Summary: Internal conflict ensues when Sookie agrees to be Eric's to save Bill. To her dismay, Bill doesn't share in her sentiments to ensure everyone's survival as the Vampire King of Mississippi and his acolytes close in on them, all the while, Franklin sets out to create his latest vampire bride.

Welcome back to my True Blood fic! And Happy New Year, it's been a long time, since December of last year!

Fun fact, all my title chapters are episode titles of True Blood, except out of sequence of course, whatever is most fitting for what happens in the chapter.

Song for this chapter is Paradise Circus- Massive Attack

A lot is happening fairly quickly in this short chapter, and watching season 3 recently inspired me to give Debbie a knock to the face lol

I have a terrible habit of making my Bonnie Bennett fics twice as long as this chapter so I'm doing my best not to here, plus making them shorter helps make it more suspenseful because only so much can happen in one short chapter, giving way to those suspenseful cliffhangers that TB is renowned in my heart for!

*Tara*

Her heart was pounding in her chest. Of course Tara knew what Franklin wanted already, he wanted information on Sookie as well as to steal Tara away against her will. She needed to buy time in order to properly get the words out.

She threw her bands up. "Don't bite, please. If you promise not to hurt me I won't- I-rescind-your-" before Tara could finish that stipulation, Franklin sped over and clapped his hand over her mouth while he pressed her against the window. The curtain hanging in front of the window fell from its rod and Franklin pulled Tara forward a step so she was out of range of impact.

"Tara, Tara," he sighed into her ear. Then he leaned back slightly, dragging her wild eyes into his ocular hypnosis. "You don't want to rescind my invitation, do you?"

Suddenly, the idea of rescinding his wrongly distributed invite didn't seem like something she wanted to do, though she knew she didn't want him there. Tara agreed that taking back her invitation, effectively kicking him out wasn't what she wanted. Uncertain of what she did want at that point, she simply nodded.

"Don't be frightened. Now, tell me. Where is your companion Sookie Stackhouse?"

That question helped ease Tara's mind. Sookie hadn't instructed her to not give any information on her whereabouts. In fact, she wanted her to tell him exactly where she was. It didn't matter that Sookie didn't actually swim with her fear of bodies of water.

When he removed his hand from her mouth, Tara said, "Sookie is at the lake house. Gone fishin' and she's plannin' on fryin' up a big one,"

When Tara and Sookie were girls, Tara would stay over for days on end because Lettie Mae was too drunk to care for herself, let alone her young daughter. She'd come try to pick up Tara late in the afternoon after a binge and Gran would tell her that the kids weren't home, they'd gone fishing at the lake house so Gran could fry up a big one. She'd tell Lettie Mae to return later in the day after she'd slept it off. It usually took her at least another day or two to actually collect Tara, or have Ruby Jean pick her up.

At the time, there was no actual lake house, but Gran did promise to take them for a vacation at a friend's lake house where they were free to fish, just before high school started.

It was one of the most peaceful, wholesome times of her life. Just family, community, the beautiful landscape of the lake and forest, and great southern home style cooking. Right before the harsh realities of high school kicked in for a tough, sharp-tongued, melanin gifted girl in the south. At least there weren't vampires back then. As tough as she was, Tara learned to handle the racist rednecks from a young age, as she'd always had an intellectual advantage over them. Vampires on the other hand were more strategic in their dealings, often making carefully calculated moves if their bloodlust was in check.

In that moment, Tara thought of what she would give to have that wholesome experience back in her life, almost tasting the scent of the biscuits and gravy in the mornings. Franklin's low timber pulled back to the discomfort of her current reality. The upside was that he had assuaged her fear, so her heart stopped pounding so hard.

"Where is this lake house?"

"That's in Jackson Mississippi. You can't miss it,"

Franklin sighed in awe, gazing at Tara. For whatever reason, she could see that he was positively mesmerized by the fact that she was there standing before him. It would have been endearing if not for the fact that Tara had already blown him off after their night together and Sookie's vision of how severely unhinged he was.

