Fair Game

by TMSescritura

Sookie Stackhouse is not very impressed with the vampire that recently moved into town. Bill Compton has Sookie thinking that vampires are overrated, until she meets a tall blond vampire that is nothing like Vampire Bill. A/U

3. Chaperone

Hi, I really have not forgotten you all. I've been away because my back has been giving me hell again. For a couple of months I could not sit at all and could barely stand. I had an MRI in September and my back is messed up every which way. It's still hurting and some of the problems with my back will never go away but since my second epidural, I can move around a little more.

Enough with the downer crap. You're here to read about vampires, werewolves and fairies -oh my!

Reminder: Charlaine Harris is the creator of Sookie's world. I'm just playing with it.

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(3) Chaperone

Things quieted down quite a bit as winter came closer. I missed and loved my sun bathing, but I loved long nights with Eric more. The movie rental shop had a tanning bed, so I could at least keep a tan throughout winter even if it was from artificial means. Since winter was coming on, I wore the cold weather waitress outfit; black slacks with a white, long sleeve shirt that had the Merlotte's logo on it, along with black sneakers.

I was having a lousy day when I headed off to work. I had thought that I'd have a little money left in my savings account after paying my taxes and taking care of a relatively small home project. The small home improvement was completed first with some of that money; I had been saving up for it, so having the Dallas funds just helped me push it ahead a bit. Then, the taxes took most of the money that I had earned in Dallas. After that, my car picked this time in my life to need a new carburetor; which I had fixed yesterday and finished off the last of what I was hoping to hold on to. Had I realized that I was going to have that expense, I would not have had the back porch screened in. Although, it really did cut down on the number of moths and mosquitoes that made it into the house and protected the washer and drier form the elements.

I didn't say anything to Eric about those problems, because I was afraid of what he might do. I knew that he had the money to pay for that stuff, but I was not looking for handouts. Nor would I have been able to afford any contractor or repair person that he would have hired. Eric was very observant though; he noticed the sudden appearance of screening around the porch and the new screen door, as well as the change in how the car ran. I did what I could if I knew how; or had it done if I didn't know how and could afford it. I simply got it done without whining to Eric for help.

I figured that with my luck, and the predictions for this winter, I'd end up using most of what was left of my money cleaning up after an ice storm or some such thing. The only problem was that the money was already gone. Owning a house was expensive; I didn't appreciate just how well Gran managed when she was here.

Simply because I was in the mood to be in a foul state of mind; I drove by Belle Rive as I headed for work. Belle Rive was the Bellefleur mansion that Andy, Portia and their grandmother Caroline Holiday Bellefleur all lived in. It had fallen into disrepair since the family no longer had the money that it once did. Only, now they had money once again. Rumor had it that some distant relative in Europe had died and left a bunch of money to Caroline Bellefleur and her descendants. I knew it wasn't very christianly, but I couldn't help but feel that they didn't deserve it.

My drive-by confirmed the rumors; Belle Rive was having a lot of work done. There were trucks and vans from several contractors working both inside and outside the house. Soon, the mansion would be restored and would look the way that it once did.

I was feeling a bit jealous and thought of why no one seemed to know who the mysterious benefactor was. A few thoughts filtered through my brain that made me feel a little better; the hoity toity Bellefleur's were related to a career criminal who'd earned his money in every dishonest way possible. No, they were related to someone who was openly pro-vampire rights so they didn't want the town to know. Even better, the benefactor was a finally deceased vampire! That last thought made me giggle; they'd all have a shit fit if they thought that any ancestor of theirs was a vampire.

My imaginings didn't help lift my mood for too long. The Bellefleurs' might not have had to worry about money any longer, but I did. Every penny I'd earned in Dallas was gone, as was the little extra that I'd saved up before that. I was all too aware of how much I needed my job when I finally walked inside the bar.

People came into Merlotte's for anything warm such as coffee, mulled cider, or hot chocolate. Merlotte's didn't have a cappuccino machine, so there weren't any fancy drinks of that kind. Most people that didn't drink hot drinks to warm up went for beer and liquor instead.

It was the middle of the week, but Merlotte's had a lot of business. This time of year, the sun sets early. Not many people want to hang around outside after dark, so they come to Merlotte's to extend the day and share some gossip.

One topic that came up was Bill. He hadn't been into Merlotte's in nearly two weeks. Not that he'd come every day, but he did come a few times a week to socialize. And, I think, to watch over me on Eric's orders since Eric lived all the way over in Shreveport. I hadn't thought on it much though, since Eric had been around lately and a vampire named Bubba seemed taken with me.

Bubba was a special case. The man was quick physically and had vampire senses, but he was a bit addled in the brain. Rumor had it that he'd been turned while near death from an overdose of drugs and that his turning into a vampire did not go as it should. So nowadays, the once famous musician went by the name of Bubba; saying his real, human name, could cause problems. When Bubba is happy he is a right fine gentleman. Though I was a bit worried when I heard Eric tell him that under no circumstances may he feed off of my cat! Um, yeah, Bubba preferred little furry things to feed on as opposed to humans; part of his problem in changing, I guess.

The late musician now known as Bubba did not come into the bar and grill while I worked; he was too recognizable. Bubba would follow me to work and then stay hidden in the trees that surrounded Merlotte's. He was so good at hiding that my only way of knowing that he was nearby most times was by sensing the void that my mind detected whenever a vampire was near.

Tonight, Bubba would be watching from the woods not long after I began my shift since Eric was in Shreveport. Eric knew that I didn't want to be coddled and overprotected, especially when there was no current danger, but darn if he didn't want me to have an escort all the time.

This was something else that we would fight over. Since Eric was a vampire with some influence and authority, and I was known as a vampire sympathizer to Fellowship of the Sun; there was always the possibility that I would be targeted by humans. And humans could attack during the day. At one point, Eric wanted to hire someone to follow my every movement during the day. I was able to get him to back off on that thought; until tonight apparently.

Not more than twenty minutes into my shift Alcide Herveaux entered the bar. Eric was going to have Alcide watch over me until René aka Drew was caught, but Eric caught up with the murderer first. Then, after the whole thing with Dallas and the Fellowship of the Sun, Eric wanted to hire Mr. Herveaux to be my bodyguard during the day. I made a case for why the Fellowship would not come after me and in the end it was decided that as long as there was no apparent danger from humans Eric would not force the issue. So it was a bit of a surprise to see who Lafayette was scoping out when he commented, "Either that there man candy is straight or taken, 'cause hotness like that just don't come lookin' for the Laffy."

I turned to see the patron whom Lafayette described. My mental shields were up while I was working, or I would have noticed his mental signature right away; his was kind of like Sam's brain pattern. Eric told me that Mr. Herveaux is a werewolf. I guessed if anyone was, he would fit the mold well enough. The guy was huge like a football player; all muscle. And he had lots of gorgeous hair on top of that head that was so high up. I could not say much for his personality though, as we'd only met once before. I walked over to the werewolf and inquired, "Can I get you anything Mr. Herveaux?"

The werewolf replied, "It is a pleasure to see you again Ms. Stackhouse... Alcide, please. And a cola."

I responded, "One cola it is. And please, call me Sookie. "Ms. Stackhouse" was my grandmother. I'll be right back with your cola." His drink request was filled and I returned to the table. "Would you like anything else? I can give you a few more minutes to look at the menu if you'd like."

Alcide said, "I hear that the Burgers Lafayette are the best burgers in the area, so I've got to try them."

I finished writing down the order and then tended to my other tables while Alcide's food cooked. When his order was up, I took up the plate and sat it on the table in front of him. "You drove from Shreveport just to try Burgers Lafayette?"

Alcide responded, "I have met with some people that live out this way and they have mentioned the burgers."

"And Eric has nothing to do with your being here?"

"He mentioned that you highly recommend them."

I gave him a stare. "Did he mention that today was a good day to try them too?"

"He did." Alcide saw my expression and indicated that I was welcome to sit with him if I wished.

I did a quick check of my tables before sitting at the table with him; then spoke, "So what's this all about?"

Alcide shrugged, "The vampire wants me to watch you during the day." I gave him my best, "tell me something that I don't know" look. My guard told me, "He didn't tell me much which likely means that it involves more vampires and not any of my people. First, my people do not know who you are. Second, the vampire would have been more..." He searched for the words that he would use and settled, "I'm sure you have noticed that we're not exactly friends. If any of my people were involved in some plot against you..."

I already knew that Eric was not overly fond of Alcide. Vampires and werewolves tended to have love hate relationships; often with the emphasis on the latter. I also knew, from conversations with Eric, that this particular werewolf was deemed more trustworthy than most. Not that Eric would trust his undead life to the guy, but he didn't feel that Alcide would share information that would get a human killed even if that human was a vampire sympathizer. I still felt that there was more to the Eric/Alcide, vampire/werewolf dynamic than I was aware but at least I wasn't totally blind thinking that they were best buds. Then again, I could read Alcide's emotional state pretty well even if his head was a red snarl; difficult to read. So I knew some of the reasons for Eric choosing Alcide, but that didn't tell me anything from the other side. I inquired, "I know you two don't reckon well with each other. Why do you work for him?"

