AUTHOR'S NOTE: Contains Adult content- Be aware of what you read!!

The Princess and the Sheriff

I'm glad you're my maker
My Loyalty lies in your hands, you're my breath taker
Your body, your kiss is in unknown demand
So take command, go

The way you came at me, boo
Dont care, not afraid I'm like Wild

My moon belong to your sun

Maybe we can start over yet
Maybe we can run this town
Maybe I'll be your vampire
We can figure it out

In the morning after
The dawn is here, be gone be on your way
In the morning after

-The Morning After by Timberland

Chapter 12: Eric and Jason

Shreveport, LA

The hard sounds of Slipknot filled the night air around Fangtasia as Lennie parked. She sat on her bike staring at the club. Pulling her helmet off, she shook out her hair. Men and women watched her. Unzipping her riding coat she laid it across the front of the bike. The tight fit of her leather pants was comfortable; her black t-shirt had the slogan: I LIKE MY VAMPIRES: BLONDE, BIG AND VIKING. She'd been out in Dallas; and the shirt had caught her eye. It had made her laugh. Tonight was the first night she'd worn it. The clothes helped her feel more like herself. Her heeled boots made her four inches taller and put a sway in her hips. She was here to talk to Eric. And she really wasn't looking forward to it.

The outfit was one of her favorites. It made her feel badass and totally sexy. It reminded her of the fact that she was tough; she was strong and she was powerful. The effect that Jason had on her still hung in her mind. But so did Godric's words. She wasn't young; and she could control her self.

Eric was Sheriff here, but she was Lennox. She was not going to be knocked back by anything; not tonight.

Swinging off the bike; she put the keys in her coat pocket and carried in over her shoulder. She headed toward the door. The bouncer let her through; she paused at the entrance. The club interior wasn't what she had thought it might be. Red walls were accented with black, framed pictures decorated the walls between the neon slogans on the wall. There was a bar to the right; it was crowded with people. Others danced on the floor; vampires danced on platforms. They twisted, spun, and blurred as they moved.

Lennie threaded her way through the crowd. It wasn't hard to find Eric; he sat on a raised platform; sitting in a large throne-like chair draped with fur. He was playing a hand-held game of some kind. Standing next to him was his progeny Pam. Lennie had met her a few times.

It was Pam who noticed her first; she whispered to Eric. He looked over. Lennie saw him blur across the room, so she expected him as he appeared in front of her. He eyed her t-shirt, a smile played along his lips, but didn't reach his eyes.

"You're here to talk," He said coolly

"I am," Lennie told him firmly.

Eric closed the door to his off. He watched her a few minutes. "I like the shirt, for my benefit I take it?"

She nodded, "It minded me of you."

He tipped his head, "I should think so. Unless…you know more then one blonde Viking who's a vampire."

She shook her head. His welcoming nature wasn't what she had expected. "I should have told you," She said pointedly, still bracing for anger.

He walked around her to sit at his desk; feet propping up on the top of it. "It would have been nice."

She frowned, "You're not mad?"

"I was, at first." He said coolly, "I was furious. But after I thought about it; I realized you were trying to protect me. I knew that you would not have kept it from me unless you had your reasons. Had you told me last night; I would have insisted you let me handle it. I would have taken it out of your control."

Lennie nodded, "Yes, you would have."

"Then I thought: Who better to protect me, then you? No one will look to me when the smoke clears. I will have plausible deniability."

She arched a brow, "Really?"

"You're fierce, Lennie. And you're not political. You can take out who ever this person and it won't cause backlash. Had I taken it out of your control, I would have locked myself into a no-win situation."

"So, you want me to look into it?"

He nodded, "And I want you to clean house. When you find who it is; tear them apart and burn down their network."

Lennie crossed her arms around her jacket, "Is this an order as Sheriff or as my brother?"

"Both; but mostly as Sheriff." He said, "Don't hold back when you find them. Where there is one; there is usually two or more. Find them all. Take all of them out."

"Even if it cripples your business?" She asked

He waved her off, "I can handle the business end. I've always had back-up plans for that."

She nodded slowly, "So you'll let me look at your businesses?"

"No, I won't. But we do have other ways." He watched her steadily, "I've already made contact with Alcide. He's not happy; but he will talk to you."

