. I turned to face the blonde that was with the other customers a moment ago, "Sorry about your wait."
"It's alright, you were busy with those gentlemen," I smiled back at her handing my empty glass over to her, "Can I please have a bourbon on the rocks?"
"Sure thing hon! Just a moment," She replied taking my glass and turning away from me.
I returned to my previous position scanning the bar. I did my best to pick out our possible targets, but it was so hard to guess who had seen our friends before. I huffed as my eyes landed on Eric once again. He still had not moved from his spot up on the stage. I took this time to give him a really good look over. I didn't feel bad staring at him since many others were doing the same. If he really didn't want people observing him, he would not have the only seat on the stage with a spot light on him. He was in all black like many others here, but his clothing did not look gothic. He wore a black sports coat with black slacks, his blonde shoulder length hair was a contrast to many others in this sea of people. So far there was only a handful that did not include Sookie, Bill, Pam and myself that did not have black hair. His face was pale like many other vampires here, the shadows on his angular face made it impossible to know where he was looking at the moment and impossible to see the color of his eyes. If I had to guess he had blue eyes, he looked of Scandinavian decent wherever he was born. The coat and shirt he wore did nothing to hide any of his figure for the public. The fabric was stretched across his muscular frame, buttons on his shirt seemed barely able to hold the fabric in place. To my shame; I found myself looking at his pants, the fabric there seemed to have the same problem that his shirt had. My eyes wandered back up to his face when I noticed his head was turned in my direction. Even though I could not see his eyes, I found feel his stare on me. I felt my chest become tighter and my breath hitched as I knew he was watching me the same way I was watching him. I couldn't look away from him, something about him had frozen me solid. I couldn't breathe, I was terrified.
"That's Eric," I head from behind me.
Thank god the blonde had returned with my drink. I quickly spun around to face her. I must have reacted to quickly because she looked at me funny. She seemed a bit twitchier then I noticed before. Maybe I just didn't pay much attention to her before, but I noticed that she was a bit older than many of the other staff here at the bar. She was most definitely human, which once again was different from the rest of the bar staff, her eyes told me that. Her eyes seemed warm but were concerned looking at me. Maybe because I hadn't said anything to her just yet, but I needed to catch my breath from the intensity that had just happened a moment prior.
"He's the best looking thing in this bar. If he would let me, I would climb all over him," She said leaning against the bar and sliding my drink over towards me.
The blonde's eyes hazed as she looked up at Eric. She very much had a thing for him. Maybe that's why she was one of the only humans working here, she was so attached to him that she would never betray them. A fangbanger attached to her master who was not banging her.
"Thanks," I replied as I set down my money on the counter.
"Eric is a god here. He is what made this place so successful. Everyone comes here just to get a look at him. He is sex," She said without acknowledging me.
In that moment I knew I wasn't going to get any information by talking to her about my friends. I reached and took my drink away from her grasp, "God I wish I could fuck Eric. I wish he would just bend me over this bar and pound me into oblivion," She thought. I flinched away with my drink in hand. I should have mentioned my friends first before touching her. I accidentally got some visuals with that one. I should have had my guard up, I hated myself sometimes. I really didn't need visuals on that.
I straightened myself up, nodded and headed back towards Bill and Sookie. I huffed as I slide into my seat next to Sookie.
"Got anything good?" I asked Sookie as I sipped my drink.
"All anyone's thinking about here is sex, sex, sex!" Sookie exclaimed.
I hummed in agreement, deciding not tell her what I just heard/saw.
"One doesn't need to be physic to pick up on that," Bill replied as he looked to Sookie with a knowing smile. Sookie smiled in return. I wanted to down my drink there, that's why I went to get another drink. Their small flirtatious smiles and sexual tension was enough to drown a horse. I found myself looking towards Eric once again, to see Pam leaning over and whispering something to Eric at his throne. Which resulted in him looking over toward us. Bill seemed to be taken back by this response.
"Uh-oh," Bill sighed.
"What 'uh-oh', no 'uh-oh'. That is not what I want to hear in this place," I stated as I looked at Bill for reassurance.
"It's Eric, he's scanned us twice. He's going to summon us," Bill replied.
"He can do that?" Sookie asked.
"This is his domain, he can do what he pleases," Bill replied while looking up towards Eric.
I followed his gaze and saw Eric raise a hand while staring at Bill. With two fingers he made a "come here" gesture. It was a command, there was no question in his movement. Bill sighed and rolled his eyes as he stood up. Bill made a movement with his head that said "follow", but held up a hand to Sookie. She took it.
"Should I stay here?" I asked nervously hoping that I could just stay where I was.
"Yes," Bill replied as he started towards the stage.
Eric then shifted his gaze to me, I could feel the intensity in his stare, he was waiting for me to move. His eyes shifted to Bill then back to me. Bill turned around and motioned for me to follow. I internally groaned as I grabbed my drink to downed it and followed after the two towards the stage. Bill and Sookie were already on the stage when I finally reached it.