"I don't. I am repaying a debt." As he said this his jumble of emotions was a bit odd. If I didn't know any better, I'd think that he wanted this gig to be a regular thing. Next he added, "Too bad I didn't meet you first; vampires are notorious for their currency of "favors"."

"Tell me about it." I looked at him. "The night I met him, Eric did a favor for me that I didn't ask for."

"So you already know how it is." Alcide looked apologetic.

Before he could say more I interrupted, "It's not like that, really. I better tend to my other tables. Don't feel bad for me because I'm with a vampire; I chose him."

I walked off to tend to my other patrons and believe I did fairly well even if I was a bit off my game; I was thinking about all that I'd learned from the werewolf both verbally and non-verbally. He clearly thought that I was hot, something about me working here confused him; maybe he thought that a vampire's human wasn't supposed to work? He felt bad for me because I was involved with vampires; he had a dim view of them in general. He also, very clearly did not believe that I truly chose Eric based on his reaction as I left the table.

Not a whole lot of time passed before Sam signaled me to come over to him. I followed him over to the office where he closed the door. He looked at me for a moment as if not sure where to start. Then words came out, "what has that vampire got you involved in that you need the likes of him here?" Sam had gestured toward the general area on the other side of the door; he was referring to Alcide.

I was irritated. "I don't know what your problem is with Alcide and at the moment I don't care, it's not my problem. That is for you to deal with, not me. As for why he's here; I couldn't tell you. Something must be up, I'll ask Eric when I we talk next."

Sam indicated the general location of Alcide once more. "Do you know what he is?"

"Yes, Sam, I do." I looked at him and set him straight, "I don't care if he is a werewolf. And I don't see why someone with so much in common with him should be bothered by it."

My boss was frustrated, he informed me, "Werewolves are nothing like Shifters; they are more like vampires with how they use and discard humans. Werewolves are evil, vicious, predators Sookie."

"I don't know about all werewolves, 'cause I've only met the one so far but I don't have a problem with him." I looked at Sam and said, "If he was plotting something evil, I'd know." Sam looked at me and I explained. "I can read him about the same as I can you; I don't know his exact thoughts but I know what he's feeling. Sam, what he is feeling does not fit in with your description of an evil werewolf."

"I just can't help but think that you're going to get hurt or worse..." He didn't finish, I knew that he thought I was in constant danger so long as Eric was in my life. I think he kept expecting that Eric would drain me dry. Sam might have been misguided, but he was my closest friend for years and he was trying to still look out for me. I gave him a hug and tried to let him know that I would be fine when I heard Sam finish the thought in his head, "all because I didn't say something sooner. I should be the one..." I broke off the hug and quickly left the office to resume working.

I hurried to my neglected tables to set things straight and settled back to a more comfortable pace once that was done. My shift was not even half over when Eric walked into the building.

The vampire watched me as I dropped off some food at one table and took an order from another. Then, his eyes followed me as I walked toward him. I gave him a kiss "hello" which I was certain was chaster than he'd have liked, but I was working and we were in public. After our brief greeting, I dropped my order off at the hatch and picked up one that was ready. By the time I turned around, Eric was sitting opposite Alcide.

Naturally, Merlotte's had an influx of people and I was not able to speak with Eric and Alcide for more than a few seconds let alone eavesdrop. I grew more worried when I saw Sam join them for several minutes despite that he too was harried from the influx of customers.

At the end of the night, the place was much messier than normal since we were too busy to clean as closing neared. It took me much longer than normal to prep my station for tomorrow and have my tables ready for Terry to come and clean later in the morning.

Since Alcide hadn't left, I figured we were going to all have a powwow once all the human workers were gone; except for me of course. Not thirty seconds after the last waitress started up her car outside, Eric called a meeting as if he owned the place. That didn't sit too well with Sam but he let it slide.

As if speaking to someone in the room, Eric simply said "Bubba" and the once handsome singer came inside from a back door. Looking at him now, one can see that he was once a real looker. The problem is whatever went on with him at the end of his life distorted his natural features. Not that he's bad looking now, but when he was in his prime he was so much more attractive.

The former singer greeted me with his usual, "Ms. Sookie." Then he turned his attention to Eric after greeting the dual natured beings more civilly than Eric ever has. Sam and Alcide were both shocked. Whether it was from seeing the undead singing sensation in the flesh, or that his southern manners extended to them even now, I'll never now; maybe it was both.

Eric commanded Bubba to tell us what happened earlier this evening. Without me knowing it, a werewolf tried gaining access to my home tonight. The werewolf was taken care of, aka killed, and then Bubba reported it while he scoured my land for more incursions.

The vampire next told us, "I found his vehicle. The license plates were Mississippi. He had rope, duct tape and gags. Based on that and the chloroform found on his body, I do believe that he'd intended to take you hostage, Miss Sookie."

Okay, now I was confused and angry. I should have been scared, but that feeling would likely penetrate latter. I asked, "Why would a werewolf want to kidnap me? Alcide is the only one that knows me!" All eyes turn toward him for a moment. I cry out in frustration, "Ugh! I know Alcide didn't betray me. I might not read his thoughts clearly, but I can read his emotions." I think for a moment and then I'm almost afraid to ask. Perhaps he got drunk with some buddies and let information about me slip. I don't want to accuse him of anything, but I need to know. My mouth starts to open, but I'm cut off abruptly.

"I believe the person to blame here is William Compton." I waited to hear more from Eric. Eric explained, "Compton is in Mississippi. I know not where in the state, but I have scouts out looking."

Bill Compton was trying to kidnap me? With disbelief I shared, "I can't believe that he is so obsessed with me."

Eric practically snarled, "He is obsessed with you, yes. But he wouldn't want you to come to harm. The queen would eat him alive; what I left of him anyway. Compton may have been tortured to learn of the queen's plan. If so, he may have betrayed you that way. Compton is a young vampire and I doubt that he has staying power against many of the methods employed."

My eyes go wide; I could have who-knows-what kind of supernatural creatures coming after me. I looked at Eric, "Mississippi? What makes you think he's there?"

Eric told me, "He was tracked to that state." He answered my next question before I could voice it, "Some areas are protected. For example, he could be staying in a human residence; a vampire would need an invitation. I suspect his location, and I will be leaving tomorrow shortly after sunset to investigate on my own." He looked at me, "We do not know for certain what information about you has been given. Alcide will watch over you while I'm gone, Bubba too."

I shake my head, thinking. The would-be kidnapper had my description; small and blond, and the general location of my home; across the cemetery from Bill's. They probably don't know what I look like; I'm not the only short blond in town. I say to Eric, "I can help you. I'm human; I can go places that you can't."

In a chorus all the males answer back, "No."

My eyes narrowed. "Eric, that werewolf had my name and address. I won't just sit at home, like bait, while more come for me."

Eric looked at me, "That is why I came here. They will keep you safe until I can return."

I held my ground, "What if more come and then they're outnumbered? How many can they handle at a time? If wolves keep not returning, don't you think more would come to check it out?" I hastily added, "And don't tell me that you'll be back before it gets to that, we both know that wouldn't be a guarantee. Besides, based on the information the guy had, I bet he didn't know what I look like. If even just one person comes for me and goes back with a description, they won't have to wait for me at home 'cause they'll know what to look for."

Sam offered, "You can stay with me."

Alcide added, "I've gotta place in Shreveport."

Eric growled. I looked up at him. "I'd probably be safer in Mississippi. No one there knows me. I'll be able to listen to the humans. I might find out something for you that way."

"No. I have to go and you cannot go with me." Eric looks at me with hungry, longing eyes.

I peg him with my eyes, "I cannot go with you? Or, you will not let me? 'Cause I've gotta break it to ya, humans have rights and I can do whatever I please."

The expression on his face makes my gulp reluctantly. I think he's seriously debating something and I have the feeling that he's thinking; shall I go caveman on her? Show her not to piss off a vampire. Or, Shall I try to act that her freedom is important? Show her that I am an evolved vampire.

After some long moments Eric says to me, "You are not to reveal yourself to anyone. Not even a human is to know you where you are from. If you hear something, tell me as soon as you see me in private. Never forget that most supernaturals have far better hearing that humans. And do not, under any circumstance, go in to rescue Bill should you uncover his location. Should you locate him, leave the extraction to me."

Eric picked up a phone and dials, "Pack your things. You're going with Sookie to Mississippi. Oh and, pack some tasteful clothes too. If you are lacking, you may acquire what's needed. Sookie has a card; she'll sign for whatever it is you may need." He hung up and looked at Sam. "Will you need assistance finding a cook for a few days?"

Sam answered, "I'll manage."

Alcide scoffed, "A human? I have to baby-sit a human now?"

Eric snarled, "You'll do what I ask if you want your marker cleared."

"Hey!" I screeched at Alcide. I'm not sure what else to say to that human comment. I might not be a normal human, but I am human. I inquired of Eric, "Did you just call Lafayette?"

Eric answered with an even tone, "You'll not be traveling alone with him." Eric glared at Alcide.

