AN: Thanks to everyone for their lovely comments. I've nearly finished the next two parts so they'll be posted soon.

III

I was lying in bed later that night, floating on a fluffy, pink cloud of happiness when I came crashing back down to earth with a bump.

I was tracing little circles on Eric's chest with my fingers when his phone ran. I eagerly watched his butt as he got out of bed and bent to retrieve it from his jeans. I noticed him hesitate briefly as he looked at the caller ID. From his side of the conversation I gathered it was Victor and he was making some sort of appointment with Eric for tomorrow night.

When he hung up, Eric looked… not angry, as such, perhaps miffed was a better word.

"Eric?"

He came and sat beside me on the bed. "I'm sorry, love, but Victor informed me that Felipe has arranged an interview for you tomorrow night." He was trying to keep his tone flat but I could detect an undercurrent of irritation.

"He wants to cash in on the recent attack," I guessed. After seeing Janice Morreno on TV earlier, I should have guessed.

Eric nodded. "I told him last night that you needed longer to recover, but obviously he did not heed my words."

Wow, Eric had just admitted that he'd been overruled. I pulled him back down into the bed. I wasn't exactly thrilled, but I also knew avoiding it was pointless.

"How will I know what to say?" I asked him. I had never done anything like this, and I had a lot of secrets to keep these days.

"They're emailing over a list of questions tonight, we'll go through them before the interview."

"Who is it for?" Part of me wished it was the National Enquirer.

"60 Minutes."

The big league, then.

"After the police man died, they are rushing together a show on the vampire hate movement. Probably thanks to Felipe's suggestion."

Oh well, I tried to be philosophical, at least I wasn't working at Merlotte's any more so I wouldn't have to put up with any bitchy thoughts or comments.

III

At ten A.M. the next morning I was roused from sleep by Jason shaking me.

"Sookie, Sookie! Wake up."

I pushed him away and slowly sat up. "What the hell are you doing here?" My grandmother wouldn't like that greeting, but considering I'd only had five hours sleep, that Jason hadn't spoken to me since he'd made me break Calvin's hand and that he was in my home and my bedroom, uninvited, demanding I woke up, I felt a little rudeness was justified.

"I heard about the attack. Are you alright?"

"I was fine until you barged in."

"Don't be like that, Sookie."

I took a deep breath. "Get out of my bedroom, Jason. I'll meet you in the kitchen in a few minutes."

Sulking, Jason did as I said. Eric had left my crutches by my bed and I slowly made my way through my morning routine.

When I finally staggered into the kitchen Jason had made me coffee as a peace offering.

He handed me a note. "This was on the counter," he told me. It was from Octavia, she had gone with Amelia to buy more supplies for the creams they were making for Eric's spa.

I clumsily sat down at the table opposite Jason.

"I'm sorry I woke you," he said. "And I guess I'm sorry I've been avoiding you. I'm not proud of what I done, Sookie, but I didn't see I had many choices."

While I was getting ready, my anger had abated somewhat. Under all the hurt and anger, I realised I missed my brother. "Accepted. You're the only brother I have so I kind of have to forgive you."

He smiled. "And you're really okay? Other than the broken leg," he nodded to my obvious injury.

"Yes, I'm really okay."

"Glad to hear it. How was your trip?"

"Actually, I have some news." I had to tell him first. He might not be the best brother but he didn't deserve to hear from anyone else. "I got married while I was there."

His jaw dropped open. "What? Sookie… You can't just…"

I gave him a few moments to realise that not only could I, I in fact had.

"Wow. Anyone I know?" he asked.

"Actually yes. Remember Eric?"

"The big blonde vampire?"

"That's him."

Jason shook his head. "Oh no, Sook, you married a vamp? Are you crazy?"

My reply was rather tart. "No, I'm not crazy, as you so nicely put it."

"But he's a vampire!"

"Thanks for pointing that out, Jason," I may have sounded a touch sarcastic. "I might have missed it on my own."

"You know what I mean, Sookie. They're different. And it's gonna make these fanatics hate you even more."

"The fanatics want me dead already whether I'm married or not and yes, Eric is different. What's more, he's not perfect either. But you know what? Neither am I. We love each other and we're going to build a life together."

Jason looked sullen. "He's gonna bring all sorts of trouble into your life."