"Bill Compton," I heard Eric say, "It's been a while."
"Yes, well, I've been- " Bill started.
"Mainstreaming, I've heard," Eric paused then looked to Sookie, "I see that is going well for you."
"Yes, of course. Sorry, Eric, this is my friend-" Once again he was cut off by Eric.
"Sookie Stackhouse," Eric finished, "And Adriane Martinowski."
"How do you know our names?" Sookie asked, I couldn't see her face but I could hear the annoyed tone in her voice.
"I never forget a pretty face. You're in my vault," Pam replied for Eric.
"Great, that's just great," Sookie replied trying to sound cheerful, she turned to address Eric, "It's nice to meet you."
"Aren't you just sweet," Eric said with a slight twist in his lips.
"Not really," Sookie replied only to be jabbed in the side by Bill. This only made Eric chuckle darkly. Eric turned to Pam and began saying things in a language I did not understand. Sookie looked back at me from on top the stage. She reached out her hand behind her toward me. I quickly took it and walked up the stairs to join them on the stage.
I felt the electrical pulse between our touch. I was too scared to let go. I don't think she wanted to either as we held hands on the stage. I felt my hand began to get warmer through our connection. I looked behind me as I suddenly was able to hear all the thoughts of those around us. Sookie looked to me as I stood in bewilderment. I'd never been able to hear others outside of being able to touch them.
"I understand you've been asking questions about some of my customers," Eric said bringing me back to look at them. I let go of Sookie's hand hopeful that I would be able to focus on the conversation rather than those behind me.
"Yes we have," Sookie said as Eric looked to me.
"If you have anything to ask, you should ask it of me," Eric commanded.
"Okay," Sookie replied as she dug through her purse for the pictures we have been showing to people, "We were wondering if you have seen any of these girls." She handed them to Eric as he reached to take them. Eric tilted his head as he smiled at them.
"This one offered herself to me. But I found her too pathetic for my attentions" Eric pointed at Maudette then to the photo of Dawn, "Now, this one, however…I have tasted."
I finally found the courage to speak as I spat out, "What of the last one?"
Eric's gaze on me felt cold, "Is she your friend?"
His gaze almost felt like he was choking me with some dark side of the force mind trick. I swallowed the saliva that was gathering in my mouth, all I wanted to do was turn and run, "Yes, she is a childhood friend that has gone missing."
"I remember all three of them," Pam replied.
"On account of the vault?" Sookie asked taking both of their attentions off of me. Apparently Bill did not like Sookie's sass as he quickly grabbed her hand to silence her any father.
"I never had any of them. They weren't really my type," Pam said after a pause.
"Well, thank you very much. We appreciate your time that is all we needed," Sookie said reaching and gathering the pictures. She wanted to leave right now. I couldn't blame her but they didn't say anything about Beth.
"What about Beth?" I quickly asked before Sookie and Bill could escape. Both paused and looked to me, then to Eric and Pam.
"Please, sit," Eric motioned to the two chairs that were on the stage next to him, I went to move next to him, "No. Not you, Miss Stackhouse can sit there with Bill."
I paused as Sookie and Bill side stepped me and took their seats next to Eric. I felt alone standing there on the stage in front of the four of them. A nervous habit of mine decided to rear its ugly head as my left arm reached up to grab my right elbow and pull it across my stomach. I shifted from one foot to the other. Even with the dancers on their own stage behind me, I felt like the center of attention. Which is what I hated more than anything in the world. Eric eyed my change in posture, his eyes rest on my chest, and I remembered that I had a low cut top on. I released my arm, which I had no doubt my previous position enhanced my cleavage to his liking. I shifted again under his gaze, there was no go place for me to stand without myself displaying some form of my body to him.
"You, Miss Martinowski, may sit here," Eric smirked as he pointed to his arm rest.
I felt my eye widen a bit as I looked to Bill, hoping he could help me in some way. I'd rather stand there then sit on his armchair. Bill gave me a sad smile, and motioned for me to follow the order.
"Are you quite attached to your friends?" Eric asked as my head snapped back towards him, his question directed at Bill.
"Sookie is mine," Bill growled a bit at Eric.
"Yes, I am his," Sookie commanded.
"What a pity…for me," Eric replied looking at Sookie. For the only time in my life I think I was grateful to be taken as seconds, "Is this one attached?" I froze once again at his question. I prayed that Bill would answer yes to the question even if it was a lie.
"She is not as far as I am aware," Bill replied. I internally cursed at Bill, wishing a thousand deaths upon him for replying that way.
"Then you should have no problem taking this seat," Eric replied darkening his gaze on me.
I swallowed again and looked to Bill, but he was busy trying to show these vampires that Sookie was not to be touched. Reluctantly, I moved forward to sit on the armchair. When I was sitting on the armrest, Eric's arm slithered up and coiled itself along the area I was not sitting on. I shivered, I could almost feel his cold skin touching me through my clothing.