My hand flew to my mouth in astonishment. "Eric! I'm with you and I only want you. Alcide knows that too. We hardly need a chaperone. Wait, why exactly would we need a chaperone? Aren't we going together?"

Eric's hand gently caressed my locks, "I will not risk it." He told me, "I will not be going to Mississippi as a Sheriff of Louisiana. If I did, it could be interpreted as a threat. Should I become exposed, I can deal with it. But I don't want them coming after you because they saw us together."

The next morning, I woke up and realized that I'd need to do something about the mail, my plants and my cat while I was away. I'd call Jason, but he's only good with certain things, household chores ain't one of them. We'd have stayed in Sam's trailer, but Eric was opposed. Alcide's place was also a "no." Lafayette's would have been fine, if there were more space. But no, we're a short distance from Bon Temps in the only hotel remotely nearby.

Eric packed a bag for me back at my place and brought it to the hotel while I was sleeping. He left a note on top of the bag.

Sookie,

Inside you should find clothing and toiletry items needed for a few days. You will need some elegant wear, use the black card with your name on it for your gowns and anything that you need. I have told Lafayette, that you will sign for whatever items he may be in need of as well.

Do not worry about your home. The structure will be looked after, plants tended. I arranged to have your mail held for a week as I would prefer that your doors remain secure and only a vampire has a key. The hold on mail delivery will take affect beginning tomorrow; Sam will pick it up for you today.

Above all, be careful. I will be most displeased should anything befall you.

Yours,

Eric

The rest of my day was relatively boring. Eric didn't want me and Laffy to get up and leave Merlotte's starting on the same day as it'd be too easy to connect. So, Alcide and I waited for Lafayette to finish working before he "got sick."

Although Sam was supposed to stay with us as chaperone until Laffy got off, he only stayed with us for a little bit longer than his usual lunch break. When he stopped by, Sam brought some food for us and dropped off my mail. There was a slip of paper saying that I needed to sign for a package; I could go to the post office to claim it or I could sign for it the next day. Now how would that work since delivery is being suspended starting tomorrow?

I say to Alcide, "Do you think we could drop by the post office before we head out? It's not like we told everyone that I was leaving early in the morning or anything." I waved my notice in my hand. I have no idea what it is, but I wanted to know before Laffy showed and we had to depart.

Alcide and I hopped into his supped up Dodge Ram and headed for the post office. I'd known the employee for some time now, but she's a stickler for rules. I got my package only after I produced my license for her to look at (I know she read my weight on the card because I heard her thoughts on that) and then sign. The rectangular box wasn't huge; in fact it was rather small, about the size of some hard cover books.

Once back inside the truck, I pulled on a tab to open it and found three items inside; a CD inside a jewel case, a short letter, and a silver box with outlet like surfaces on it. I pulled out the letter and left the rest inside.

Ms. Stackhouse,

I know that I am the last vampire with whom you wish to hear from and I offer my most sincere apologies. I really only wanted to protect you.

Inside the package are a hard drive and a back-up disk of some importance. I have told no one that I sent them to you; no one is to be trusted. If Eric should prove dishonorable and you cannot extricate yourself any other way, get him to exchange your release for my work. I'd rather him not have control of it, but some sacrifices are worthwhile.

The last sentence was crossed out, but I could still read it. I kept reading:

If, somehow, it gets out that this in your possession, give it to Eric immediately.

It looked like he wanted to write something else, but was in a hurry or got interrupted. It ended with a formal closing, his name and title.

Alcide had glanced over while I was reading. I didn't know for sure if he saw the contents of the package or not as he asked, "Anything important?"

I honestly answered, "Maybe." It must be important to some people and not just vampire Bill. I felt his curiosity. My mail is none of Alcide's business, but saying that or acting that way would have made it seem more important.

Alcide asked, "I thought I saw a hard drive when you opened that up; any chance that has to do with what is going on?"

I told him, "I don't see how." Then I think; if people are coming after me because Vampire Bill had to involve me in his vampire crap I'm gonna give him a what for if I ever see the idiot again. Next, I misdirect him with the truth. "My cousin Hadly disappeared a few years ago. I've always wondered where she was and if she was okay." I tacked on, "Not that we were close when she vanished. But, we used to be." I sighed.

The wolf appeared to have taken the bait. He seemed to think that my items were from, or at least regarding, my cousin. He tentatively asked me, "Was she kidnapped?"

I informed him, "If she was, they were some determined 'nappers." He glanced sideways and I explained, "She vanished right out of rehab."

He guessed, "But now you know what happened when she left."

Not a word more is said on the subject. I didn't know the werewolf well enough to trust him with everything and the fewer people that knew the better. I felt bad, lying to him like this, but it was what it was. I let him believe that I now had the answers I'd been wanting for all this time.

We went back to the hotel and by the time we were packed our travel mate had joined us. Lafayette scowled when he was sent to the back seat full of tools. "Ain't you people supposed to be keepin' these here things in the bed of the truck?"

Alcide was not bothered at all, "Bigger equipment gets hauled in the back. Small stuff that can fly out stays inside the cab. I will not make the lady sit back there and you will not be driving. So get comfortable."

I turn to Laffy. "We'll take turns."

Alcide said nothing, but his actions said it all. The trip was long; we had to stop for gas twice to get Jackson. The first stop wasn't too long after we left but Laffy and I changed seats anyway. Not even ten minutes later, Alcide had us stop at a diner for dinner. Laffy and I switched again and I fell asleep while we were on the road. I woke once more when Alcide stopped to get more gas. Laffy and I changed seats, but less than twenty minutes later we were eating breakfast at a Cracker Barrel. For all the hours we spent on the road, I don't think Lafayette spent more than forty minutes in the more spacious part of the truck.

Once we arrived in Jackson, we headed for an apartment building with a garage. We passed a booth with a security guard on duty and parked. Alcide told us that he was on the fifth floor and that each floor had four apartments.

He told us that it's normally pretty quiet here. One set of his neighbors are only here while on vacation during the warmer months, another apartment has an elderly lady with her helper, the next is empty (last he knew, he hadn't been here in a while), and his was the last one in the hall.

The apartment appeared spacious with a large dinning/living room area. The kitchen didn't have any full walls which made the place seem even larger. Alcide explained that he'd offer me the larger room but it's the only one of the two bedrooms that had a phone and that he had business calls to tend to. Alcide told Lafayette that he could sleep on the sofa which would pull out into a bed.

After a brief introduction to the apartment we were all ready to sleep. I wouldn't need much since I did sleep in the truck, but I hadn't slept well; neither had Laffy. And Alcide hadn't slept at all.

Alcide gave us some information about later today and said that he might not be here when we woke. He strongly suggested that Lafayette tone down his... whatever you call that aura he created by dressing and swaggering the way he normally did. Then, Alcide dropped a small bomb by saying that his sister Janice thought that I was his new girlfriend. After a stare down, Alcide told me that his sister didn't know just how bad things had gotten with their father. Also, if she believed our cover story others would too.

When my head hit the pillow I wondered how we'd explain having a third with us all of the time. But I was too tired for that thought to keep me up.

When I did wake, Lafayette was up and moving about. I found the key that Alcide had left for me and then Laffy and I headed out for the day.

We got a few things done. The first was filling our stomachs. We'd found a diner just down the block. Next, we went to a boutique and were recommended some new threads by the shifter that worked there. Alcide had called and explained that he was taking me out to Club Dead. He'd also said that the luggage with my gowns got lost, so I needed something quick. The clerk seemed to think it odd that I was with this human, but said nothing other than recommending to him some outfits if he really wished to get around in these parts. She explained, not too subtly, that the gays around these parts were snobs and very well dressed. The gay vampires were always well dressed, so unless he wanted to attract the living only perhaps he should keep dressing like he walked straight out from a nineteen eighties, Elton John video and try another town. Lafayette took those as fighting words and looked at her stuff. What she recommended was masculine and sleek, but designed well enough that one could appreciate the manly physique underneath. Lafayette looked good in the outfits he tried on and if did swing my way, I'd be in trouble... if I hadn't met Eric. The clerk raised a brow when I used my black card to pay for Laffy's items as well as my own. I didn't say anything. Finally, we made it to the hair salon.

Within minutes, I was Janice Phillip's new best friend. Janice was just so grateful that her big brother was dating someone again. His last girlfriend was a pill. While she spoke, I couldn't help but look around. Lafayette noticed and when Janice paused in her diatribe against Debbie, Alcide's ex, he asked me if I had my heart set on anything.

I said "no. I didn't really know what to expect." Laffy and Janice both had owl eyes. I sheepishly informed them, "I don't have much experience with… I went with Gran a couple of times while she had her hair worked on."

"Sook, are you saying you ain't never really been to a salon?" Laffy was more than a little surprised. I guessed I was the only female that didn't do all that girly stuff.

More defensively than I intended I shared, "I had a trim once."

Janice said to me, "Well then let me give you a proper introduction." She asked, "Do you have your dress?"

I held up a garment bag, "Just picked one out."