"I could have done it," She said sharply.

He waved her off again, "No matter; the result is the same."

"Eric," Lennie paused, trying to find the right words. "Don't think that after this is done, you can call me again. You are Sheriff here, but you are not my Sheriff. Is that clear?"

He arched a blonde brow at her, "You are in my lands."

"As you pointed out, I am not political. I have no allegiances to anyone except Godric." Lennie watched him as he considered. "I do this for you because I love you; because you my brother and because our Maker wants it. I don't do this because you hold authority over me."

He nodded, "I hear you. First, let's clear this matter out of the way."

Lennie nodded.

"Now," He stood up, blurring in front of her, "Have you fed yet?"

She smiled, reading the expression in his eyes, "No, what you got planned?"

He grinned at her, his fangs snapped down. "Come on."

**

Lennie was at peace as she raced toward Bon Temps. Eric had truly forgiven her for her secrecy. He'd made that clear not only his words to her but in what he'd presented for her to feed off. She was vampire and she was not all good. The blood of a virgin has always tasted cleaner then any other. The girl had been willing; but she wasn't a pincushion. Sharing her with Eric had been like old times. It reminded her of their hey-days when then used to raid churches. Those had been wonderful days. She felt more like her old self then ever. Her blood was buzzing with vitality; her mind was calm and clear. She felt relaxed and completely joyous.

Opening the throttle on the bike she let it speed toward the small town. Now to move on to the next problem she had. Jason Stackhouse.

Merlotte's bar was busy tonight. Lennie walked in and found Jason with Hoyt and Jessica. They were standing in a group of men; they all wore the same shirts. She recognized them as work uniforms. He was hanging out with buddies from work. Lennie shrugged off her jacket. Eric had insisted on keeping her shirt; he'd given her one of Pam's. The black sleeveless corset laced up the front and sides; and with her ample chest, it was incredibly sexy. Her chest was pushed up and threatened to spill over; somehow though it managed to stay with in the confines of the material. Eric had had way too much fun lacing her in to it.

Yes, they'd made love before she'd left. He'd been vigorous and wonderful. Just like they had during their younger days. Lennie was assured of the fact that he was not mad at her. Eric would not have made such passionate love to her if he was angry. He was the kind to storm out and give you the silent treatment if he was mad.

Hoyt looked over and his jaw dropped. Jessica turned; her eyes widened, smiled approvingly. Hoyt punched Jason on the arm; making his friend turn round. Jason's expression was priceless. She ended up laughing as she crossed the floor. She moved up to him; her coat over one shoulder. She felt the whole bar watching and this time she enjoyed it.

"Hello," Lennie smiled at him, "Sorry I'm late."

Jason swallowed a few times, "Ah, no, that's okay." His gaze washed over her a few times. "This is…" he stumbled, "You look…"

She leaned in, putting one around his neck, "I know."

The scent of him bloomed through her senses. She felt that wildness wake her and welcomed it. She could control herself. Lennie knew that her eyes shone like emerald fire. Her shine glowed with energy. She was feeling incredibly powerful tonight.

His arms wrapped around her middle; his eyes shone with interest. "So, want to get out of here?"

She softly chuckled, "Not, yet." Glancing over at Hoyt and Jessica she smiled, "Hello again."

They both nodded. Jessica's eyes said she had questions. Lennie looked back to Jason. "Did I interrupt your game?" Her voice was innocent, questioning.

"What game?" Jason said, his tone a touch raspy.

Hoyt punched him again, nodding to the dart board on the wall.

"Oh, that game." Jason stepped away from her; his hands running over her hips. "I should probably finish."

Lennie nodded, stepping over to sit with Jessica. The men around Jason and throughout the bar were watching her.

"You look…" Jessica searched for the word, "Wild."

"I feel even better." Lennie leaned over, "Eric is a wonderful teacher. You should talk to him."

The vampire shook her head, "Bill won't let me. He hates Eric."

Lennie knew then that she would be handling Mr. Bill Compton soon. "I'll talk to him. I can be quite convicing."

Jessica's brows raised, "He won't like it."

"Too bad," Lennie stood up, her jacket draped over the seat of her chair. "A vampire deserves to know the full extent of this life. It's the job of a Maker to teach them." Lennie grabbed her hand, "Come on, I want to dance."