He brushed away a few strands of braids that had fallen forward away from her face. "Well then. Let's go then, shall we?"

In an instant, they were gone with the front door left swinging open.

*Sookie*

Parking her car on the side of her house as usual, Sookie didn't notice at first that the door was wide open. When she left her car and walked up to the porch, she could see an unauthorized entry or visitor had occurred.

"Tara?" Panic filled her core when she listened in and the house was completely quiet, devoid of any thoughts, erratic or angry. Tara had left the building. She ran inside and in the living room, noticed her house phone on the floor by the window. "Oh no!"

"Sookie?" A gentle voice behind her startled Sookie, who turned around, on full defense and blasted with her fae light. A frightened Jessica zipped out of the way but the light hit Eric who had appeared behind her. He was thrust across the room to her dining area.

"Eric!" Sookie rushed over to him, who hit the dining table before he landed.

"What the hell was that?" He groaned as Sookie helped him up.

"I don't know, I told you my powers are growing,"

"Whoa," Jessica said. "That was fuckin' awesome! What are you?"

"Someone who's tryin' to help her best friend and I think I just failed,"

Eric stood up and dusted his shoulders off. "Pam told me she sensed fear from Tara but it quickly subsided. I came as soon as I sensed your fear. I'm guessing the deranged vampire got what he came for," he surveyed the scene. "Did you not have a contingency plan in place?"

"The plans have changed; I need to get to Jackson, now Eric, that's where they're headed."

"We're already going to Jackson tomorrow,"

"They're only going there now because I knew Franklin would ask Tara where I was at the moment. I told her where I was so he couldn't detect a lie through her fear. If they find out it's a lie, Tara could be slaughtered! We have to get there first!"

Eric considered this for a moment.

"Mississippi is only two and half hours away. We could fly if you do that glamoring thing you vampires do," Sookie prompted.

"Sookie, Bill said that's only in case of an emergency," Jessica said softly then she looked at Eric. "I personally think it's warranted,"

Eric glared at her, causing her to cast her eyes down.

"This is an emergency!" Sookie nearly shouted.

"So it is. There's no need to glamour anyone. We can take my private jet." He stalked up to Jessica. "We need to do something with you,"

"Excuse me, I can take care of myself. I'm seventeen and I'm a vampire," the ginger asserted.

"Those are the exact reasons why leaving you alone is a very stupid idea,"

"Uh, Eric, I've taken care of that already. I've asked my boss Sam to give her a job waiting tables," Sookie offered.

"A hormonal teenaged baby vampire amongst a restaurant full of humans? Not your best judgment call, Sookie," Eric grumbled lowly.

"I'm just predicting the best course of action," Sookie said with eyes that implored the notion of trust me. "It'll be good for her while she learns to get her bloodlust in check. As long as she feeds beforehand, right Jessica?"

Jessica nodded eagerly. "I can do it. I'm not a child,"

"Very well. I'll make the arrangements and be back in an hour. Make sure you pack quickly and pack light." He regarded Jessica with an air of uncertainty before he vamp sped out of her house.

"Thanks, Sookie," Jessica said with a sigh once he was gone. "You're a lifesaver. I'll be fine on my own and I'm gettin' so good at controlling my hunger,"

Sookie smirked and shook her head. "Oh, I wasn't sayin that to save face. You start tomorrow night,"

*Tara*

Tara feigns ignorance based on what she doesn't know, with a little help from glamorizing from Pam, only going off of what Sookie has "told" her to mislead Franklin who grows increasingly irritated with Tara when he realizes he can't glamour it out of her

Forty-five miles outside of Jackson and Franklin had no doubt become particularly ornery with Tara's perceived useless information, being that even with glamorizing, Tara appeared to know nothing regarding Sookie's whereabouts. At first, it was slightly amusing to her, getting a glimpse of how unhinged he was, only after a time Franklin pressed the gas out of further frustration. The fear that he could crash this car into a telephone pole because he'd come out unscathed after he healed became a lingering worry in Tara's mind.