Janice asked to see and strongly approved. With all of her excitement she announced that I'd get "the works." I felt a bit awkward as I really didn't have any money and I didn't consider the stuff necessary; so I could neither afford it myself nor could I justify making Eric pay for it. And, contrary to her belief, I was not Alcide's girlfriend. I really couldn't afford this, but I'd find a way to pay for it when the credit bill came in. I told Janice that I'd pay, but she wouldn't hear of it. She told me that it was her "thank you" for helping her brother forget the bitch of his past. Now I felt worse; she was thanking me for being the girlfriend that I wasn't.

Along the way the beautician admonished my "brother" for not taking me along with him to the salon when he went as he'd obviously been before. During the conversation we learned that she believed him to have been adopted into my family and that appearances were important to our family; god forbid I be seen coming out of a man's home with no chaperone. I read from her mind that she admired me for not having had sex yet, while also believing that I was missing out on something good. Now she thought that if she could just pry my brother off long enough, Alcide might get into my pants. That would surely cure him of his obsession with the bitch and Janice was certain that he'd be good to me. Now she thought about how great it would be for him and me to give her a niece or nephew to play with her child. Janice thought I'd be a great sister-in-law. I wouldn't have the heart to tell her I was already taken, not that I could anyway. Janice spoke with me and Lafayette every chance she got, while three people worked on me. In here, I was just as important as everyone else. It was really nice when I wasn't feeling guilty.

Not long before leaving I felt a strong emotion from a wealthy lady in the salon. I looked in a mirror and saw her pocket the pair of earrings that Janice had taken off not long before.

I smiled at Lafayette and said, "You know I think that lady there got a little something on her jacket." The waitresses did this kind of thing all the time at Merlotte's; Lafayette had seen it enough to know what was going on.

He turned on the southern charm and got the woman to take off her jacket so that he could clean it. Once behind a sort of barrier, I joined him and found the pilfered earrings. I put the jewelry in my pocket and then made like I was washing my own hands as Laffy returned the jacket to the lady.

The woman started to leave and then realized that the earrings were not inside. She looked at us, but didn't say a word. Then, she left. Janice seemed relieved when she left then, stunned when I dug her earrings out of my pocket. Janice was upset with herself for having left them in the woman's grasp; the woman had to that before and Janice knew better. Alcide's sister thanks me and gave Laffy and me each a big hug; the earrings were of great sentimental value.

On our way out I was happy to have done something for Janice in exchange for all she did for me today. And, I felt more than a little guilty about misleading her. If only life could be simple.

Laffy and I made our way back to the apartment. It was near dark and the temperature was dropping off. We tried warming up by not sitting still right away and putting away the items from the boutique after showing them off again. Then, I took a blanket off of my bed and huddled in it. After a bit, Laffy and I decided that something was not right with Alcide's thermostat; we shouldn't both be so cold.

Laffy and I were snuggled together watching the tube when Alcide came home. We spoke about our day for a few minutes and then started talking about tonight. Like it or not, Laffy wouldn't be able to chaperone while we were in Club Dead. Vampires only allow their people to bring in one human at a time. Nonetheless, all three of us got ready for the evening.

It took me roughly an hour. I was worried about messing up my hairdo while putting the dress on. Or, ruining my nice new manicure.

When I came out, both men were dressed. Lafayette and Alcide were talking while Alcide poured some cola into a glass. Laffy's back was to me, but Alcide looked up when I came in. Suddenly, Alcide's aim was off and he was pouring cola straight onto the floor.

"Now that kind of reaction is why one badass vampire wants my gay ass here with the two of you." Lafayette turned around, "Damn girl! Now I know that damned vamp ain't gonna want you out with him lookin' like that."

"Too bad." I sighed, "Besides, even if we were inclined to do something, which we're not..." Alcide made his head move to agree with my statement and I continued, "It'd be in a cozy apartment. Think about it Lafayette. We're leaving the apartment, the diner and the club will have people."

We left for the night after more pleasantries were exchanged. All of us looked good tonight.

Diner at the Mayflower was good. Alcide told Laffy about some nearby places of entertainment, unless he wanted to kick back at the apartment. And no, Laffy was not to bring anyone back to the apartment; they could go somewhere else.

Not long after dinner, Alcide and I entered an establishment with a rather creepy feeling. That, and a ghost for a valet. Watching a driver-less truck take off was disturbing. Once inside, the feeling of dread that I'd felt outside the club, lifted.

I looked around the club. There was a small stage and in front of that a small dance floor. The bar was to the right of the dancing area. The bar itself was in the middle of the room and looked rather ordinary. I half expected to hear the Cheers theme song cut in. As we headed for a table, I looked at the signs posted regarding feeding on premises and the like. By the time we were at a table, I looked at what others were wearing. Vampires and vampires' dates were dressed elegantly; I was about on par with them tonight. The breathing supernaturals were more of a dress-casual group.

I knew from having spoken with Janice that Debbie pelt would be here tonight. She was rather easy to spot and not because of her looks. Debbie wasn't ugly, but her demeanor was. It just pissed me off. Alcide was a nice guy and she was acting like a jackass. As I took my first sip of a champagne cocktail (yum, I'd be wanting more of them) I decided to act more date-like. Alcide was caught off guard at first, but then caught on to what I was doing.

Not long after I started fondling his hair, Debbie Pelt came over spewing venom. She practically exploded when we had her convinced that we'd slept together (why should she care anyway, she was engaged to another man). She eventually left us alone and sulked back to her bachelorette party. I would have to watch my back with her around.

With an unexpected grace, Alcide asked me to dance. I loved to dance and loved it even more when I had a partner that could dance too. Let me tell you, Alcide knew how to move. His suggestion paid off better than expected; while we danced I caught enough of a conversation between a short vampire and his human to know that I should listen to the human's thoughts.

Instantly, I knew that they had Vampire Bill and that Bill was being tortured. I got all kinds of information, but not what I needed. I still didn't know where he was being kept.

A few songs passed and Alcide needed a rest room break. I sat at the bar near the captors and took in as much information as I could. I was so intent on that, that I hadn't noticed the werewolf approach. It wasn't Alcide. This new guy, dressed up in leathers like he was in a biker gang and his buddies, insisted that I join. But I refused. I remained as civil as I could until he grabbed me and his fingers started gouging me. That's when I started to use what Jason taught me, I went for his instep but that did nothing. He jerked when I tried to go for his family jewels. But I didn't get to them because his thighs were too thick. It was at this point that the doorman slash goblin, Mr. Hob joined the scene and then tossed the wolf outside.

Next thing I knew, the biker's buddies were taking exception to him being tossed out like the trash that he was. I took off my heels while assessing the group that began to surround as Alcide came back out from the privy (now doesn't that have a less vulgar ring to it? I sure do like my Word-a-Day Calendar.). I saw the bartender pull out a bat and I took it off of the bar quickly. Next, I picked my target and pulled to mind all that Jason had taught me; I needed to go for soft spots and joints.

I think that I was high on the rush or something, 'cause I'm not a violent person by nature yet I felt disappointment along with relief when the small vampire came into view and broke it up.

The little undead guy made the Weres apologize before they left then introduced himself as Russell Edgington. I was quite happy to be practiced with schooling my features; according to what Eric told me, Edgington was the King here. The royal didn't introduce himself as such so I did my best to pretend that he was a 'regular ol' vampire.'

Alcide and I left shortly after Edgington licked the blood from my shoulder. That was far too intimate for my taste, but I knew enough vampire etiquette to know how I should react. Not to mention that Alcide and I had been outnumbered and Edgington's interference insured that we both came out alive and relatively unharmed.

Laffy was back and made a pointed look at a clock. I snorted; Lafayette, mother hen. He told us, "I done been back here fo' o'er three hours without the two of yous." He looked at Alcide, "I don't know what yous is an' I don't want to know. But I'm human and I don't need no vampire gettin' up in my grill 'cause y'all came back before me and was alone together."

Alcide responded, "I wouldn't wish to set you in his sights. Gotta cell?" Laffy nodded in response. Alcide told him, "Gimme the number and next time we'll coordinate a return." That's what they did as I moved into the bathroom in the hall to wash and get ready for bed.

I was sleeping nicely when a sound woke me. After a moment I recalled that I was on the fifth floor of an apartment building. The noise came again, a tap at the window and I shrieked. I opened the curtain to see. Eric was floating outside of the window. I just started giving him a lecture on scaring the piss out of me when Laffy and Alcide showed up at the door.

Eric smiled, "Aren't you going to invite me in?"

I looked at him, "I would if I was in my house, but I'm not. I'm not the kind of person to invite people into to a home that isn't mine. Even if I do love you, that just wouldn't be right."

I turned to ask Alcide. Before I opened my mouth he asked about sending and rescinding invitations. Once we were clear, he invited Eric inside.

After gliding in he demanded, "Did you find anything?"

I told him, "They have him. He's being tortured somewhere." I might not be buddies with Bill Compton but remembering what I'd seen in that human's head brought tears to my eyes.

He asked, "Where did you come upon this information?"

Alcide answered, "Josephine's."

Eric turned his gaze to Lafayette and dismissed him with, "Good night Lafayette."

