It's Only Beginning

A/N: Your alerts and reviews are the best encouragement. You guys inspire me. Seriously, thank you.

Again, I must beg for your grace since it's taken me so long to get this chapter out. I've been in the emergency room twice since the last update :(

However, this is a juicy one and the longest yet so hopefully it's a fair trade ;)

All the glory goes to Charlaine Harris, and the Alan Ball HBO crew; since I will be mixing the two to suit my plot.

Much love to my wonderful beta… my story would be a train wreck without her!

Chapter 4

To say that everything has gone back to normal since vampires visited would be a lie, a lie that I have done my very best to make the truth. Unfortunately, that's kinda hard to do.

Especially when Merlotte's customer capacity is at an all-time high, and the only thing these drunks and rubberneckers wanna do is talk about the vampires that I'm trying to forget… Or at least pretend to forget. I firmly established the need to contain that event in the back of my mind, put a lock on it, and only open if necessary. Seriously, who needs vampire drama when I've got all these hicks to deal with?

Let the supernatural deal with the supernatural.

Anyhow, when the greasy townsfolk are not talking about vampires, they're thinking about vampires, and when that fails they're either real religious, or they're livin' in a coffin… err, closet. Gosh dang it! I can't even hang onto a human vocabulary, and you know something's wrong with ya when that happens.

At least I know I've got Sam to watch my back, even if sometimes I think he's watching too closely. From my years of experience with Sam, I know he's got all good intentions. He only wants what's best for me…but a man's gotta know that a woman isn't interested after blatant rebuffing of all obvious attempts. And trust me, his attempts can get pretty dang obvious.

As far as my Merlotte's coworkers go, not surprisingly, Lafayette has been the most tolerant of them all. Lala is practically in lala-land most the time anyway, with his broad-minded opinions that expand far beyond just vampires. Like his wearing of makeup, casual cross-dressing, and a very wide variety of sexual partners. You could say that my eccentric fry cook friend is quite the flamboyant character. But we love him all the same, quirks and all. I honestly couldn't imagine my work place without him.

For instance, the night that Eric and Compton had engrossed the people of Bon Temps so thoroughly, Lafayette simply could not keep his comments to himself.

Sidling up next to me behind the bar, after Eric walked out, he'd said, "mmm girl, you had betta' get a handle on that good, blonde, sex on a stick. Somebody's gotta take advantage of the good Lord's blessings… no matter what form they come in…"

I playfully slapped him on the arm and acted shocked at his comment, but you really can't help but laugh at Lala and his unconventional ways.

He shot me an evil grin and then walked away, but not before performing his signature miniature version of Legally Blonde's "bend, and snap."

Even if my friends are lookin' out for me, and staying light-hearted, most nights it's still hard not to keel over from the brains and the orders combined. Now that the customers minds have more than enough meat to chew on, they don't waste time gettin' to work.

All that bein' said, when Sam finally took notice and gave me an extra day off of work, it was like the heavens had opened up upon me.

I'd already had a list of things to do, building for days, in my head.

I woke up at nine o' clock, well rested and certainly enjoying the benefits from the extra sleep I don't normally get.

Stretching, I got my mind working on my plans for the day, while making my bed and straightening the covers.

I had wanted to catch the morning rays of sun on my tanning lounge chair before it got too hot, but found I couldn't sit still quite yet.

I needed to get some things done before I really relaxed.

Walking into the kitchen, I poured myself a cup of coffee and popped one of Gran's customary breakfast biscuits in my mouth. Gran herself was already out of the house, the busy bee she is, probably scheduling club events or maintaining her many social appointments. At this rate, my Gran was keepin' a more social lifestyle that I was.

Not that I minded much; since big crowds tend to hurt my head–no pun intended.

Keeping busy, I managed to wash the baseboards, clean out the refrigerator, unscrew the knob on one of the cabinets since most needed to be replaced, and make a trip to the hardware store to pick up new ones.

While I was out I also visited the library, taking a gander through the new "vampire section," just out of pure curiosity, but I didn't check out any of those; although, many had some pretty interestin' covers.