Jessica followed her to the jukebox. Lennie saw the song she wanted. It started to play. Redneck Woman by Gretchen Wilson blared out into the bar.

Lennie kept hold of Jessica's hand as she started to dance. "How country are you?"

"Why?"

Lennie winked at her, "Come on."

Lennie grabbed her, pulling her in close and started to two-step around the small floor. The dance morphed into a quick-step. Lennie led the baby vamp easily. Jessica was startled when her feet picked up the steps and she found herself dancing. They both moved with complete grace and agility.

"I could never dance before!" Jessica exclaimed

"You can do a hell of a lot now." Lennie spun her out and brought her back.

The crowd had started clapping and cowboy boots thumped along the floor. Men and women stood up from their tables; moving them to the sides. Soon couples were on the floor, dancing with Lennie and Jessica.

The music continued to be suited to dancing and Lennie found herself dancing with Jason. His arms around her waist; a big grin on his face. He was surprisingly adept at moving around the dance floor. He spun her around several times before they did a series of fast steps. He never lost the rhythm and Lennie was having a blast.

Lennie followed Jason out of the bar; he shocked her by pulling her in and kissing her. It wasn't the shy kiss from last night. This was delivered by a man who was confident, he was assured, and he knew what he was doing.

Granted he wasn't Eric; but for a human, he was impressive. Lennie found herself pressed up against the side of his truck. His arms tight around her. The heat of his skin burned near fever hot against her body. His hands moved quickly over her top; the strings loosened.

She pulled back just enough to speak, "This isn't the place."

"I don't care," He whispered.

She laughed; he was nothing if not aggressive when he wanted something.

Lennie felt her fangs snap down; as he kissed lower things. She ran her hands through his hair; it was warm and thick against her cold hands.

The sudden chiming of her phone startled them both. She'd forgotten about it in her hip pocket. Jason lifted his head from her chest; frowning. She took it out and was surprised to see the name on the caller ID.

"Jason, I have to take this." She gently pushed him back and stepped away from him. She didn't care that she was topless or braless. "Hello?" She answered.

"This is Alcide," The deep, rough voice told her. He was not happy. "Eric told me to contact you."

Lennie lost her good mood; she was thrown into business mode. "Yes, we need to meet. Tonight, if possible. Did he tell you why?"

"Yeah," Lennie heard paper rustle, "Where are you?"

"Bon Temps, at the moment. But I can be back in Shreveport shortly. Where do you want to meet?"

"My office," He told her flatly.

"I'll be there." Lennie ended the call and crossed back to Jason. He was leaning up against his truck; hair messed. "I have to leave," She told him softly, "Sorry. It's business."

"Eric businesss?" He asked coolly

"Sort of," She nodded. She picked up her top from the ground and stared at it. It would take too long to put back on. "Can I have your t-shirt?"

He gave her a look, "Now you want me to strip? You're a cruel tease, you know that?" His tone was playful despite the look on his face.

"I know." She leaned into him; she kissed him. "I'll make it up to you."

His arms went around her, "Oh really?" His kissed her neck, "I like that idea."

She laughed gently, "But only if I leave now. The longer I keep this meeting on hold, the longer it will take before I do that."

He sighed, moving back. He pulled his shirt off. Lennie admired the muscled plane of his upper body. He appreciated the look.

Lennie shrugged on his shirt and kissed him again. "Thanks, Jason."

He shrugged, "Sure."

They went back to the bar. No one missed that he was shirtless.

"That is my work shirt, he told her. I'll need it back soon."

She smiled at him, grabbing her jacket from the chair. "Count on it." She kissed him again. "I'll call you tomorrow."

Jessica waved, Lennie returned it as she left the bar. She heard the comments his friends made. Jason told them to shut up; it made her smile.

Shrugging on her jacket; she zipped it up and started the bike. She paused, turning her head. Jessica appeared in front of her.

"Will you talk to Bill for me?" She asked, her blue eyes were bright.

"Yes," Lennie nodded, "I will talk to him soon." And she would finally get that man out of her brother's way.

"Thanks," Jessica blurred back into the bar.

Lennie pulled on her helmet and sped out of the lot. She focused on the meeting with Alcide.