Laffy turned and said, "Just for the record clubs are public places. They ain't been alone at all in this establishment."

Eric made no indication one way or another and simply repeated, "Good night." Laffy said no more before leaving the room.

We all spoke for a good bit. Eric was less than pleased that there was a blood offense and glared at Alcide. He added concern to his anger when he learned that the King himself issued an invitation for us to come back the next night. Then, we spent much time explaining what was said, and not said, with the King already.

When it came out that our cover was that of a couple, Eric was pissed. The calmer the voice, the more he seethed, so I knew when Alcide was on dangerous ground. Eric might not have been happy with me, but he loved me too much to hurt me. He didn't feel that at all with Alcide. Maintaining an eerie calm he reminded us, "She was supposed to be interviewing for a job."

Alcide countered, "Eric, I have interviewed a friend's woman before. But I've never had to take the man's girl out to restaurants and bars. I don't interview women like that. Or did you want the Jackson community to believe that Sookie was my arm candy for the night so that I would hire her?"

Eric growled, but Alcide did have a point. There was no way that Eric would want people to think that I was loose like that. Plus, Alcide has his own reputation to maintain and requiring job applicants to accompany him outside of work just wasn't his M.O.

Once all pertinent information was shared the two men locked in a silent battle of sorts. It seemed that Alcide was waiting for Eric to leave. Eric had no intention of leaving yet and wanted the werewolf to leave this part of his own den. Finally Eric requested, "I'd like some time alone with Sookie."

Clearly Alcide was anxious for him to leave and to rescind the invitation. I was kind of surprised that he hadn't rescinded it yet, but that was probably for me. I turned to Alcide, "I can let you know when he leaves."

Eric quickly amended, "I'll let you know when I'm leaving. I'll tap on your window." Alcide wasn't happy but nodded and left.

Eric smirked, "he knows better than to keep a vampire from his mate." His lips descended on mine and then our bodies pressed together.

I was already breathing hard, but I had to stop this before it kept going. "Eric!" He looked at me questioningly. I spate, "We're not in a hotel room. We're in someone's home!" I could tell from his face that he didn't understand the relevance.

Then he said, "I want him to hear you and know that I do that to you. I want him to smell my scent on you." Uh-oh. He added, "Never have I wanted to mark you so completely." Sort of a nonverbal, "she's mine, don't mess with what mine."

Sex with Eric was always incredible and as uncomfortable as I'd be the next morning if the two other occupants heard us now; the time with Eric would be well worth it. Plus, it's awful damned hard to refuse him. He's just too good at what he does. Knowing that he wanted me so badly made me feel a kind of rush. His next words took me by surprise.

"Fucking you will be all the sweeter when we can once again." He saw my shocked expression and explained, "If I take you know you'll carry my scent with you. Mississippi might not know that the scent belongs to a Louisiana sheriff, but he'll know that it is a vampire and not the canine's scent all over you."

I was half disappointed and half relieved. Okay I was majorly disappointed and only a smidge relieved. I smiled when he said that he could at least tuck me in, which he did.

Eric climbed in next to me and pulled me into him. A sudden thought came to me, "Do you think it's wise for Bubba to watch over my house? I have a pet and I'd like her to still be walking on all fours when I return. And not on undead paws. Can animals turn vampire too?"

I felt his chest rumble a bit at my silly question. Next he told me, "Bubba is not watching your home. When you are in Bon Temps he is your guard. You are not there, so he is relieved from duty right now."

"Oh." I next asked, "So who's watching the place?"

Eric told me, "Pam will come inside a couple of times each night to check on the place. She will ensure that your cat has food and water and she will water any plants as needed. I have two guards watching the area on the outside at all times. One of the day guards is a landscaper by trade and may use his vocation as a cover rather than sitting in your woods." In other words, be prepared to see some changes to your property. I narrowed my eyes with suspicion but smiled too.

I mused, "I hope her place isn't too far. It'd be a pain to go back and forth between my place and Shreveport each night."

Eric informed me, "If she can't make it back in time, Compton's place is available."

I worried my bottom lip. "I hate that you can't ever stay at my place. I wish I had a light tight space at the farmhouse. I know Compton isn't all that far from me, but..."

"You really want this?" He asked as I nodded my head.

I told him, "The farmhouse is over a hundred and sixty years old so I doubt that even the darkest room is truly light-tight by vampire standards. Well, I guess all the windows don't help with that." There is at least one window in every room. I was thinking aloud, "I'd thought about having someone come in to convert a room to a light tight space, but then too many people would know. That would be a problem if I had the house added to too, which by my estimates wouldn't cost as much as having a room redone. But it would through off the whole look of the house. Not that I'd really care about that if you could stay the day with me." I stopped there, realizing that I was rambling. I also felt bad because I couldn't possibly afford to make any changes or additions if I wanted to.

Eric shared, "I could create a light tight space without significantly altering your home, or including humans."

I looked up at him and beamed, "Really? Eric, that would be awesome!" I was assuming that this would be a Do-It-Yourself project. I told him, "I am pretty decent with a hammer and a screwdriver, I've got those and lots of other tools in the tool shed." I'd never had to work off credit card debt but if it was for this, I'd do it. I told him, "Just tell me what you need."

Eric smirked, "your consent. If you agree, the project might be started before we return."

My jaw dropped. He didn't plan on a DIY project; he just wasn't going to hire humans. The sheriff would probably have vampires in his retinue do the job. This would still cost a lot of money. Eric might be a bad-ass, but he is also fair. Suddenly, this job seems much more expensive without discussing any details.

Eric misreads my emotions and decides that he needs to tell me what he'd have done so that I can approve or disapprove. He tells me that my land is elevated high enough that the water table shouldn't be an issue and he can create a sort of basement with a ladder leading down to it.

After telling him that it sounded like a great plan, I swallowed hard and told him to let me know the cost. As soon as it was out of my mouth I knew that I hit a nerve with Eric. He played at teasing me, "You want only the best for you vampire, and I can only buy the best?" He kissed my head, "As you wish."

I hit him on the shoulder, "Eric. I'm serious."

"Sookie," a hand caressed my left arm, "if you truly wish to know the cost I will not hide it from you. But I will pay for the expenses."

I couldn't help it. The water works just gushed at that moment. He asked what it was about and I started spewing. "I keep trying to save up money to do something but there's always something that needs doing or fixing that costs. I thought that I'd finally started a fund to work on some projects at home after I got the check from Dallas. That money didn't last long at all. I got one project done, screening in the back porch. Then, I had to go pay taxes on the farmhouse. That alone just about took it all. As if that wasn't enough my car decided that was the time to need a part that cost too much money... I'd wanted one of my projects to be a light tight space and I..."

He put a finger to my lips to shush me. "I wish you'd tell me you had such problems, Sookie." I wanted to protest, but he kept his finger on my lips. "I know you work hard for your money, as do I. My lover wants to make a major change to her living space because she desires to spend more time with me and wishes me safe. Just knowing she wants that makes me happy. I can afford to make the changes and doing so will result in her wish coming true. I've had many years to collect my wealth." Now he was playing with me, "We both work hard, but I've been working much longer than you have."

My vampire gets a smile out of me and I tease him back, "Old man. Cradle robber."

We shifted a bit and I looked at him. He looked at me with hope in his eyes. I couldn't possibly say no. His smile when I agreed made me feel ten feet tall.

The two of us settled back into the bed. He nuzzled my neck and said he wanted to know more about my desired projects and that he'd stay until I was asleep. Since I was tired, it was easy to get him to back down on the projects. I slept like a rock in his arms once our conversation stopped.

I woke up rather late the next day. Lafayette claimed to have been awake for no more than two hours. Alcide had already left for the day and there was a note for us so we knew when to expect him back and where we could find things.

As Laffy fixed breakfast for the two of us and as I set the table, I caught some of his thoughts. Normally he's easy for me to block, but he's broadcasting a bit louder than normal at the moment. That, and I have a slight headache. I drank a slight bit more than I usually do last night. Laffy was thinking about all the clues he'd picked up on Alcide; the man didn't need much sleep, he was built like a pro athlete, the air around him seemed charged at times, his apartment was near as cold as the ice box at Merlotte's, sometimes his nose twitched like he'd seen animals do... he was certain that Alcide was not entirely human. He couldn't decide if he was crazy enough to entertain the thought of other supernatural creatures existing. Or, if perhaps it was possible that Alcide was somehow half vampire. If vampirism was a disease like the media said, perhaps one of his parents was one but he wasn't a full vampire because...

I do my best to shut myself from his brain. With my headache, it's a bit harder than it should be but I manage.

Since Laffy cooked, I cleaned after we ate. Then we spent some time amusing one another spilling gossip and talking trash. Well, he talked trash; I didn't have his flair for it.

We went outside for a bit and ended up running into Janice. She hauled me into the salon once she'd learned that Alcide and I were going back to Club Dead. She had my hair done up and then had the nail tech change my nail polish while we talked about the events of last night. Lafayette had a manicure and pedicure while I was worked on for the second day in a row; he'd finished and paid not too long before I was done. I thanked Janice profusely and she let me leave the employees a tip, but would not let me compensate her for the services.