Even though I gave in a little to the wonder of the fanged beings, I was still firmly not thinking about vampires. That wasn't denial, right? I just didn't want to dwell on them; them… including my across-the-cemetery neighbor possibilities.

After exchanging some new romance novels, remembering that I needed some product to oil the porch doors that wouldn't quit creaking, I drove back to the hardware store on my way home.

Happily, after my trips and house cleaning, I was still able to lie out on my foldable tanning chair for about an hour before the sun began to retreat. Of course, the thought of sunset had my head turning warily in the direction of the old Compton house. I had better get myself under wraps, it wasn't like some unmasked vampire vigilante was gonna come kidnap me. My first encounter with them had been somewhat baffling.

Gran was getting dropped off by her obnoxious friend Maxine, as I was heading inside.

Maxine waved at me, and I should have known better than to think that was a parting gesture.

She hauled herself out of the small vehicle and tromped over my lawn, appraising my polka dot bikini the whole time.

"Sookie dear, wouldn't you rather cover up a bit? It's not like anyone is gonna be seein' them tan lines."

What's the point if the girl ain't gonna be showin' off to anyone… Not that she should... I wonder if she would uphold no sex before marriage... Still seems like a virgin… At least I haven't heard…

Better not think for one second that the whole town isn't aware of my romantic life, or lack thereof. The haughtiness in the statement was uncalled for, though, not to mention the undercurrent of thoughts.

I maintained the grace that Gran raised me with, in an easy smile.

"It's enough to be comfortable in my own skin. I wouldn't need to show off to anyone anyways… as long as I'm happy with myself."

Gran nodded at me in approval, and tugged critical-eyed Maxine inside.

We had learned a long time ago that I prefer to fight my own battles. I appreciated that Gran respected that, and let me handle these types of situations myself instead of interceding on my behalf.

I was just curling up with my new book when Sam rang.

"Hey Cher, I apologize for asking you on your night off, but would you mind running by Dawn's? She's running an hour late and the house is packed… and you are closer."

I could hear the twinges of regret in his voice, so I wouldn't get mad at him for asking the favor. Besides, I knew what Merlotte's was like when busy. It wouldn't kill me to go get her.

I kissed Gran on the cheek on my way out and began the drive over.

I've never been particularly fond of Dawn, with her usually crude and vulgar personality we didn't exactly make good buddies. But she certainly was a good waitress, and I'd give it to her that she was good to work with.

Pulling next to her car in the driveway, I wondered what in the world would make her an hour late. She didn't make a habit of tardiness, I knew that.

I knocked on the door and waited, then knocked again.

"Dawn! It's Sookie! You in there?"

I knocked harder this time.

"Dawn Greene, I know you're not skipping out on your shift!"

I was starting to get impatient, and I didn't want to call Sam empty handed, so I walked around the side of her house and peered into her bedroom window since the curtains in the living room were drawn.

The view from where I stood was not a pretty sight.

Dawn Greene was dead, of that I was sure.

I couldn't bear to look at her open eyes and the dark bruises on her neck any longer than I had to.

I called 911 immediately, forcing myself not to heave.

With a hand against the side of the house, I breathed through my nose, telling Officer Kendra that Dawn was dead.

"…she's lying face up on her bed, the sheets are tangled around her legs, and her eyes are open towards the ceiling…"

After ending the call I sorta slouched onto the grass. The green blades were prickly against my smooth skin, but I couldn't really feel it. There was a dead body on the other side of the wall I was leaning against. The dead body of a woman I've known and worked with for years.

Why?

Then my phone rang.

"I don't mean to be a bother Sookie, but do you know where Dawn is at?" Sam asked me.

"Dawn isn't coming to work, Sam." I responded somewhat monotone.

"Why? What's wrong? Sookie, are you okay?" I could hear the interest and concern coming through the speaker.

I didn't have the willpower to reciprocate, though.

"Dawn is dead," I whispered.

"WHAT? Are you at her house, Sookie?"

"Yeah."

"I'm on my way. Do you want to stay on the phone with me?"

"No."