Until he slowed down and parked the car on the side of the empty road. "Tara," he sighed her name out, emphasizing the gasp before he turned to face her. "For the last time, tell me where we're headed,"

"I already told you, I don't know where the lake house is!"

His fangs dropped and he glared at her. "How is it I can't glamour it out of you? Are you seeing another vampire?"

"Franklin, you're the only vampire I've met that hasn't looked at me like I'm something to eat. And I'm talkin' about outside of the bedroom," he smirked at that. "Until now. Lookin at me like you wanna tear my throat out. Haven't you ever heard the saying you catch more flies with honey? Your sweet side is what drew me to you. Ima need you to act like you still got it in you if you wanna hang with me,"

"You want to hang with me now? What's changed?"

"It would be pointless to lie to you because you can just glamour it out of me. But I did have an amazing time with you last night. I really didn't expect I'd see you again. But here we are,"

His eyes narrowed, washing over her, drinking in the sight of her. It gave Tara the heebie jeebies but she told no lies. She absolutely had an amazing time the night prior, only now she was deeply regretting it.

"You're going to love it in Jackson once my business with the king is completed," he caressed her chin. "I might not be able to keep my hands off of you until we get to Jackson if you keep talking like that,"

Tara grinned nervously, deciding it was best to keep her mouth shut as often as possible.

"But," he said as he shifted once again into drive. "When we get there I'll conclude my business, receive my payment and then I'll be all yours. And you'll be all mine,"

Fuck this improvisational seduce my kidnapper shit! She thought as she leaned back against her seat and rested her head on the window. She closed her eyes and focused hard on issuing a thought to Sookie. Sook, when you get to Jackson give me a sign. I'll be waiting. And whatever you do, be careful, sis! A sign was all she needed to work out how they'd escape. Until then, she'd listen and observe her surroundings and her captor. Even if it meant doing what was now deemed as the unthinkable with him.

*Sookie*

Another angry text from Jessica trying to get out of her new position at Merlotte's came through on Sookie's cell, prompting her to turn it off for a spell.

"You're not supposed to use your cellphone in the sky," Eric said as he entered the cabin with a bottle of wine and two wine glasses.

"I turned it off," Sookie said sweetly as Eric took the seat next to her. He snatched her cellphone and crushed it in his fist. "Hey you big brute!" he smirked as she folded her arms across her chest. "Well, don't be complaining to me if you can't get a hold of me after we land. That'll be completely your fault,"

"Sookie, I'll always be able to get a hold of you," Eric donned a cheeky smile and reached for the wine he'd set down on the table next to him. The assured way he spoke as if he knew he could affect her and pull whatever it was he wanted out of her incited heat to pool between her legs. She crossed her legs and subtly squeezed them together in an attempt to simmer her nerves.

She watched as his long fingers wrapped one at a time around the neck of the wine before he popped the cork out. His gaze leaped from the wine he was pouring into a glass to Sookie. "Everything ok?" He asked in a husky voice.

"Fine," she responded in a rasp. She cleared her throat. "I'm fine. Are both of those for me? You know you can't drink wine,"

He shook his head as he took her hand. "But I can drink of you from the wine glass. That way we can still have a drink together,"

That was such a romantic notion that Sookie wasn't used to from the Eric she'd first met. Eric, the gentle, humanity laced giant would likely do something like that for her. It made her burn for his affections even though, just days agon in her natural reality, she'd had to spurn him and go home alone. What was she thinking? Bill was gone, and he never intended to come back. He'd chosen not to fight for her, but give in to his soulless bitch of a maker. She had Eric all to herself, right here, right now. Why should she fight the inevitable?