"Like being such a tomcat that he gets suspected of murder leaving me to find the real killer? Or sleeping with a girl that I've warned him off because she's supernatural and getting himself kidnapped so I have to search for days to find him? Or marrying the girl even though he knows it's crazy and making me take the fallout from that marriage?"

"Okay, point taken. I got no room to talk."

"Damn right." My annoyance was abating now.

"Well, he better treat you right or I'll kick his ass."

I burst out laughing.

"What? What's so funny?" he looked upset I had questioned his prowess.

"Oh Jason. Eric's over a thousand years old and vampires get stronger with age. The idea of you kicking his ass is about as funny as me growing wings and flying."

Still affronted, he had the sense not to push his luck, less his pride take an even bigger beating.

"Well, I hope you'll be happy, Sookie. Really."

I reached across the table and took his hand. "Thank you."

"So, is he moving in here?"

"No, his house is bigger so I'll be moving to Shreveport. Oh," I'd just remembered," and I quit my job."

Jason ran a hand through his hair. I guess he wasn't any bigger fan of change than I was. "Wow, you're gonna be a housewife?"

"No, but I will be working closer to Shreveport." He looked upset. "I'll still see you all the time, Jason. I'm not moving to Mars."

"You're right, Sook. I guess I just didn't realise how much I'd missed these last few weeks."

Months was more like it, but I wasn't haggling. I wanted my brother back.

He left shortly afterwards and I began taping more memories for Janice.

I was nervous about the interview later. Eric had shown me the questions last night and we'd gone over my answers, but I still didn't feel comfortable. I doubted I would until it was over.

I was even getting paid. As I was momentarily unemployed, that was a nice thought.

Amelia and Octavia arrived back and unpacked their supplies. Production was moving up now that the spa opening was getting closer. They were taking themselves to Merlotte's for the evening while the TV crew was here.

I decided it was time to tell them about marrying Eric.

Amelia rushed at me and pulled me into a crushing bear hug. "I knew you guys would work out," she told me, like getting married was some magic formula for living happily ever after.

"Where's your ring?" she asked when she pulled back to examine my hands.

"It's just a cheap one, and it's in my purse." She ran to the living room to retrieve my purse and thrust it at me. "Show me!"

While I looked, Octavia took the opportunity to congratulate me.

I pulled the simple gold band out and handed it to her.

"No engagement ring?" she asked, looking crestfallen.

"We sort of eloped, Amelia. There was no engagement to require a ring."

Amelia pouted and handed me the band back. "Well, put it on. You are a married woman now."

I slipped the ring onto my wedding finger, where it hadn't sat since the ceremony. It looked good there.

I made Amelia promise not to tell anyone until I told her she could. It wasn't that I didn't want people knowing, I just wanted to tell some people myself before they heard through the grapevine. I hoped Amelia would be able to resist, but I wasn't positive she could so I made her swear to say nothing in Merlotte's tonight. Sam deserved to be told in person.

I then left a message on Bill's answering machine asking him to come over when he woke up that night. I hoped he'd come first thing. Eric had returned to Shreveport after I went to sleep last night so it would take him an hour or so to get back this evening. I didn't think having Eric there would be very helpful.

Sam wasn't free to come see me since the bar was open, so I'd find a way to go and see him tomorrow.

Pam… Maybe I could leave that one to Eric.

Finally I had to tell Tara. Of everyone she should be least upset, having done something similar herself.

And that was it for people I wanted to tell. Not a big list, but then it never had been. There were more I'd invite to the party, if we decided to throw one, but they weren't so special as to be hurt by my not telling them personally.

The sweats I was wearing (because they stretched over the cast) wouldn't do for TV. Amelia helped me change, which meant she brought my clothes to me rather than me hobbling from wardrobe to drawers and back again when I changed my mind.

I finally opted for a black sweater with some beading around the neckline and a long A-line khaki skirt. The skirt wasn't a favourite of mine, but my pencil line skirts just looked weird with the huge cast sticking out at the bottom.

Bill arrived shortly after I'd finished changing and Octavia and Amelia headed out to Merlotte's. I was careful to keep my left hand hidden from him.

Seated in the kitchen, since it was easier for me to get around in there, he looked apprehensive. Did he already know?

"I came over when I heard what happened but Eric said you were sleeping."

"I was, sorry." I wondered why Eric hadn't told me Bill came. "I was exhausted."