The sun was already well down and I knew I should probably go back to my car, but I was having a hard time locating my limbs to move them.

So I stayed sitting in between the closely-knit houses that made up the small neighborhood, until Kendra arrived and pulled me to my feet.

She was a no nonsense kind of woman, figures she'd become a police officer.

I liked her bluntness when questioning me; it didn't allow me to get emotional.

Lord knows she didn't.

After looking through the window, she radioed detective Andy Bellefleur, and walked me to my car where I waited next to the hood.

Andy arrived and continued with more extensive questioning. I answered him straight. I was happy that he wasn't thinking about what he so thoughtfully termed as my "rack," for once in his life.

Sam pulled up at the same time as Mike Spencer, our parish coroner and medical examiner. Mike disappeared into the house with Kendra, and Sam rushed over to me.

"How you holdin' up, Cher?"

He hugged me close and I let him.

"I'm fine. Just trying to get over the shock, I guess."

Pulling back, he looked me over to confirm my statement, and once he was satisfied he quickly went over to converse with Andy.

Sam walked back to me and put a comforting arm around my shoulder.

He said, "I gotta stay for awhile, since I'm Dawn's boss and landlord."

Hmm. I didn't know Sam owned any property.

"Alright," I maneuvered out of the friendly embrace, "I'm fine to drive home. Andy said I could leave."

"You sure?" He eyed me warily.

"Yeah… I'm sure Sam." I really didn't want to be coddled now. "In fact, it would be really great if I could work tonight, to keep my mind off things. You're already short a waitress."

"Do you really think it's a good idea right now, Sookie?" He didn't sound convinced, but I didn't really care.

I needed to stay occupied.

"I'm going to work, Sam." I stated firmly.

Apparently that got the point across.

"Alright."

Praise Jesus, Sam hadn't said a word to anyone before he left, so I didn't have to deal with anything else other than the usual racket about vampires. And considering my night so far, I didn't really give a damn at the moment.

No one questioned the absence of my Crazy Sookie smile. Most chalked it up to a bad mood. That was fine by me. I could stay busy, hold the down the fort, and go home without any post-traumatic stress incidents. Not that I was prone to those, but it's not every day you find your coworker dead.

Of course while my plan was going along just smoothly, Vampire Bill had to walk through the front doors of Merlotte's.

Alas, he didn't bring along the beautiful blonde this time. Good. I didn't have time for his patronizing attitude tonight.

Even though, in spite of myself, I was a little irritated at the fact that I really did want a reason to see that beautiful, tall, dead man again… even if that didn't make sense.

Aside from taking his order for a True Blood, I successfully ignored him and carried on with my night as planned. I was damn proud of myself.

I was already doing such a good job not noticing the flurry of minds around me, the commotion his presence caused didn't really affect me.

I was dropping off his check, when he said,

"Where are your restrooms located?"

He asked somewhat politely, which was weird.

Actually, I thought the whole question in general was weird…. Merlotte's was a comfortable but simple bar, and it is very obvious that the only place possible for there to be restrooms is right down the hallway. Not to mention, what use would he have for a bathroom anyhow? Oh whatever, maybe I didn't want to know the answer.

Still, I knew I needed to answer the vampire, no matter how impudent he was.

"It's just down that hall and to the right," I answered him calmly.

After disappearing down the hall for a short minute, I saw his figure pass through Merlotte's entrance doors, and I felt a sense of relief now that I knew he wasn't there to hover over my every move.

I didn't need the extra anxiety of vampire eyes following me anyhow, and I'd like to say that I am handling my coworkers death quite well as it is.

Eventually the night wore on, and the new bus boy got a fit of nausea from the flu he was trying to fight off, so that only meant more work for me. The trash cans were overflowing and I knew Sam hated that, it made the bar look, no pun intended, "trashy". Normally Lafayette would assume this job, whenever anyone else was too busy, and now I considered myself too busy. I glanced into the kitchen to give him a pointed look about it, but he was nowhere to be found.

Finally realizing that it had to be emptied one way or another, I hauled two large trash bags out the back door and into the dumpster.