"Eric," she breathed out. "you don't know this yet, but I love it when you drink from me. Straight from the tap,"

Cobalt eyes seemed to glow as he took in this information, pulling her to him by her hand. Sookie stood above him, pressed against him while he rubbed her hand against his cheek. He gazed up at her and positioned her wrist in front of his mouth.

"No. Not there," Sookie hiked her jean skirt up and lifted her leg to rest her foot on the side of the table, giving him a full view of the moistened undergarment concealing her nether region. With one more glance at Sookie, whose chest was heaving in anticipation, and his fangs dropped.

Sookie was released from the vividly erotic dream with a small shriek. She looked around and Eric wasn't present. Shaking her head from the shock of that reverie starring the blonde Viking, she stood up and straightened her skirt before she stepped out into the small hallway section. Eric was finishing up a call on the jet's phone.

"So it's settled then. Alcide will be ready to accompany you to the wolves stomping grounds where you will attempt to blend in and secure the information needed on Bill's whereabouts. You realize how dangerous this is, Sookie,"

He fixed a gaze powdered with concern on her smug face. "I feel like you don't completely trust me when I tell you, I'm ready for this. I can't be glamoured and I've learned how to defend myself. I can kick some human and vampire ass,"

"You'll be dealing with werewolves, do not underestimate them or make the mistake of overestimating yourself in a situation you believe to know the outcome. Do you not watch TV? It's in The Butterfly Effect."

She frowned. "I haven't had much time for TV lately what with vampires and werewolves breathin' down my back. On top of a serial killer who took out my Gran and tried to take me out because of the man I love,"

That envious look of dismay sullied his profile for a tenth of a second before Eric relaxed into smugness, mirroring Sookie's expression. "Any change you manipulate in the past has the ability to alter everyone's path, paving the way to what may be an even far more undesirable future. You want to save your friend and your love. Our presence must come as a surprise,"

"I know that. I can keep up pretenses and Alcide is just doing his job like- like in my vision. You and Tara are the only people in Jackson who've had a glimpse of it. We got this, Eric,"

"Very well. Now is everything ok?"

"Aside from Bill and Tara being kidnapped, why wouldn't it be?"

"You woke up with a yell," he narrowed his gaze. "Did you sleep ok?"

A rouge flush tinted Sookie's cheeks as she focused her attention back to the sitting room. "I just-"

Her mind was suddenly invaded by Tara's voice. Sook, when you get to Jackson give me a sign. I'll be waiting. And whatever you do, be careful, sis!

"Tara!" Sookie gasped, looking around.

Eric sped to the space right in front of her, steadying her with a firm clasp on her shoulders. "What is it?"

"I heard her,"

"What did she say?"

"She said be careful. And to give her a sign when I'm in Jackson. But Eric," an unspoken plea implored his blue eyes.

"I know, Sookie. We'll be landing in just a few minutes. Alcide will be waiting,"

*Sookie*

Eric flashed off the plane and out of the airport before Sookie could even blink. . She easily weeded out his inner voice in the crowd of travelers. Alcide, the tall, dark, and handsome type. She looked in the direction she sensed him and there he was, thinking: Fucking Eric!

The context of Alcide's thought is what made him stand out. Blond and pretty? No wonder she's a magnet for trouble, especially getting mixed up with vampers. A mental sigh was released from Sookie's inner monologue. At least he didn't say fanger, she thought. It's just that vamper was tantamount to the slur that was born and bred in prejudice as well as ignorance.

Wonder if she can really read minds and hear me right now. Another of Alcide's thoughts floated into her head.

"Sounds like you scoped me out," she called out to him.

The look on his face remained relaxed and composed which was in stark contrast to his next thought. Holy shit, it's true!

He then spoke out loud with a voice that was as gruff as his inner one. "I'm Alcide Herveaux. You must be..."

"Coming with you?"

He grinned a tentative but gentle grin. "Right this way,"

Once they were in his van, Sookie decided it was time to really break the ice. "I need to know exactly what Eric told you about me?"