"I take it you haven't known this one as long," Eric eyed me up and down from his seat below me.
"I have not, this evening was the first time I have met Adriane," Bill replied.
"Then you haven't tasted her yet?"
I had never felt this distressed in my life, my stomach even fought against me. Normally stress hit by shoulders and back, never my stomach. I would much rather feel the tension there then in my gut.
"I only drink from Sookie."
"Well both smell," Eric leaned into my exposed skin of my chest, "Delectable."
I whimpered slightly, wanting to break down and cry. If he had answered my question earlier I would have been gone. I would be willing to run back to Bon Temps and crawl under the guest bed and hide until it was dawn.
"So, you don't like vampires, do you?" Eric asked me, his spare hand came up and rest upon my exposed thigh. He must have heard my little cry, set on making me feel worst about the situation I was in.
"No, I don't," I whispered, barely hearing myself as I spoke. As my heartbeat sprang into action. I felt adrenaline rush through my veins, all I wanted to do was kick and run. But I knew I wouldn't be able to get very far.
Eric smirked at my response. That smirk, I imagined made all the women's panties drop. He leaned towards me, his hand let go of my thigh and reached up to wrap around my wrist and gently pull me closer to him. Eric sat forward a bit till his lips were next to my ear and purred, "Well, I bet could change your mind."
I gasped a bit as he let go of my wrist and I recoiled back to sit upright. I started to move down from the throne, but his hand gripped my thigh again. His single hand put so much pressure on me that I couldn't move my leg to get away, I was being forced to hold still. When I looked at the offending hand, it looked like he was gently touching me.
Eric turned to face Bill this time, "Bill, you and I need to catch up don't we?" Eric asked leaning against the other arm rest and looked at Bill. I let out a ragged breath I didn't know I was holding, in at this small separation of space felt like a mile. I looked to Sookie with pleading eyes, begging for help silently. Sookie just looked up at me with the sorrowful smile.
Eric and Bill began a small conversation as I closed my eyes to try and fight the tears and bile from welling up. Sookie couldn't help me. Bill couldn't help me. They were so close, yet so far away. I wish I never agreed to come here. I wish I never let Sookie manipulate me into coming. I wish I just stayed at Gran's, I could be looking around Bon Temps for the killer/kidnapper. Everyone has always been able to manipulate me into fulfilling their own needs. What good has it brought me? The most recent example is right here. I was being held hostage by a single hand on my thigh. I wish I stood up for myself about coming here. I wish I could scream and yell right now. My voice wasn't working. I couldn't even stand up for myself. Why can't I stand up for myself? I am a useless human being, such a coward.
"My backup was supposed to be here fifteen minutes ago. I can't handle a raid on my own," I heard in the darkness, my eyes snapped open.
"We have to get out of here," I breathed out, the vampires snapped their heads in my direction.
"Adriane?" Bill scolded.
"The cops are coming," I said looking to Sookie. Who nodded at me, she must have heard it too.
"There's going to be a riot. Are you and undercover cop?" Eric growled as his grip on my thigh tightened.
"No but someone in the crowd is, I think that man in the hat," I replied.
"Even if you are right, we are doing nothing illegal," Eric let up his grip a bit.
I looked to Sookie, who zone out a bit, "There's a vampire named Taryn in the ladies' room with that man you kicked before. She's feeding on him."
"How do you two know this?" Pam asked looking between the two of us.
I looked to Sookie who looked to Bill, who shook his head. Suddenly the front door burst open, "FREEZE!"
Chaos insureds as SWAT team members filled into the building shouting orders around. Eric rushed out of the seat and grabbed my arm dragging me behind him. I looked backwards for Sookie and Bill. He dragged us down a back hallway towards a door.
"Sookie!" I shouted backwards as I was dragged down the hall faster than I could walk. My legs burned from trying to keep up with their speed.
"I enjoyed meet you Miss Stackhouse," Eric said over his shoulder at Bill and Sookie, "You will come again."
"SOOKIE!" I screamed as the two disappeared from by vision into a blur of vampire speed.
Bum-bum-bum. Hope you all liked this chapter. I know I'm making Adriane kind of a wuss, I don't want her starting out as a strong character. Strength doesn't develop overnight. :-) So she's gonna backslide every now and again.
I struggle when it comes to writing exact events from the show, it feels like cheating to me. (Technically it is! Another disclaimer here like the one in the summary, I own nothing but my own characters!) So this chapter and a very, very small number of others will be more direct from the show. But! I do believe that adding a character into a set story will change things. So, I will be keeping to a basic story line of True Blood, but some events may be thrown around. Which you will see in upcoming chapters, some events may happen sooner than others while others are later.
Once again thank you for those who have reviewed, favorited, and followed. I love you all! I hope to keep meeting your expectations! I'm trying very hard!
As always, please leave a review if you can! If not please favorite/follow! Thank you!