I wondered where Lala had snuck off to… he hardly ever slacked on the job, and was all around one of the best employees at Merlotte's.

Speaking of slacking on the job… my orders were getting backed up, and he still hadn't reappeared.

I was in between serving a bourbon and coke and a Philly cheese sandwich, when I caught Sam behind the bar.

"Where in the dickens is Lafayette?" I asked rather impatiently.

"I don't got a clue, Cher. You finish these shots for me? I oughta go back and pick up if nobody else is gonna be cooking."

Honestly, I always admired Sam for his fair treatment of the employees, and his calm temperament while working with the Bon Temp's late night bunch. But tonight I wasn't in the mood for his calm. I couldn't run the whole damn bar and Lafayette had a job to do too.

Now irritated, I hurriedly poured the shots, and huffed off to my waiting tables

No doubt my feet are gonna be sore tonight.

What a day!

The more stressed out I got, the more I could feel the control of my mental shields slipping. I knew it would be all too soon before I would need a serious break from all the thought rampage, in addition to my heavy workload.

I suppose it was my own anxiety over Dawn, Lafayette missing, and the day as a whole, that led to what happened next.

My mental shield dropped completely, just as some redneck from the nearby trailer park was asking for his third plate of pickles.

The first thing that my strange brain frequencies picked up was an urgent and terrified thought pattern.

It was Lafayette. He was steaming mad and scared as a cat underwater.

Immediately, I registered that he was in a car not far from Merlotte's back entrance, from a quick mental image. I also noticed that he was chained, and with three vampires, fangs down.

All this for the V? I'll fuckin' live in a hole for the rest of my life God, Buddha, high priest, whatever the fuck can get me away from these fuckin' fanged demons… I swear to God I hadda ever known they would be this pissed off… oh shit my head is bleeding now... I hope they don't fuckin' bite me, that's gonna hurt like a bitch! Nobody is gonna see me from this angle in the car… Where are they gonna take me? Oh fuck fuck fuck!

Oh Sweet Jesus.

Gathering the best of my thought tracking abilities, I threw down my tray and ran into Merlotte's parking lot.

I was only soon enough to see the taillights of an old maroon sedan driving away.

I knew there was no time to get Sam from storage room where he was restocking, so I knew the only option was immediate pursuit.

I ran to my little old car and stepped on the gas pedal with only one thought on my mind: I have to save Lafayette!

As the area between the two vehicles had widened marginally, I could feel myself losing a grasp on Lafayette's brain, and knowing that was the only way I could locate them, I floored it.

Eventually, I was able to follow his brainwaves about a mile or so behind.

I fervently prayed to Jesus that wherever the five of us were going, that Lala would not be seriously hurt and I could help him as soon as possible.

After about ten minutes of driving, I was still able to keep a steady target on their movement, and my adrenaline was lowering a couple notches.

And then I started to think.

The thinking brought me up short, because I had no plan… Well the plan was to save Lala, but there was no plan for that.

Gran's words about the story of the Good Samaritan oddly drifted into my mind at that moment. I realized that even though his kindness was a random action, he still must have had an idea of how to help the poor beaten up man, before he did it.

I knew Gran would always be proud of me for trying to help someone in need, but not particularly fond of the idea that I did it blindly and completely unprepared.

Okay, so maybe this is dangerous… maybe this is really really dangerous.

I'm driving to who knows where, with no means of protection, alone, to three clearly angry vampires, to save Lafayette who is obviously incapable of aiding me in his escape.

Just as I was about to think up a pleading and forgiveness speech, I neared to their car, because they were pulling up a short dirt road up to a small house. The house had an uneven roof and dark brown shudders that boarded the windows. Other than a small mat on the small concrete porch before the front door, the property looked nearly uninhabited.

I absently wondered if that's the effect that vampires have everywhere… no sense of life.

Carefully slow, I stopped before driving right up onto their driveway. Thankfully, I had forgotten to turn my lights on when I was in such a rush before, so now I didn't have to worry about them seeing me. I cut the engine and left my keys hanging in the ignition, palms sweaty.