"You're feeling better now?"

"Much, thank you."

"How was your trip?" He seemed to be relaxing.

I knew this was going to hurt so, like ripping off a band aid, I got it over with. "I have some news about that." I couldn't look him in the eye. "Eric and I… sort of eloped while we were there."

When he didn't say anything for a while I risked a look at him. His eyes were boring into mine.

"You married him?" His voice was chilling.

I nodded. Bill closed his eyes.

"Did we ever have a chance?" he asked.

"Oh, Bill. Of course we did. But so much happened."

"You're still mad at me?"

"No. But I can't just forget either."

"And now it's hopeless." He sounded heartbroken.

"Yes," I answered softly. "But not because of what happened between us. I'm married now, Bill, and that means something to me."

Bill's expression frosted over again. "He'll grow tired of you eventually, you know."

I had expected a lot of things from this encounter, anger, pain, sadness, but his cruelty wasn't something I'd anticipated.

I swiped a tear away before replying. "Maybe you're right. But if there's one thing you taught me, it's that I'm a survivor."

He stood up abruptly. "I should be going." He paused by the back door but didn't turn back. "Congratulations," he choked out and then he was gone.

I sat there for a while, regretting having caused Bill pain, then I pulled myself together. This was going to be a busy evening.

When Eric arrived he was kind enough not to comment on my red eyes. They didn't look too bad now.

The television crew arrived at eight p.m. as promised.

The interviewer from 60 Minutes was Clara Fairmont. The first thing I did was read her mind to see if she planned any tricks or if she was hostile towards vampires. She wasn't. In fact Eric caught her eye almost immediately but she was professional enough not to let her mind wander too far in that direction. She was polite, friendly and very skilled at putting people at ease.

I'd left my face bare so they could do my makeup and while the cameras were being set up, a young man named Pete made me camera ready.

With my makeup done Clara was ready to begin the interview. I sat on the sofa while Clara took the easy chair. There were two cameras, one getting a wide angle shot of the both of us, one getting close up's of me. Eric stood behind the cameramen, out of the way. I wished he could sit with me.

Clara explained about the background of the piece for my benefit then launched into her introduction of me before asking her first question.

"The Fellowship has tried to kill you on more than one occasion. Could you tell us what happened the other times?"

I went through all the stories. My house being set alight (actually not the Fellowship but the authorities didn't know that), the Rhodes bombing (leaving out the details of finding survivors) and being strangled then shot in Merlotte's. Clara asked questions where she felt clarification was needed, but otherwise let me talk.

"That's a lot of danger for one woman. Have you ever considered ending your ties with vampires?" she asked.

I shook my head. "No. I won't be scared by bigots into deciding who I call my friend."

"Most people have never even met a vampire, Sookie, how did you happen to get involved with them?"

"One moved into the house next door and we got to know each other. I could see that, in many ways, they were just like us. They just want the right to exist without being hunted. They aren't the devil incarnate like some seem to think. They're different and that's frightening to a lot of people, but if you look beneath the surface, they have hopes and dreams just like the rest of us."

"So you don't believe vampires are inherently evil?"

"No. Humans have killed hundreds of thousands more people than vampires ever have, we all have good and bad in us and they are no more evil then we are."

"You're a church goer yourself, how do you marry the idea of vampires up with God and the bible?"

"I believe god created everything in the world, including vampires. The bible isn't always literal."

"How so?"

"Take the story of creation. I do believe God created the universe, but we now know that he didn't create it in seven days. I think that maybe that was all we could grasp back when the Old Testament was written and it was explained in terms we could understand thousands of years ago. People then didn't know about atoms and evolution. Humans have moved on in their understanding of the universe around us, it's time we updated our understanding of God too."

"So do you believe in demons?"

I suppressed a smile. I'd even met a few. "Yes, but I don't think vampires are demons either."

"So would you describe yourself as a fang-banger?"

I kept my face neutral. "No."

"How so?"

"It seems to me that fang-bangers are indiscriminate, they see the vampire, not the person. Their desire is to be bitten or turned. I only have three close vampire acquaintances, only one of whom I allow to ever bite me."

"So who are your vampire friends?"

"One is my ex-boyfriend, Bill. He's also the neighbour I was telling you about, . Pam is my closest vampire friend and then there's Eric." I looked over at him. He was smiling, pleased with me.