We walked around for a bit and then returned to the apartment. Alcide arrive shortly after us. He came bearing a few bags with gifts that were obviously wrapped in the store in which they were bought. Alcide obviously had the money to spend on such frivolous services, but I got the feeling that he was one of those men that didn't know how to wrap a present. We exchanged pleasantries and then he took his gifts into the living room whereby he placed them on the coffee table.

I smelled something nasty when we first walked in and I got another whiff now. I started to say something about it when someone arrived at the door.

Janice Phillip's husband stopped by to ask Alcide for some help putting up some Christmas decorations. He clearly did not think that a man and woman should share quarters unless married, but eased up a bit when he realized that my "brother" was staying with us. Lafayette played the part of the protective macho brother and that helped a lot.

Once the brother-in-law was gone we thought of something to do to kill some time. Alcide suggested a game of Scrabble and we accepted. I shook my head when I realized that he had to un-wrap the Scrabble box that he'd originally bought for someone else. He said that he'd get his nephew another one.

The game was good. Alcide was a master strategist. My strategy was lacking since I hadn't played before but I had a good command of vocabulary. Lafayette seemed to be on par with me in terms of vocabulary. Turned out that he was an avid reader too, who knew? Laffy also told us that he'd played this game several times before. That was not hard to believe. He smoked us both. For a minute there I thought Alcide was going to accuse Laffy of cheating.

Laffy and I started to put the game pieces back inside the box while Alcide went into the kitchen. Laffy noted, "Something smells and it ain't pleasant." At least now I didn't have to worry about how I could tactfully say that to him.

Alcide told us, "I smell it. I'm trying to see if something maybe died in a cabinet or something."

I added, "I'll help you look."

Laffy chimed in, "Me too. Just tell me where you want me to put this here game first."

Alcide pointed to the closet nearby and said that anywhere on the shelf would be fine. He resumed his search and I joined him.

Our attention turned to Lafayette when he made a very strange sound. We couldn't see what he did since the door wasn't open very wide. Laffy stuttered, "Dead man, dead man."

We came over to see that there was a dead person stuffed into the closet. We discussed the pros and cons of calling the police. Lafayette did not know of the existence of werewolves, or anything other than vampires, so we skirted that little detail. He did pick up that this dead guy caused a scene in the bar last night, I was involved and now he was dead. The bar that this happened in was a vampire bar. If we called the police, someone might think Alcide killed him. There was no way anyone would suspect me or Laffy. Also, his fellow "bikers" would be looking for him soon if not already. If one of them came here looking, well it didn't look good. The "bikers" were big on vengeance.

So we hatched a plan to get rid of the body. Once we had the werewolf, err, "biker" wrapped up like a burrito Laffy went to the garage to move the truck closer. I was the lookout and Alcide was the muscle. The entire time we were in the truck with the body in the back I was paranoid that we'd get pulled over. Laffy kept muttering about getting involved in crazy shit. We were still very edgy but greatly relieved after we'd finally dumped the body.

We did a lot of speculation while heading back following the body dump. Alcide and I were careful to call the werewolf a biker and nothing more. It was a good thing that he was a biker too and that many biker gangs have tough images or Laffy might not have bought it. We each went over our schedule for the past couple of days and tried to remember the last time someone opened that closet. Alcide was certain that he'd gone in it the morning that we'd arrived in Jackson. We tried to narrow down the time-line and figure out why he had been stuffed there of all places.

I asked Lafayette if he'd be okay to be alone and Laffy said he wasn't going to be alone. He met someone while he was out last night and they'd made plans to meet again tonight. The "hotness" waiting for him would do him so good right now he said.

We stopped at a Wal-Mart on the way back to the apartment to pick up some necessary items to clean up after our illegal dumping of a corpse.

We couldn't help but toss theories back and forth as we returned to the apartment and made it look, and smell, normal again. Alcide estimated that the body was put in the closet between three and seven in morning. Then we thought of Eric, he had been at the apartment in the early morning. But not one of us could think of why he'd leave a body in the closet.

I was exhausted and so was Lafayette. We human folk just were not used to such activities during the day. I decided to take a nap so that I would have energy for tonight. Laffy decided that he would "rest his eyes" for a bit.

I woke to the sound of voices. At first, I thought that it was Laffy and Alcide speaking. But Alcide was speaking with someone else. I heard the other man, Terrence, Alcide called him, mention Club Dead and I moved closer to the door. I cracked it open and eavesdropped. The guy that attacked me last night had a name, Jerry and Jerry had gone missing. Alcide had one more night to remain in this territory.

As I spied on the werewolves I noticed that the bathroom door in the hall was cracked too. Lafayette must have been inside when Terrence came by and now he was overhearing some stuff that maybe he shouldn't know.

The next few hours were quiet and tense. I was happy to by busy when I started getting ready to head back for the club.

Before leaving, Alcide pulled out one of the wrapped presents. He seemed a bit anxious when he offered me the box. Laffy wigged out, "Alcide man, that vampire can glamour me and make me tell him everything. No way would he be cool with you giving his woman a gift."

Laffy was right and that alone made me mad so I made a show of accepting the present from Alcide while Laffy muttered that he "didn't mother fuckin' see this."

Alcide said to me, "I owe you this."

I responded, "You didn't have to get me a present."

He looked at me, "Open it."

Inside was the most beautiful black wrap I've every laid my eyes on. It was such a kind gesture, I couldn't think of what to say. I'd been put out and ticked last night that on top of it all, the shawl I'd worn last night had been ruined presumably by his ex Debbie. The old one was nice and I'd liked it, but I'd have gotten over it. This new one was too exquisite to believe.

Laffy calmed down a bit after we told him that a bitch from last night ruined my wrap and that she was Alcide's jealous ex.

A little while later, Alcide and I were entering the bar while Lafayette, went on his date. We were directed to a table where the king sat with his human another vampire and that vampire's human. The human with Edgington was a man named Talbot. I wasn't introduced to the other vampire right away because the other human and I screeched and embraced as soon as we made eye contact.

Thinking on my feet, I was able to convince her to go with me to the lavatory. Once there, I made sure that she would not mention the name of the town we were from, its resident vampire, or Eric. Once she was on bored I relaxed a bit.

Tara was here with the vampire Franklin Mott. How long he'd been a vampire I couldn't say, but he had several years on him before he was turned. Despite appearing a bit older than what she'd normally go for, he didn't look that old and he was still good looking.

I wanted to know more about Bill, but Talbot was the only human with that information so far as I could tell. And, he wasn't thinking about it at the moment. He did remember last night's incident and asked if Alcide or I had seen the biker that had attacked me. I was able to play it cool, but thought I'd gone a little too far at one point. Lucky for me, Tara was there to help.

Unlucky for me she started telling the table about a dance we once did in high school. Then, to my horror, she walked to the deejay and had him play the song! It had been years since we did that over-the-top MTV-esq routine, but embarrassingly enough, I remembered it well. By the time we were done, we had the attention of every person in the club. Our performance was followed by applause and even a few cat calls and a lot of hungry stares. I thought that for a second I saw a geeky version of my man with one of those stares but when I blinked, he'd moved. Some comments were shared when we arrived back at the table. Franklin was among those that enjoyed the show, the vampire and his consort too. But not Alcide, nope, he acted like I was his and he disapproved; jackass.

I looked up from the table once more and saw the geeky version of Eric. His expression indicated quite clearly how arousing he found the routine. But I didn't think that he approved of the other males watching. Now I had to wonder if Alcide was simply upset that I'd done it, or that he knew Eric was inside and yet he still didn't stop me. I closed my eyes to clear my head.

I instantly picked up some thoughts, nasty ones. Someone near the bar was planning to kill, but I couldn't tell who. I looked up and hoped to catch Eric's eye, but someone was monopolizing his attention. I made an excuse to get up and head toward the bar. Once near to the humans thinking of homicide I saw a rather muscular woman with an old, classy sense of style.

Everything that came next happened to fast to really track. Two men were standing behind her. I heard their intention, but didn't react right away because I didn't dare risk that someone would learn that I was a telepath. The second I saw one of them reach into his jacket pocket for his stake I yelled, "stake!" And then the pandemonium began.

By the time everything settled, I had a stake sticking out of my right side. The guy figured he wasn't getting a vampire, but a vamp lover would do I guess.

The next hours alternated between hellish moments of lucidity and the sweet welcome of unconsciousness. I was dimly aware of my friend screaming, all kinds and sizes of animals about, Eric's face... but he went by something else. I only hoped that I didn't slip and call him by his real name.

I wished I was knocked out when the stake came out. Supposedly someone gave me some nice drugs to help dull the pain. Like hell they did, I felt that fucker come out and I tell you it hurt worse going than it did coming. I screamed myself hoarse and didn't calm in the slightest until I let Eric do his vampire thing and take it away for me.

All too soon, I was awake in this strange place. My dress was nonexistent and all I had on was my bra and panties. At least I was not shy around Eric; that would have been awkward. His arms were around me when I woke. He didn't realize that I was awake until I stretched, big mistake by the way.