When I opened my door I could immediately hear Lafayette wailing, even though he hadn't exited their vehicle yet. He was begging for them to let him go, saying that he'd do anything, that he'd give all the blood back.

I couldn't believe that he had gotten mixed up in dealing V, or anything like that really. And it was obvious that it's seriously bad business. But I still didn't think that he deserved to be tortured for it.

Even with all of my planned thinking about planned thinking, I was about run up to them and wing it when I received my weapon.

Two things happened at once.

A tall black woman with heels high enough to give me a nosebleed, dressed in the shortest black leather skirt I'd ever seen, and a sheer dressy shirt that was clearly made in a children's size, stepped gracefully out of the passenger's seat and turned around opening the rear door where Lafayette was stored, faster than I could blink. Her fangs were down and she looked murderous. As she dragged him out and practically threw him to the ground, I winced.

Then, almost simultaneously, I heard thoughts from another human I wasn't aware of before.

A man from inside the house was anxious about the impending evening. He was the three vampires feed and fuck buddy. He wasn't exactly afraid, more like excited to get a slightly bothersome night over with.

He wouldn't stop thinking about how, even though it was nasty and repulsive, the vampires would suck down Sino-Aids right along with his A positive blood.

I realized quickly that this was apparently very bad for them, and it was exactly the kind of ammunition that I needed.

The other two male vampires exited the car. A tall, burly, bald man wearing biker jeans and a casual t-shirt, and an even taller, and much thinner man clad in what appeared to be Italian designer clothes. Well, they definitely looked Italian, and so did he; with his just past shoulder length black hair slicked into a ponytail at the nape of his neck, and prominent nose. There was a dark glow to his eyes that made me shudder. He had the air of the leader of the group.

"Malcolm, outside or inside?" The female addressed the "Italian" vampire. She spoke in a low purr.

So it seemed I was correct. He is their leader.

"Inside of course, Diane. We want our guest to be comfortable." He replied smoothly in a rich, easy voice, as if he was discussing a restaurant for a lunch date.

At that response, the three blurred through the front door of the house, Diane dragging Lafayette with her by his chains, and Lafayette sobbing in their wake.

I was stunned at their speed, but I realized I needed to gather my wits, and fast, before the situation got any more out of control. Who knows what they were planning on doing to him.

Gathering all the courage I could muster, I walked steadily to the front door and knocked, praying silently.

Diane opened the door casually, with her arm propped up on the door frame. Just beyond her slender shoulder, I could see Lafayette encased in a series of chains and cuffs that were fastened to the wall.

Instantly, seeing him so close and shackled like a prisoner lit the fury inside me and I exploded.

"Hello, Human." Diane drawled slowly, as if appraising a fine meat.

"Just WHAT do you think you're doing? That's my friend in there! What makes you think you can chain him up like some kind of animal! He is a human being! How dare you? You have to release him! Now I know he's sold some V," and at that comment Lafayette turned his eyes towards me in surprise (obviously noting that he hadn't shared this small detail with me), "but I'm sure you can work something out. You do not need to hurt him."

"Mmm, you do smell delicious." She said, leaning closer to smell me, with a look of pleasure.

That was all that she got out of my speech?

"Do ya'll have anything on your minds other than eatin' and killin'?" I yelled, very angrily.

"Yes, a few." She responded. "You can come join if you like; I wouldn't mind a few sips of you… smells like virgin blood."

Now what in the hell?

At her last line, she opened the door as far as it would go, revealing Malcolm, the other vampire, and the young man whose mind I had read from outside. All three were lounging on a large sectional couch, adjacent to the wall Lafayette was plastered to.

Just when I was about to go to town about what I thought about "joining" them and smelling like "virgin blood," Malcolm blurred next to her, and agreed.

"Diane, always an acute sense of smell… I do believe you are right. Now human, I highly doubt you are in any kind of position of authority to be questioning vampires. But as to your questions, we are perfectly within our rights to punish this human man, for crimes against our kind. He is found guilty and must give recompense… although technically he should go to Eric first. I am well aware that he is human, this fact his has clearly proven, and I do not see how this grants him any mercy, if anything it makes him more worthless in addition to his offenses. As for working something out you say? Well yes, we do indeed have a delicious plan for that, so really no worries."