"You're looking for your vamper boyfriend and you think some wolves may have him,"

"If you take me to where the wolves hang out, I can listen in and narrow down who's got Bill,"

Alcide scoffed and glazed a frown over Sookie. "So that was his plan? Throw you to the wolves?"

"I know it dun't look like it, but I can kick some ass if you get me in with the wolves,"

"You ain't getting into Lou Pine's looking like that. And I promised Eric I'd keep you safe," he insisted with an air of indignation.

*Sookie*

Sookie spun around, presenting her sexy biker chic, complete with a black bobbed wig, to Alcide. A few bar patrons walked past, throwing leers her way, which prompted Alcide to growl at them until they backed away.

"I told you I could look the part," she gave Alcide a wink, then headed to the bar, but not before Alcide mentally pressed a thought to her about his buddy Hollis not in attendance. Once at the bar, she attempted to place herself away from the lusty wolf who thought he could have his way with her, during her first go around. Naturally, he still gravitated towards her, but Sookie was prepared this time, knowing she couldn't afford to get tipsy at the moment. So when the tall, dark, and scary version of Swayze stepped up to her, demanding she take shot after shot, she drank down the first one before grabbing a nearby empty beer bottle and spit back each subsequent shot.

"Who the fuck are you?" The grating sound of Debbie Pelt's voice in her ear stirred emotions drenched malevolence for Sookie. The audacious nature of the werebitch was the very thing that was going to get her killed one day. Not only was she a v addict who'd fed on Bill, but even though she had no damn right to fuck Alcide over and over again, she really got homicidally pissed when he tried to move on! Did she think killing the girl he was fucking (the ironic part being that Sookie had only ever been friends with Alcide until after Debbie's demise) would make him come running back to her? Wasn't she fucking another pack master behind his back? It must have been the V because Debbie Pelt clearly had her logic all mixed up, her thought process couldn't hold water.

Memories of the nerve to beg for her own life when Debbie'd callously just blown off the side of Tara's head gave way to compulsive obligation that prompted Sookie's hand to swing up into the junkie's face; the heel of her palm connected with the apex of her nose, with a sickening smack as it stunned Debbie, snapping her head back.

She shrieked a high-pitched and nasally squeal as her hands seized her nose. "Bitch!"

Swayze guffawed at Debbie's expression. "That's nothin, I've slapped her harder when I was pulling the bitch's hair," he smarted to his companions.

Sookie feigned shock and an "OMG, I thought you were someone else," though as sardonic as her delivery was, it was apparent Debbie didn't believe her. Coot walked up then, the same time as Alcide.

"Well, what the fuck do we have here?" He asked, casting an affronted glance between Alcide and Sookie.

"This is my ex bringing his new bitch to our fucking party," Debbie answered with a never-ending sneer marring her psychotic face underneath her hands.

"So you are the trashy bitch I heard about. Debbie, right? You cheated on Alcide, who loves you with Coot, Roy, Bobby, and Travis. Together, they don't add up to half the man or wolf Alcide is," Sookie matched Debbie's look with her own sneer.

"He brought this bitch here to fuck me up! At my own party. And she fucked up my nose! I need some V and I can't get initiated tonight. Do you know what the price to pay for your interference is, bitch?"

The redhead inched closer. "Debbie, back off!" Alcide warned. But it was too late, all the wolves who were present succumbed to the collective vibe of burning rage. They were about to wolf out, even Alcide, Sookie noticed his eyes shifting to an amber glow as lengthy howls filled the air.

"I will hunt. You. Down!" Debbie assured before her body vibrated. She was going to shift in just a moment.

"Sookie, RUN!" Alcide roared before she grabbed her hand and ran for the exit. The wolves were on them, with Debbie and Cooter leading the pack. As Alcide burst through the door, pulling Sookie with him, she turned around and used her mind to channel her powers; the entry door was then sealed shut. Collective howls rang out as the pack began to pound on the door, the force of their strength threatening to break it down any instant.