"So have you dated human men?"

"A couple. I have nothing against human men but it just didn't work out with them."

"So tell us a little about Eric?" We had told Clara before the interview that we were married, she was easing me into revealing that.

"Eric is actually my husband. We got married last week." I tried not to grin like a fool, but it was hard. Clara invited Eric to join us and he sat beside me on the couch, taking my hand.

We told her about our relationship, eloping and the ceremony. It wasn't part of the planned interview, but Clara aimed a few questions at Eric.

"How do you feel about the persecution your wife is suffering?"

"I want to rip their heads off. I defy any man whose wife is harmed not to feel that way. These people are cowards of the highest order. Instead of going after a target like me, who can fight back, they go after defenceless women. They plan ambushes and assassinations. As far as I am concerned, they are spineless vermin who need to be wiped out."

"Honey, stop holding your feelings inside, it's not good for you," I teased him. I probably shouldn't have but it was natural to be like this around him.

Eric smirked and raised my hand to his lips.

Clara was beaming at us, I guess she liked what she saw.

"We've heard from the philanthropist business man, Felipe de Castro," Clara was saying. "He told us he's heard of your plight and he'd like to offer you the services of a bodyguard until the threat to you is over. How do you feel about that?"

I turned to Eric.

"He called after you fell asleep last night. I haven't had a chance to tell you."

"How does that make you feel?" Clara asked again. "Are you and Felipe de Castro friends?"

"Um, I met him while we were in Vegas, but I wouldn't say we were friends. That's a very nice thing for him to do."

The interview was soon over after that and as she left Clara assured me I had done well.

"So Felipe is sending me a bodyguard?" I asked, as soon as we were alone.

Eric smiled. "No. You may be under his protection, but he has charged that duty to me. I did ask him for a recommendation and he was happy to oblige but I am employing him and I very much hope you will agree."

I didn't like the idea much, but I could see the practicality of employing a professional. Dawson had his own business to run, he couldn't give that up to guard me.

I sighed. "I just wish they'd leave us alone."

"I know, love. I wish that too. While I agree that the media campaign is a good one, it moves far too slowly for my tastes. I thought this was a good compromise," Eric explained. "It will allow you to have your freedom and still keep you safe."

I could tell that Eric was in the mood to break some skulls, and right at that moment, I wasn't too far behind him.

III

I met my bodyguard the next day. Eric had explained he was a shifter so his tangled thoughts didn't surprise me but I'd been expecting someone slightly younger. He was lean but looked strong, like all shifters and Weres.

I invited him in and after refusing any refreshments, he explained his role.

"My name is James Black, I have been employed by your husband to be both your bodyguard and, until you are able, your driver."

I nodded. "That's great, but I'd like to ask something else of you, if that's okay."

I caught a flash of irritation before he smoothed his features. I wondered what he expected me to ask? To be my personal assistant? My gofer?

"Of course, Miss Stackouse."

"Please, call me Sookie. I'd like you to be my friend as well. I've seen how some people treat those in their employ and I hate it. I know you're probably under orders to do as I say, but I'm still going to ask you, not tell you. When it doesn't interfere with your work, I'd like you to stay in the house, eat with us and watch TV with us. I also have a spare room you're welcome to, but I understand if you'd rather stay elsewhere. You might feel like you were always on duty if you stayed here."

"That's… that's very gracious of you, Miss Stackhouse."

"Sookie." I corrected.

He smiled warmly. "Sookie. I don't think anyone has ever asked me that before. You are a special woman."

"Thank you."

"I would rather stay I town, if you don't mind but I will be happy to comply with your other wishes. And please call me Jim."

III

The first thing I asked Jim to do was take me to Merlotte's. I didn't tell him Sam was a shifter like Jim because it wasn't my place to, but I did tell him my boss, well, ex-boss, had very similar interests. Jim would figure it out soon enough, anyway.

When I told him I'd married Eric, Sam was angry but he managed to congratulate me. I stayed for another two hours in the hope he might come and talk to me, but he didn't. At least it gave Jim a chance to get to know a fellow shifter. Genuine shape-shifters, who could become anything they wanted were the most rare of all Weres.

I sat with Hoyt and Holly most of the time, catching up on local gossip, then Jason came in on his lunch hour and joined us for a while but when it became clear this wasn't something Sam was just going to get over, Jim and I left.