And after that entire speech, he smiled at me, fangs down.

Damn vampires. I could kill them all.

Still, a number of things bothered me in what he said. Such as….he acted like humans were meat on a stick, and how if the repercussions to them were insignificant. And Eric? As in blonde god Eric? Hmm, could I use some prior knowledge of this beautiful vampire actually in my favor? I do remember thinking that he was in some kind of position of authority over Bill… could he possibly have authority over them also?

My mind was reeling with all the details, and I realized I would have to make a decision soon. It didn't exactly look like they were about to let me leave, after having divulged all this information, and either I pull a fast one or I'd end up on the dinner menu as well. All this and poor Lafayette is still hanging on the wall!

I guess I wasn't going fast enough for them though, because one second I was standing in the door way, and the next second I'm being grabbed by cool hands and shoved down on a chair. Before I knew it I was bound in leather straps. Oh, this was bad.

This was very, very bad. Clearly they didn't want to reason with me, just like I didn't want to participate in their dinner.

I looked at Lafayette sympathetically, and he just stared at the floor. I tried to ignore his thoughts…"why the fuck did Sookie follow them"… "how the fuck did she know about the V"… now my death is gonna be on his fuckin' hands… and so on.

But all this still didn't mean I was going down without a fight.

I may be strapped to a chair, but my mouth is unstrapped.

"You vampires sicken me. Don't you have any sense of remorse or guilt? Is there any shred of humanity left in you?"

That only compelled a light snicker from the bald vampire who had otherwise not spoken a word.

Now I was grasping at straws.

Just as Malcolm was fumbling with some metal components of Lafayette's restraints, Diane, the nameless bald vampire, and the young man were engaging in a really gross threesome make-out session, with some heavy petting.

I guess vampires liked it rough.

They were obviously getting seriously turned on, and I had to force down the urge to vomit for the second time in one day.

Just as Diane's fangs were about to take a plunge into the man's neck, I remembered my ammunition from earlier. Of course! Disloyalty from their human would surely cause some kind of disruption.

"STOP! He has Sino-Aids!"

Diane abruptly halted her hand on his crotch and tightly seized his throat. Her head whipped around to look at me.

"It's in his blood!" I said frantically, as if they didn't already know that.

Then the three of them all looked at the man expectantly.

I sure wouldn't want to be in his shoes at that moment.

And even though they looked like the three most lethal vampires in the world, he had the nerve to glare at them hatefully.

"It's true!" He spat out. "And you have already been feeding from me for days, you motherfuckers should be sick for weeks!"

He was joyous and livid with this thought.

The vampires were not.

At his last statement, a low hiss, more frightening than any wild animal I'd ever heard, came from the three vampires.

"Liam, please escort Jerry to your room." Malcolm ordered to the bald vampire.

"With pleasure," Liam answered in a growl.

I watched Jerry's throat be exchanged from Diane's hand to Liam's, and surprisingly he didn't look that afraid. His thoughts were laced with an intrepid emotion, so perhaps he had been in trouble with them once before.

I didn't have much time to react though, because Diane was on me immediately, straddling my lap.

Apparently she was still turned on from her kissing with the two men, and she went both ways as well.

Disgusting!

Her cool body was pressed up against mine and her strong perfume disgusted me, as if she didn't disgust me enough already.

"What the fuck!" I exclaimed, wriggling uncomfortably, trying to shake her off me.

But she curled around my chair like a leech, and began stroking my neck and breasts through my thin cotton Merlotte's t-shirt.

"I want to thank you for exposing Jerry." She said to me, moving sensuously against me. I could feel the coolness of her exposed mid-drift skin through my clothes.

Now I was going to get raped and/or fed off of by a woman? No. THIS is NOT what I had bargained for. I had come here to save Lafayette, and he was limply hanging from chains, not even attempting to bargain us out of this.