The halfling and wolf pair made haste to his company van as there was little time to waste. What Sookie wasn't expecting was to see Russell Edgington himself appear at her side in a flash. Holy fudge! Her shock combined with the danger being in his proximity presented commanded her powers to spark once again, only this time she focused in on Russell. It worked but she should have anticipated another one of his vampire lackey's would accompany him as well.

Apparently Eric had switched sides already, she soon realized when him and Lorena flanked her.

"Uh-uh, lightning fingers," he grabbed her arms and slammed her back against his chest. "You don't want to let this one go, Your Majesty," Eric called out to the king, who wasin crumpled form across the street. "I have not had the pleasure of tasting this, but something tells me Bill took great pleasure when he did. She not only smells wonderful, but she has abilities far beyond what humans are ordinarily capable of,"

"Eric, don't do this! You said you'd protect me and help me save Bill!" She screamed as she squirmed.

He hissed in her ear. "The only reason I'd ever protect a human is if they were mine to feed on," Lorena huffed while Eric continued. "Bill has turned his back on Bon Temps and you. So it looks like you brought this fate on yourself with your-"

"Fine! I'll do it," Sookie bit out. "I'll be yours if you just get us out of h-"

"Why you!" Lorena started.

Before she could finish her sentence, Eric shoved Lorena with such speed and force, Sookie couldn't tell what became of her. A millisecond later, the world flew by in a blur and a suffocating gust of wind amassed her face.

*Tara*

The rope burn would hurt like a bitch, but Tara figured it was but a small place to pay to preserve her life in the long run, as she continued twisting her wrist in a shimmying motion. It was already starting to grate on her skin, though it did appear to be loosening.

She jumped in her skin when the door burst open and Franklin sauntered through in his all black stalker in the night ensemble, with his macabre grin.

"Oh, God. Franklin, where were you, boo?" She asked politely and innocently as was possible.

His face instantly darkened as his mood shifted. "Tara, I will not be policed,"

"Wasn't trying to police you boo, I just missed you is all," she added a reassuring nod and smile. "I've been stuck up in this lonely room all night,"

"You're right. You're stuck here all night, you probably want some sleep too. Our schedules are conflicting badly, your circadian rhythm must be all out of sorts," he slapped his head and gripped his jet black locks.

"I'm sure I'll get used to it,"

Franklin snapped his fingers. "I've got an even better idea. I'll turn you! Reset your circadian rhythm straight to mine,"

Tara couldn't be certain if he saw the drop in her smile that she quickly covered with a surprised gasp, but the unhinged beyond reason bloodsucker indeed noticed the way her lips trembled, along with a tear escaping the corner of her eye. "Oh Franklin, that- that's so. That means we'll be together for always, right?"

"As long as you're a good baby vampire and I don't have to punish you with the true death. You wouldn't believe how many of my vampires I've had to stake because of-" he was interrupted by her cellphone ping. With vampire speed, he snatched it out of his pocket and opened it up. "It's from a number that's not in your contacts. 'You fucking owe me, Tara. I don't often do favors for humans.' I thought you said you didn't know any other vampires?"

He descended on her in a fury, curling his fingers around her throat. "Who is this?!" He demanded with a fully extended set of crooked fangs bared. "I'll kill him!"

"It's for a job at Fangtasia! Can't breathe!" She rasped out. "And Pam is a woman,"

"You already have a bartending position," he loosened his grip as he aimed to comprehend her reasoning.

Tara coughed and cleared her throat. "I know that," she coughed again. "But I can dance there and get better tips, they always need dancers!"

Franklin frowned as he sat up on his knees. "The half naked dancers?"

Quickly realizing what a mistake that lie could turn out to her detriment, she changed her tune. "I don't have to be half naked. Half the patrons are glamoured anyway, they'll probably just hand me their money if they think I'm a vampire,"

"Why you libertine little harlot. You're an incredibly huge tease aren't you?