I was unhappy. Why did everyone have to have an opinion on my love life? Why didn't they trust me to make my own decisions?

At least Hoyt and Holly hadn't reacted with shock, anger or hurt. There were at least some people capable of being genuinely happy for me.

The next night I was due to work at Fangtasia again. Eric said as I was in pain I didn't have to work (though his tone also said it was my fault for not taking more of his blood to heal). Oddly I wanted to get back there, in a weird sort of way I missed the place.

Jim drove me to Eric's house just before dark and I showed him around. I was sure he'd be coming here regularly because I came here regularly. The only thing I didn't show him was Eric's bedroom/panic room, hidden behind a panel in the library. I had no right to tell anyone where Eric slept.

As the sun finally set he bid me farewell for the day, just as Eric came up behind me, encircling me in is arms.

Of course I caught Jim's momentary flash of disgust as he saw a vampire embrace me, but I also caught his self admonition that I seemed like a normal, sensible girl who knew her own mind and what I did was none of his business.

For some reason I liked him more after that.

III

"Did you tell Pam?" I asked, as we neared Fangtasia.

"I did," I couldn't tell anything from his even voice.

"What did she say?" Would she hate me for keeping it from her or be relieved I had finally given in?

"She said," his voice was still frighteningly even, "that she must get her own human after seeing how, and I quote, 'bat shit crazy' you had made me."

Uh oh. I cringed as I asked, "And what did you do to her?" Hopefully nothing too bad.

"I gave her a raise."

"What!"

Eric's laugh filled the car. "You are too easy sometimes, Sookie."

"So she didn't call you crazy?"

"Of course she did." He pulled up behind the bar and leaned over to me. "But she's absolutely right," he crooned, "you do drive me mad." He lunged and laid a kiss on me that quite literally left me breathless. Before I even had a moment to recover he was at my side of the car opening my door.

He made to pick me up and I held out my hand. "Oh no, give me my crutches, please, you are not carrying me all right."

Eric looked disdainful. "There is no way you are limping around the bar all evening on those barbaric sticks, love."

"And there is no way you are carrying me around all night like a purse." Stalemate. No way was I backing down first.

Eric shrugged and the next thing I knew, I was hanging over his shoulder. I tried to stay angry, really I did but as I thumped his back and told him that "being carried like a sack of potatoes was no better," I couldn't stifle my laughter any longer.

He finally set me upright in his office and looked thoroughly confused. That made me laugh harder.

"You are not angry?"

"Not any more." I wiped a tear away and tried to stop giggling.

"Because I have made you laugh."

I nodded, afraid if I spoke, I'd burst out laughing again.

He stepped in front of me. "I'll have to remember that."

"Taking notes, Mr Northman?"

"Absolutely." With one final kiss he carried me, a la Rhett Butler, through to the bar. Thankfully I'd opted for a longer dress tonight which saved my dignity. It was lilac coloured with a scoop neck and calf length, A-line skirt. It looked a little old fashioned so I'd jazzed it up with some costume jewellery and a fake diamond scorpion broach.

It was a busy Friday night, as usual, so not many people noticed our entrance, but those who did stared, obviously. This was why I didn't want to be carried, it was far too conspicuous. Eric sat us in a booth tonight and our drinks arrived shortly after we sat down.

"Have you noticed something different?" he asked conversationally.

I shook my head wondering what he was referring to.

He nodded towards the other patrons. "Look," he instructed. I did. The usual sea of black was interrupted with a lot of pastels tonight.

"You having a theme night?"

Eric smiled. "I'm afraid Pam isn't very good at keeping a secret, she let slip the change in our arrangement and-"

"People are copying me!?" Oh. No, I didn't like that idea. I didn't want to be anyone's inspiration, especially a fang-banger. How you dressed didn't win you the heart of a vampire.

Eric seemed amused by my reaction. "It's a compliment, my love."

"I don't want to be an inspiration," I hissed.

"Too late, Sookie. You already are an inspiration and have been for a long time. If people are finally noticing, more's the better, it's just a shame they've only noticed your fashion sense so far."

So far? Please God, don't let me become some sort of icon. That is not who I want to be.

III

Thanks to having taken Eric's blood, over the next two days my ankle healed enough to walk on, though obviously with the cast I could only hobble and I still couldn't drive. I'd love to get the cast off, but that would look suspicious to the doctors and other humans. At least I didn't have to use the crutches any more.