I felt helpless for all of ten seconds, before I realized there is one thing that might still buy me some time and get a reaction.

"I'll tell Eric." I announced loud and clear, to the whole room.

That did get a better reaction than Jerry's Sino-Aids scandal had.

Malcolm zoomed over to me, from whatever he was doing before. He cocked his head at Diane, before looking back at me and asking quickly,

"You know Eric Northman?"

"I do, and he is very fond of me." I answered boldly, hoping that Eric's affection, as strange as it sounded, could possibly be the thing to save us, while praying that they couldn't tell I was lying.

"Eric? Fond of a human? Impossible." Malcolm pondered. While his words were doubtful of me, he looked uncertain.

"Ask him if you like, he also might want to know why you're not going to him first about Lafayette" I said defiantly, deliberately pulling words right from Malcolm's earlier speech.

This seemed to put him back into ticked off mode, though.

"Haha! Northman is just the meager sheriff of Area Five. It's not nearly a large enough territory to put a thorough claim on my nest. I do not answer to that Viking, his threats are empty. Besides, the appropriate penalty can obviously be carried out by other vampires," at this he gestured to Lafayette. As if that was any way appropriate! "And no doubt, Northman would most likely do him far worse. So really, I am doing your friend a favor, human girl."

Uh oh. I hadn't factored in Eric being even worse than the bad guys. I was just assuming that they would be intimidated by him. This plan, like the others, is starting to backfire.

I started to feel real, acute fear trickle into my veins as I realized I have no other plan, no last resort.

Slowly, the depth of the situation was beginning to dawn on me. If I died, Gran would be heartbroken, and Jason... Oh God. Jason would be all on his own in the world, to fend for himself. This is only if they found my body. What if the vampires just left me out here in the middle of nowhere? If I suddenly went missing, Gran and Jason would be worried sick for God knows how long. How could I do this to them?

Sure I was trying to help Lafayette, but I completely disregarded my own life without even giving it a second thought! Oh Lord, I don't want to die. I never really expected to get married, but I did always have a fantasy of having children of my own. And far off in some dreamlike world, I imagined Jason getting married and having his own little ones for me to be an aunt. Now even the possibility is out the window.

Diane had just started fingering her extended fangs and preparing to bite the junction where my shoulder meets my neck, when the most unexpected thing happened...

The front door opened and in walked none of other than Bill Compton.

"Malcolm, what are you doing with Sookie Stackhouse?" He said abruptly, in a bored but still cool tone.

How on earth does he know my last name?

"You know our new human?" Malcolm asked joyfully.

"Your new hu-" I tried to yell out, but Diane put a quick hand over my mouth and shifted slightly to look at Bill.

"Yes."

"Wonderful! Would you like to join us?" Malcolm asked, liked was offering particularly splendid hors d'oeuvres.

"You know I have not participated in nest activities for quite some time. I would like to leave with her." Bill responded icily.

Oh he did, did he? How on earth did he know I was here? Why does he even want me?

At Bill's last comment, Malcolm's expression darkened considerably… like someone was trying to steal his new favorite toy.

"Now Bill, why should we let you do that? We had her first. Let's play by the rules."

"Yes, let us. Aside from my being far superior in ranking to your rogue nest, Sookie is mine."

I'm Bill's? Oh really? This is all new news to the squirming human under Diane's icy body.

Malcolm lifted a dark eyebrow at this, and seemed to become much friendlier.

"Then why didn't you say so in the first place, Bill?" He smiled easily, and then blurred over to Diane and I, hovering over her. "Now Diane, dear, I'm afraid this is not your treat to have."

She gave a small pout and then stood, immediately strutting into a hallway and out of sight.

At her departure Bill casually strolled to my side, unbuckled the leather straps, and pulled me up from the chair by my arm, and said,

"Come along, Sweetheart," and with a wink he added, "Let's get you home."

A/N: Okay, so a lot to process huh? Please try to refrain from making assumptions about what will happen next. I've already told you I'll be writing off the beaten path, but don't assume all of the characters will be built exactly the same way either. Now, tell me what you thought!