To her surprise, Franklin was into the idea of Tara on display.

"You'll tease and taunt, won't you, but you'll never give up what belongs to me,"

A reluctant smile crossed her mocha features as Franklin gazed upon her in a doting fashion.

"Tell her I'll be in tomorrow night,"

"Tomorrow night you'll rise as vampire. And I suppose we can make a stop at Fangtasia. I have to prepare everything for your transition. I've got one more thing to do for Russell and then..." He leaned forward and kissed the top of her head. "Starting tomorrow night, it's only going to be you and I. Forever," he closed his eyes and inhaled her scent, likely loving the fear he wrought in her soul.

Sookie, he's going to kill me tonight!

*Sookie*

The vampire flight landed them at Alcide's apartment. Sookie screamed when an instant after arrival, the door burst open. Only it wasn't the king and his sycophant pack of weres. It was-

"Bill!" She ran into his arms, embracing him for the first time in a week.

"Sookie," he rasped.

"Bill Compton, you stand accused of betraying your Queen of Louisiana for the King of Mississippi who you've now also betrayed," Eric stated as he looked on, clearly annoyed at their intimate embrace, considering Sookie just agreed to be his. The understanding was that it was only for show in front of Russell and the other vampires, but she had a feeling Eric would try and hold her to it. He was Eric after all. "And wouldn't you know, some you are now a fugitive, Sookie has agreed to be mine. To save your ass,"

He leaned up against a wall in Alcide's living room.

Bill's fangs dropped as he turned to Eric. "You've betrayed both the king and queen too! She is no longer safe with you,"

"I have something called leverage," he stalked closer to Bill in a glare. "Do you?"

"Ignore him Bill, I can help you!" Eric scoffed at Sookie's command. "I know what you're going through. Just come with us and we can all make it out of here in one piece," she implored, cradling his face. Eric smirked at the tender display.

"How sentimental,"

"Hey we don't have time for a threesome lover's spat right about now," Alcide boomed. "We all need to get the hell out of here right now because Coot's pack is hot on our trail,"

"I'm not leaving without him or-"

Sookie, he's going to kill me tonight!

"Tara!" She shrieked when Tara's mental utterance entrenched her mind. She looked between Bill and Eric. "We have to get her!"

With an affirming shake of his head, Bill firmly said, "No," Sookie backed away from Bill in both disgust and disbelief. "It's too dangerous, we will all-"

"If you can harness your light power at will we'll still only have a fighting chance. I gave my word that I'd extend assistance in helping Tara through my progeny. Though she is not here, I would be breaking my word if I didn't stand in for Pam," Eric said quickly.

"I can do it," Sookie replied, nodding her head as he heard Alcide thinking once again how there was little time for discussion and immediate action required.

"Then I will stand by you," Eric assured.

Eric was quickly becoming a formidable ally to have on her side! He did have the blood of Godric flowing through him. The relief at Eric's backing instantly dissolved into terror when every male's head snapped towards Alcide's front door and glowing wolf eyes and protruding fangs indicated an imminent threat.

The door was kicked off its hinges and there stood Debbie, Lorena, and the vampire king. Debbie's hideous sneer followed Sookie as she took a defense between Eric and Bill when the werebitch stepped across the threshold. Her eyes glowered and she stood tall as she cocked her head.

"Hi honey, I'm home," the vampires behind her slowly stepped inside with matching faces of malicious mirth before they flashed forward.

AN: Bill's stubbornness is the doomed start of the deterioration of his relationship with Sookie 😔 I'm sorry Bookie shippers, you're welcome Sooric shippers 😁

Had to tease you with that Eric and Sookie dream too!

Please read, share, add comments or kudos and tell me if you're enjoying!

The next update should not take this as long, hopefully! I do not like leaving long periods of time between updates but I also can't rush the process so you see my dilemma 😂