The interview aired on Sunday night. I wouldn't watch that section, but I watched the rest of the show. It was a good start in bringing down the Fellowship and over the next few days a lot of interview requests flooded in, from TV, radio and newspapers. Knowing I didn't like doing them, Eric selected only the best and set up the interviews for me. He was with me for all of them except for one daytime radio interview they did over the phone. Even Eric couldn't wake up in daylight for a phone call.

As soon as I was able to walk (hobble) I began moving my things over to Eric's house. Amelia and Octavia stayed in my house and we signed a rental agreement, though the rent I charged was minimal. I felt they were doing me a favour by looking after the house.

I had considered selling, but it was my family home. Even though I may never have children to pass it on to, I just couldn't bring myself to sell it.

Jim proved to be a godsend. Not only did he drive me wherever I wanted to go, he was much more helpful then he needed to be. He helped me pack when I went shopping and always carried the bags in for me, he got the firewood in, though I told him over and over he didn't need to. He also helped me pack and move my clothes and personal possessions to Eric's house. Eric offered, but I preferred to do the mundane work myself, then we could spend Eric's free time engaged in more, um, pleasurable activities.

Eric insisted I redecorate a room in his house so it would feel like home to me. I really didn't want to because I never decorated anything before, and I loved his home as it was. In the end I opted to repaint the white kitchen walls a sand shade. It wasn't much, but he was right, it did feel more like home once I'd done it. Jim helped me since painting is best done in daylight. I also bought a few new appliances for it (Eric didn't have much need of a blender, for example) and he only had the most basic utensils.

When I felt settled in my new home, I began project managing the spa with Amelia. It was fantastic, we bought furniture for the bedrooms and treatment rooms, equipment for the gym and pool areas. We hung drapes and pictures, played with different wattages of light bulbs to get the right mood, stocked the kitchen and bought expensive toys (like 50 inch plasma screens) for the community areas.

I decided against having a party in the end, especially since Sam wasn't exactly thrilled with my news. I went to the bar three times after I'd told him, but each time he was no more than civil. I decided to give him some time before going back again but I wasn't giving up on Sam. I have known for a while that Sam has feelings for me, I'm not blind. Nor am I cruel, but Sam needed to come to terms with my choice and maybe he was best left alone for that. I only hoped that he would be my friend again one day.

Just before the first guests checked in to the clinic, I had my cast taken off. My leg was weak but I think the vampire blood in my system helped. The Spa wasn't going to advertise as such, Eric thought this was too upmarket an establishment to advertise in conventional ways. Word of mouth was the way to go, he told me, and he'd scored two big coups for us.

The first was Ellen Winter. In her late 50's, which was all she'd admit to, Ellen had always hated the thought of plastic surgery or any harsh cosmetic treatments, like botox and chemical peals. Since our treatments were 100% natural, he had arranged for her to spend a week free of charge if she allowed images of her transformation to be used.

Although she hadn't committed to it, Eric also expected her to do a lot of interviews. There was sure to be interest in her transformation and her career needed the exposure.

The second was Sally Bond, a young actress badly burned in a car accident about three months ago. Her burns were mainly on her arms and torso, not her face but as an actress who had made her fortune trading on her body, this was still very devastating to her career. Her scars were young enough to benefit from the vampire blood treatments, and she too had agreed to before and after photographs being used.

Her doctors had wanted to go the normal route of skin grafts, but a vampire friend of hers had convinced her to try the "homeopathic" treatments here first. Eric was confident we could all but erase her scars.

And so with only these two guests in occupation, the spa opened, albeit unofficially. We were almost fully staffed but even with only two guests, there were problems and kinks to be worked out. I actually enjoyed the problem solving. There was nothing too major, rota problems, the water heater broke down, the chef, Marcus, turned out to be a prima donna but I soon learned how to handle him.

Security here was "tighter than a duck's ass," as Pam had described it. Jim was security chief and had done a very good job, but even he couldn't foresee the malfunctions in the security card readers. The paparazzi also had an annoying habit of trying to break in, both over the fence and one using a stolen pass. It appeared people were already talking about this place and its two guests.

Added to all that, even though their stays were free, both guests caused more than their fair share of problems.

