This was just a little fun before they head home.

I do not own any of the characters from Southern Vampire Mysteries. They all belong to Charlaine Harris. Bless her for sharing them with us. Mattie is my very own.

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Chapter 24

"Billllllll! Stop it, that tickles."

We had been all over each other like teenagers the whole drive. Bill had undoubtedly latched on to my silly mood and was poking and tickling me under the arms.

"Will you two knock it off!! You have been bumping into my seat repeatedly the entire ride. It is bothering me." Eric was irritated with our slightly childish behavior. I leaned back against Bill's chest and tried not to wiggle around.

"Sorry. He started it."

The base of the Stratosphere Tower was poorly lit and the area around it was dilapidated to say the least. It didn't seem to be in a very good part of town. I grabbed on to Bill's arm, glancing over my shoulder at some bums on a bench. I don't know what I was so worried about. I had brought protection in the way of the three Vampires walking alongside me.

We walked through the casino and up to the ticket counter. Eric bought passes for not only the observation deck, but the rides as well. For all five of us. They were going to be riding them and liking it. It pays to be the boss.

The elevator attendant seemed a bit daunted by us. He was fumbling through his little tourist speech, kneading his hands together. When we stepped off, he hit the car return button at least 25 times in quick succession. We all got a pretty good laugh.

Sookie's brochure had been right, this was the most spectacular view of the city. The long view of the strip with all the lights twinkling below us was amazing.

After the security guard was out of sight, I climbed over the guard rail. Leaning my whole body up against the glass, I let go and laid there suspended above the city. While I was floating there I let my mind wander. So much had happened to me in the last few months. My life had gone in a totally different direction almost over night.

I glanced over at Bill who seemed to be chatting up some tourist. He was the most approachable of the Vampires I knew. People seemed to notice that and he was all too willing to answer questions. Always the gentleman, that's my Bill.

I felt someone rest their body down next to mine.

"Hey there beautiful. You here all by your lonesome tonight?"

Who the hell was this guy? I pushed myself back off the glass to check him out. He was only an inch or so taller than me with straight black hair and a pointy noise. I could smell alcohol on his breath. Dressed in a suit with his tie loosened up, he looked like he was on a business trip and had no doubt made a pit stop to pick up chicks. Also, he was wearing a wedding ring. Ass.

"No, I'm not. I'm here with him."

I pointed in Bill's direction who looked up at me concerned, but I shook my head at him. This guy was no big deal. I could handle him.

"What's a sexy thing like you doing hanging around with a dead guy? Don't you want to feel a warm, breathing man between your thighs?"

Ewww! What a dirt bag. Why do some guys insist on being so crass? Bill was standing behind him now, naturally not looking very pleased.

"I would appreciate if you watch the way you speak to a lady. Particularly mine."

The guy snorted at Bill and started to walk away.

"Fine you little fang banger slut. You don't know what you're missing anyway."

That was uncalled for. I grabbed his arm, twisting him around to face me. I sent a swift kick to his chest and he went reeling back, landing on the floor across the room. He got up quickly, looking terrified to say the least, and hurried his way into the elevator.

When I turned back to Bill, he had been joined by Eric, Sookie, and Pam.

"Well handled little one. Although I would not have been so kind."

I waved my hand dismissively.

"I know that type. It doesn't take much for them to turn tail and run."

I took Bill's hand and led him up the stairs to the outside level, with everyone else following. We walked out into the cool night breeze. We were pretty high up, it was more like a wind. Our hair was blowing all over the place.

I looked up at the enormous twisted metal spinning above my head, a slow grin spreading across my mouth. This was going to be so much fun. Sookie didn't seem to share my enthusiasm.

"I'm not riding that thing! Do you have some kind of death wish Mattie?"

That started Bill and I really laughing. It must have been as funny as we thought it was, since Eric and Pam busted up too.

"Yes lover, she must. It isn't as if she is around anything dangerous ever. Not a thing!"

Sookie let out a little HMPH! and crossed her arms. That did very little good. Eric made her ride everything anyway.

When we jumped off the last ride my head was spinning. My veins were pumping so much adrenaline that I could have fought off two vampires at once and won. I was jumping around shouting and poking Bill in the chest.

"Ha! That was awesome. Let's see you try and top that buddy!"

Wrapping one arm around my waist, Bill latched on to my mouth, assaulting me with his tongue. I was quickly melting into him. God that man could kiss!

"If that is a challenge my dear, I accept."

Oh crap! Me and my big mouth. I was in so much trouble.

Bill scooped me up into his arms and took off for the elevator. I could hear Pam's laughter trailing off behind me.

He glamored the elevator attendant into staying behind, so we were alone in the car. Our eyes met for a split second and I felt a wave of desire run through me before my body was being pressed up against the wall.

Skillful hands explored my breasts as cool lips kissed a line from my ear down my neck. I gripped the rail when my knees began to give way beneath me. Then as quick as Bill had started, he stopped.

"Dammit! This won't do at all."

"What won't do? What did I do?"

"Nothing, you've done nothing. It's just what you're wearing."

"Whatta mean it's what I'm wearing? You just bought me this. I love this outfit!"

"It doesn't figure into my plans."

That was cryptic, but I didn't even feel like asking. We fell into a cab, quickly reverting back to teenager mode. We had a lot more room this time. I felt bad for the cab driver. It had to be a bit embarrassing to have your passengers all over each other in the back seat.

Eh, it's Vegas. He's probably used to it.

We continued our make-out session until something out the window peaked Bill's interest.

"Stop the car! I need to get something."

He climbed off of me and opened the door.

"I'll be right back. Stay here."

He kissed me on the cheek, slammed the door and ran off. I sat up to see where he had gone. We were parked in front of a big building, but I couldn't quite read the sign. I craned my neck to look. The mall? What could Bill possibly need at the mall? I sat there watching the meter run.

He was back out in a mere 5 minutes. There's a lot to be said for Vampire speed. He had a small bag in his hand when he jumped back into the car.

"Mission accomplished."

He shoved the bag at me.

"Here, put this on."

I was curious, so I opened the bag pulling out a red a-line skirt. I looked over at Bill thoroughly confused.

"Trust me. It will be....invigorating."