I whispered to Eric, "thank you."

Eric growled, "You should not be thanking me."

Color me confused, "I might be dead if not for you."

He huffed, "You almost died because of me. I should not have allowed you to come to Mississippi."

"You should not have allowed me?" Oh, I was not happy with his words. I reminded him, "I make my own decisions and I made up my mind to come here."

Eric snarled, "I should have brought you to Shreveport. Pamela would have watched over you."

I turned to him, "It's not your fault that I got hurt Eric."

He squeezed me harder than I appreciated, "You are human. I was reckless in my care of you."

"Don't be so hard on yourself." I told him, "I know that you think you should have made me do X Y Z, but if had made me do anything our relationship would not survive and you know it."

I reach for him and try not to wince from the pain that I'm still feeling. I don't want him feeling guilty for this, he couldn't predict this and he couldn't protect me from everything. He leaned his head into my hand and drew it closer so that I could kiss him.

A singing sensation interrupted as he came through the window. Bubba apologized for coming in on us like he did and when he did, but he had to know that I was okay. Eric was clearly surprised that Bubba was able to infiltrate the compound. Eric asked if he could scout the area for William Compton and then gave Bubba instructions on what to do and how to act should he be spotted.

Once Bubba left, Eric set to getting me to heal faster. It was not comfortable at the start sitting up so that I could lie back against him. But it was the best position for him to give me a lot of blood. After a few minutes, I started to feel better.

Of course, vampires do not donate their blood to just anybody and as far as the Mississippi vamps knew, I was a werewolf's girlfriend. So I had to feign being weak whenever a vampire, houseboy, or guard came near. One particular vampire showed interest in Eric and Eric feigned interest in return.

A while later, Bubba returned. He found where Bill Compton was being held. Next, Eric commanded Bubba to leave the premises and get as far as he could from here before going to ground. Bubba scrambled out the window as soon as the vampire boy came back to the door and told us that I'd have to leave first thing in the morning.

Since I had no clothing and no mode of transportation from this place, Eric sought help from the little vampire, Bernard, to acquire what I'd need. I dozed while they were gone.

When I next woke, Eric and Bernard entered the room. Eric announced, "I have procured transportation for you. One of the residents here has a human guest that will be leaving the premises in the morning. The human will escort you back to your boyfriend's home. You'll meet the human near the stables outside. He'll be driving a white Lincoln."

I couldn't believe that Eric was going to have a strange man drive off with me in just a few short hours. I hadn't realized just how bad off we really were until now. Eric quickly added, "The human does not live here so his access to the estate is limited; I glamoured him in order to assure your safety."

Bernard waited for Eric to finish speaking and then handed me some clothes since the little vampire was about my size. I felt weird taking his clothes since I'd never shared garments with a man before, but beggars can't be choosers. I thanked the vampire for the outfit and then he headed off after batting his eyes at Eric.

Eric turned to me, "jealous?" I knew that Eric had no real interest in Bernard, but their flirtations bothered me. They shouldn't have, but they did and that just made me feel worse. Eric smiled, "I won't let anything happen as you undoubtedly would not approve."

"How will I know who he is? What time?" I would need to know these things if I was going to be leaving soon.

Eric informed me, "I set the alarm on the table. I imagine that he'll be the only other human awake. The man is slightly taller than average, muscular, black, and wearing a dress kilt."

My eyes went wide and I mouthed, "Lafayette?"

Eric nodded, "His name is Lafayette."

Before Eric left I asked him, "What will happen if Bubba gets caught?" Eric pressed his lips into a thin line. He didn't want to upset me with the truth but he did not wish to lie either. I shared my worry, "From what you said earlier it's amazing that he did all that he did. I mean, following me here and finding Bill Compton and all. I pray that he has made it out but... they wouldn't really harm him right?"

Eric gazes down at me, "Sookie, only a handful of our kind know that he is one of us. They'd likely think he was an imposter."

"But if they knew the truth, they wouldn't hurt him right?"

"I doubt it. If they knew it was really him and that he... well does things a bit differently from the rest of us, he'd be in no danger." Eric looked at me, wishing that he could assure me.

I said, "So maybe we could ensure nothing happens by doing a preemptive strike so to speak." His face showed interest and so I explained. "You said that the Louisiana vampires have him now and take care of him. But he also likes to move around and it's not like you keep him caged... have someone from Louisiana call to inform them that he really does exist and they believe he took a trip back this way. He's not quite like the rest of you all but if you treat him well and don't call him by his real name he might just sing you a tune..."

Eric smiled, "I like how you think Sookie. I'll have Pam call and deliver the message. I'd hate to be in debt to the vampires here, but the queen would be most displeased if I let something befall him." He smile wide, "And there is always the off chance that he'll sing. If he does that, the vampires might not require payment for watching after him."

Eric double checked the alarm setting and tucked me in. "Sleep and do not worry about anyone other than yourself for now." He stepped out of the room as I closed my eyes. I heard Eric say something about his maker, Iowa, calling him and that he must leave immediately. The exchange became a little more heated as the door slid shut. Then, to my amazement, I slept.

All too soon the evil alarm clock dared to sound. If I'd had a sledge hammer, it'd have been the target. Despite being tired, my body had a feeling of great strength and energy as if I could move like Spiderman. Not that I was stupid enough to try scaling walls. The sun was not fully up. A mental check of the area found that the human residents were sleeping and the vampire ones were off of my grid so they must have gone into their day chambers or wherever it was they went. I made quick work of getting dressed, grabbed my grisly souvenir (the stake that got me), and then headed down stairs and out the door.

I saw the white Lincoln. The trunk was propped open but Lafayette was not there yet. It was awful quiet here now that the vampires were going down for the day and the werewolf guards were tired from last night having been a full moon. That last thought got me thinking... maybe I could spring Bill Compton. I was hopped up on vampire blood and the place had hardly any guards compared to normal. If I could do it now, Eric wouldn't have to risk his hide later.

I stretched out my mental net and easily peg Lafayette's mental signature as the human inside the garage. He's near a vampire. Not too far off is a guard, but he seemed to be sleeping or passed out.

I found the door. When I opened it I about gave Laffy a heart attack. Laffy then looked at the grizzly mess before him and explained, "This silver is a bitch to get off of him. This is taking too long." I rushed over to join him.

Bill Compton's flesh had sort of melted around the silver where it touched him directly. Neither of us has found more than one end; it appeared to be one very long continuous piece. After much effort, we freed him of the silver. We were going to have to move quickly since the sun was starting to show and we had nothing to cover him up with. We hauled him up between us and started for the door.

We stopped in our tracks when a brunette vampire appeared. She scowled at me, "What did he ever see in you? Of course you do know that the second he saw me he came crawling back. We've been fucking ever since."

I give her a bewildered look, "nothing like a little bondage to say I love you."

The vampire responded, "He is mine!" Then she leapt toward me. I was startled and lost my grip on Compton and the abrupt change caused him and Lafayette to topple over. Luckily, I managed to hold onto the stake that the vampire evidently hadn't noticed until it was too late. In her process of attacking me, she threw herself onto the stake I held. Good riddance.

After a moment, I get the idea to take her clothes off and use them to cover the exposed areas on Compton. Laffy helps me, and then we hoist Compton back up and hurry toward the car. We put him in as quickly as we can and slam the trunk.

Laffy looks at me, "What 'bout her body? If someone sees that before we're off the property, we're done for."

I nodded, "You stay out here and look for anyone coming. I'll drag her outside." He looked at me funny so I told him, "the sun will burn her body and then there won't be one to find.

"It won't leave ash or residue? She'll just poof?"

"No. Good point." I looked around and saw a covered pool not too far away and pointed to it. "I'll dump the remains there. It has a cover so it'll be sometime before anyone notices."

This is exactly what we do. By the time we're done and have covered our tracks, doing our best to make it look like someone came to transfer the prisoner rather than spring him, we're both weary and anxious to get the hell out of dodge.

Since I was supposedly healing, I lied across the back-seat. I didn't have to pretend much. I was white as a sheet after what happened with the undead bitch and the encounter left me shaking too. The guards in the booth on the way out took my physical reactions to be wound related. Before we pulled away, one of them asked Laffy if he'd be coming back tonight. When Laffy said "no" the guards said it was a cryin' shame that he'd miss the concert.

Not long into the drive, Laffy pulled over to look in the glove box for a map. No luck there. We drove around for a bit looking for signs to help us determine which way to go. I suggested that he stop somewhere and ask someone. Lord only knows how many places we passed where we might have been able to get directions. We tried using some logic; we knew the general direction we needed to head in and we could use the position of the sun to determine that. We didn't have much success there. I'd had enough and I was tired of riding around in this old beat up car. I said, "Would you stop acting like a typical male and stop somewhere for directions."

"Sook," with a serious voice he told me, "what do you think might happen if I stop some place and they see that I have a white girl in the back of my car that looks like she done been beat?"

"Well you can't drive forever. This tank will need gas at some point."

He muttered a curse and then parked some place to go inside a convenience store. Luckily, we had no problem the entire time and Laffy was able to get the necessary directions.