Ellen's towels were not fluffy enough, her food often not hot enough (even though I personally began carrying it straight up to her) and I soon came to the conclusion there was no pleasing her and she complained because she liked torturing those who were, in her eyes, subservient to her.

I put up with a certain amount of this until she finally abused Caroline, a young girl who seemed almost incapable of malice. I let my temper get the better of me and, although I had never wanted to use the 'Boss's Wife' card, I told her that as Eric's wife, I was also an owner of this clinic and would have her tossed out on her ass if she even attempted to abuse one of the members of the staff again. The shocked expression on her face was worth any fallout this might cause with Eric. After that she toned down her complaints, though they still poured in.

When I told them what I had done, Eric didn't comment but Pam seemed pleased.

"I wish I had seen that," she told me, smiling.

Sally's behaviour was more attention seeking. She tried to seduce any male staff member who crossed her path, she enjoyed the bar a little too much, would burst into song and start taking her clothes off (despite her scarring) and generally made a bit of a fool of herself. I could understand her a little more. Her body had been disfigured and she was trying to bolster a badly damaged self-image.

I had wanted to keep my relationship with Eric from the staff, but it proved impossible. I naively thought that keeping my own name (Northman wasn't Eric's real name anyway) would prevent anyone knowing. My TV interview was weeks in the past, forgotten, I hoped and if it hadn't been for Jim driving me to and from work, checking on me regularly, and then my little outburst at Ellen, maybe I could have just been another staff member. Alas the cat was out of the bag.

Maybe it was better this way. I hoped so but people began treating me differently after that. Even the day manager, slightly above me in the hierarchy, began treating me with a little more deference. Poor Caroline seemed almost scared of me while Marcus seemed a little awed by my bravery in marrying one of the undead. I tried to keep my head down and carry on as usual.

After a week both our guests looked much better. Ellen looked easily 10 years younger, perhaps closer to 15.

Sally's scarring was much better but she was staying on for another week of treatments. Even if there was no more improvement, her scarring would be quite dramatically reduced once her body finished healing.

With these two success stories under our belt, we had the opening party. Eric invited a lot of press along and a number of celebrities (even those too young to need our treatments).

On the day of the party I spent most of it making sure everything was going to plan. The communal areas were cleared of most furniture and extra serving tables brought in. Marcus was proving why we paid him so much, laying on an excellent spread. The Veuve Clicquot was delivered, the glasses checked and set out and banners hung from the walls.

I left Amelia (self appointed party planner) in charge when I went home to shower and change. I could have done that in one of the bedrooms, but I wanted to see Eric.

Jim drove me home. I showered and styled my hair but I didn't get dressed. I knew I didn't want to ruin it.

I wished there was a way into the panic room where Eric slept so I could lie down beside him while I waited for him to get up, but I knew that was too big a risk and I would just have to be patient.

It wasn't long before I felt Eric awaken. That wonderful feeling of calm and contentment spread through me. I opened the panel in the library and banged loudly on the door, impatient to be with him.

"I'm naked and horny and if you won't do something about it I'll find someone else who will!"

The door opened a few seconds later and Eric leaned casually against the frame, looking smug. He glanced casually at his watch. "Really, lover, I'm not sure we have time."

"Then you better make time," I said as I pushed him back into the room with both hands on his chest. His legs reached the bed and he let himself fall backwards onto it. I landed on him a moment later and his strong arms enveloped me.

"My, we are forceful this evening," he told me, his fingers exploring my folds. I was more than ready for him since I'd been imagining this moment for the past fifteen minutes.

"It's your own fault," I told him, brushing a lock of his golden hair off his forehead. "You're just too damn sexy."

He replaced his fingers with his penis and slid it into me. I gasped and sat upright, riding him.

I loved the look on his face as he watched me, part satisfaction, part smug, part awed. I felt vulnerable under his gaze and that was incredibly sexy.

His hands reached up and began playing with my nipples and I closed my eyes to enjoy the sensations better. I wondered if I'd ever tire of sex with Eric. Most relationships cooled after a time, but ours wasn't showing any signs of it. Perhaps he'd learned enough in his time to keep things interesting. I hoped so because right now I felt like all was right with the world.

As our climaxes approached I opened my eyes so I could share the moment with him.

III

Everything seemed to be going smoothly at the clinic, Amelia's organisational skills were first rate. She'd also found the time to shower and change in between ordering people around.

The guests were beginning to arrive and Eric and I schmoosed them. Well, Eric did while I hung on his arm. I was useless at schmoosing.

I split off from him to greet Ellen and Sally as they came down, looking radiant. We had their photographs to show but there was nothing like seeing them in the flesh.

I introduced them to some of the people Eric had introduced me to and made sure they spoke about their time at the clinic.

The party was in full swing when Eric put his arm around my shoulders and asked if I'd seen Pam.

I shook my head.

"It's nearly time for the speeches and she's late." He looked irritated.

"Have you called her?" I asked. It wasn't like Pam to be late so I was sure she had a good reason.

"No reply."

"Did you check with the gate? Maybe she's here, just distracted with something else."

He shook his head. "She hasn't arrived." His jaw was tense and I could feel a trace of anger through our bond. He trusted Pam, he knew she was reliable and his anger was the beginning of his realisation that something might be wrong.

"Did you try Fanagtasia? Maybe they know where she is."

He shook his head and pulled out his phone. I could tell from his end of the conversation that they were no help. When he hung up he told me Felicia, who lived with Pam, had seen her leave their home for the party over an hour ago.

It was odd, certainly, but I wasn't really concerned. Having seen Pam in action I knew she could take care of herself.

"Sookie."

Though I was getting used to vampire stealth, I still jumped slightly before I turned to face Bill. "Hey," I smiled at him. "You haven't seen Pam, have you?"

"No," he looked grave. "I need to speak to you for a moment, in private."

I turned back to Eric to make sure he didn't want my help looking for Pam but Eric was already making another phone call. I touched his arm and gestured with my head so he knew I was leaving for a moment. He nodded briefly as he began speaking and I led Bill through to the back office.

"What's up?" I asked once the door behind us was closed. Judging from his expression it was something serious.

"I'm leaving," he told me, speaking to my desk rather than me.

Well, that was short and to the point. "Another trip for your database?" I asked.

"Yes only… Sookie, I'll be gone a while." He finally looked at me and his eyes were two shining pools of misery.

I swallowed. "Is this because of me and Eric?"

"Partly, but I've wanted to increase the database for a long time. Now seems like the perfect time."

"How long will you be gone?"

"A year. Maybe more."

I clutched at my breast as though I could somehow lessen the pain. Bill and I hadn't been a couple for a long time but he would always hold a piece of my heart. I couldn't imagine my life without him in it. There had been too many changes lately, I didn't want any more.

I swiped a tear away. "Where are you going?" I didn't really care, it was just one of those questions you were supposed to ask.

"Europe first, then Asia if I have time."

I nodded like I cared. "And when are you leaving?"

"Tonight. I catch a flight to New York in a few hours and I'll fly out tomorrow morning."

So he'd be rising on another continent by tomorrow night. I swallowed down my sorrow and hugged him tightly. When it became a choice between breaking down or breaking away, I wished him a good time and almost ran out of the door.

I didn't go back to the party, I wasn't exactly in the party mood. I swiped the master key from reception and found an empty bedroom. I sat, shell shocked, on the edge of the bed and finally cried.

I loved Eric, truly I did, but loving him was driving people away from me, people I cared about. Perhaps my relationship with Sam would never be healed, and what if Bill decided not to come back?

Right about now I should have been counting my blessings but I really didn't feel like being grateful for anything at the moment.

When I felt I had indulged in enough self-pity for one day, I redid my makeup, smoothed my dress and fixed my smile in place before heading back to the party.

The party was in full swing as Eric found me and hugged me.

"I'm sorry," he said, and I realised he had known Bill was leaving. Of course he would.

I swallowed my tears and stood back. "I'm fine honestly. Just been a long day, you know?"

He nodded. He knew it was bullshit but he didn't press me. It couldn't have been pleasant for him to see me cry over another man.

"So, did Pam turn up?" I changed the subject.

His expression grew even graver. "No. I have people out looking, following her path, trying to pick up her scent but no luck so far."

"You really think she's in trouble?"

"I know it." When I looked puzzled he explained. "There's a connection between maker and child, it's a weaker form of our blood bond, it's how makers can call their children back to them though the everyday connection is much weaker than what you and I share."

"So what are you feeling from her that has you so worried?"

"Nothing." His eyes looked haunted. "It's like she's simply ceased to exist, Sookie."