I breathed a sigh of relief when we entered the parking garage for Alcide's complex. The guard almost didn't let us through, but we were able to convince him that Alcide just forgot to give us a parking pass and then the guard let us through. I thanked the lord that he was the same guard on duty when I last went by with Alcide. I doubt he'd have let us in if he'd never seen us before.

The werewolf's truck was not here. Lafayette said that I should get some rest and he started to escort me up to the apartment. I halted for a minute thinking how terrible it would be for all of this to happen and then for someone to snatch him while Laffy and I were cozy in the apartment. Laffy wasn't happy but agreed that that scenario would "suck cock." We decided that he would baby sit the car until Alcide returned, or Eric arrived. But first, he really needed to relieve himself. So I would watch the car for roughly five minutes.

I leaned against the car as I watched Laffy begin to make his way up. Laffy would bring something to drink and eat... drink... that vampire would be thirsty when he woke. I hadn't noticed if there were any bottles for him. A hungry vampire would be very dangerous. I decided that it would be wise to take a look so that we could get some blood if there wasn't any.

I took the key and opened the trunk. By the time I realized someone else was near me it was too late. Someone shoved me inside and closed me in. With a hurt vampire that would wake up hungry. Gulp. I felt around for blood. I felt two bags, which I hoped were blood bags. I tried to remain calm, Laffy wouldn't be gone long.

After what seemed much longer than it probably was, I heard Lafayette calling for me. I kicked and hit the trunk. Next, I heard him call, "Sookie?"

I yelled, "Someone pushed me in and I can't get out. Do you see the key?"

He called back, "I see it but it's broken inside the lock. If I had a crow bar or something I could force it." Too bad Alcide kept all of his tools in his truck and not in his home. He said, "I'm going to try calling Alcide."

I did my best to think of anything and everything I could while I was trapped; everything except being trapped. I felt slightly better when I heard Lafayette tell me that he got a hold of Alcide and that Alcide would be here soon."

Laffy kept me talking and tried to make me laugh. I was never more thankful to have him for a friend. Then I heard a truck tear into the parking lot and stop so close that I braced for impact.

Alcide called, "we'll have you out in no time."

A few minutes later the lock was popped and the trunk opened. I reveled taking in breaths of outside air and hugged my saviors.

Alcide asked, "Any idea who did this?"

I sighed, "Yeah, but I can't say for sure. I didn't actually see the person, just an impression is all."

"Who?"

"Debbie."

Laffy asked, "The ex? Short, dark hair, pretty, designer threads?"

"You've met her?" Alcide asked.

"No. But I saw her walking out front just before I came back to the garage. She looked the type to hang at that fancy club."

Alcide's fist slammed down on the Lincoln so hard that both Laffy and I jumped. After a moment he said, "Common, let's get the vampire upstairs. I'm not baby-sitting him down here nor do I expect you to. He opened the trunk and with help, got Compton out of the trunk and locked him into a fireman's hold. Laffy took up the bags of blood and I grabbed the pack of TruBlood that I could now see. One of the bottles got smashed at some point.

Since his arms were full, I unlocked the door and opened it. Alcide began to enter but could not. I could go in and so could Lafayette, but not Alcide. Then it came to me. "It's not you; it's the vampire you're carrying. You have to invite him in."

Alcide and Laffy looked at me. Alcide pointed out, "He's unconscious. I doubt he even knows where he is right now."

"Well all I know is that an invitation can be given or taken away at any time and the vampire does not have to be present to hear it." I smirked maybe a little.

Laffy said, "Don't you think that the homeowner carrying the vampire would be invitation enough."

"I've been told that it has to be an express invitation. I guess that means it has to be verbally expressed." I shrugged.

Alcide was growing tired of carrying the extra weight so he decided to try my theory. "I invite the vampire over my shoulder to enter my home." He easily entered the threshold this time.

He dumped Compton on the floor in front of the sofa then looked at the blood supply. "That won't be nearly enough. He won't go for the synthetic stuff until he's in control again and we don't have a lot of time to acquire more bagged blood." He turned to us, "If you have silver with you put it on, every piece."

Laffy and I looked at each other. I haven't worn silver since Eric and I started seeing each other. Laffy might have brought some, but I doubted that it was much sense he's never had much money. Plus, we came here to find a vampire, not repel him... bringing silver on this trip was not even a thought. Well, for me anyway. It turned out that neither of us brought any silver on this trip.

I looked around, "Do you have any straws?"

"No." The Were drew his brows together, "What you are thinking?"

I shared, "I'm thinking that if we can get something in him now, he won't be so hungry when he wakes."

He pointed, "I don't think he's up to it just yet, Sookie."

Laffy answered, "Maybe he will. He woke when I first found him, granted it was to snap at me. Maybe that instinct would let him feed before he's fully awake."

Alcide nodded and argued, "This still won't be enough blood and if he gets some in now, he'll be that much stronger."

"Well we've got to try something, right." I countered, "We know he'll be starving and angry when he wakes. Maybe it won't be so bad if we try a little TLC before then."

Alcide said, "Alright. I'll be right back. I'm going to call and try to order some more blood and then I'm going to check on the old lady that lives on this floor." He added, "Her nurse probably could give me a straw if I play nice." The wolf was on cell phone speaking frantically while he headed out the door.

A few minutes a later, with a hole punched into the bag and a straw inserted, Alcide pushed the other end of the straw to Compton's lips. Nothing happened. He pushed on the bag and some blood traveled up and pooled on his lips but he still did not move. Alcide tried to get the straw in Compton's mouth a little.

Suddenly the vampire's eyes flew open. He looked savage. Compton went for Alcide but was too weak to fight the werewolf. Alcide managed to get the blood bad back in front of Compton. Compton did not notice, or did not care, that there was a straw. He yanked the bag toward himself with a vicious snarl and then sunk his fangs into the bag. The contents disappeared within seconds. Compton went out like a light again.

Laffy exclaimed, "I thought blood would heal him. He's still gonna be bat shit when he wakes isn't he?"

Alcide said, "The blood will heal him but he will need a lot more than we've got. My guys can't make it here in time with the real stuff. You two have to get out of here."

After seeing what I just did, I was really scared and part of me wanted to flee. I needed to know, "What are you going to do?"

"I sent Eric a message. I'll make sure that the hungry vampire here doesn't get out and make a meal of my neighbor and her nurse."

"Look, I get it; werewolves are strong motherfuckers." Lafayette looked to Alcide, "Even if yous as strong as a vampire that there vampire is savage."

Alcide said to Laffy, "Just get her out of here."

Laffy looked a bit shell shocked, "Yous really is a werewolf? I knew you ain't no vampire 'cause you breathe and I've seen you outside during the day but... I was right about you?"

It was obvious to me that Alcide was relieved to know that I had not betrayed his secret; Laffy was observant and a good guesser. Alcide looked at Laffy but didn't say anything with words.

Laffy told him, "I'm cool. I ain't gonna out you if that's what you're thinking. You saved my "sister" today and I ain't ever gonna forget it. Plus I'd be might pissed if someone announced to the whole world that I was gay. I'm proud of who I am, but not everyone can handle my kind. Yeah, I'm "out" but it was my choice and when I leave Bon Temps it's still my choice." Laffy then said, "I'm sure the vampire would glamour me to forget. For a price, o' course."

Alcide responded, "We'll talk about it later. Now go."

Laffy and I turned to leave and we heard a crashing sound. Something just ran into the living room window. We turned back to see that Eric rammed it. Obviously he was not able to come in since he needed an invitation. The sun was not fully down yet and it looked like he had a halo of fog around him, he was sizzling. And, he was staring at me.

Alcide quickly responded by offering an invitation. The cracked window broke as Eric rushed inside. Within seconds of being away from the lightly sun-kissed sky, Eric appeared completely normal and unscathed.

Eric looked me over for damage and said, "I felt your terror. What has happened?"

I wondered which time he was referring to, or if it was both. I had moments of terror in the trunk. Had he started coming for me then? I thought I'd done a right fine job at not panicking too badly. Or, was it from what I felt when I saw Compton go After Alcide and then ravage the bag of blood? It must have been the latter. I told Eric about the attack on the werewolf and the blood supply.

Eric said, "He could have stayed in the trunk."

Laffy informed him, "The lock on the trunk broke."

"Not that it could have held him inside for long." Alcide added, "And he'd have more initiative when he scented humans nearby. He's a danger to them right now."

Laffy said, "He's going to wake soon, right?" He was not too proud to hide his fright.

Eric nodded, "His body will try to rest longer than normal in order to help itself heal. All of you go into a room and lock the door."

Alcide countered, "They should leave and get as far from here as they can."

Eric said, "Lafayette, Sookie, please walk slowly to the door over there." He pointed to the room I've used for the past couple of nights.

Slowly, we made our way there. Eric was trying to prove something. Before we stopped, Eric asked Alcide, "Did you see that?"

We turned in time to see Alcide nod. I asked, "What? What is it?"

Alcide said, "Compton knows that there is a blood supply nearby. He reacted when it moved away."

Eric expounded, "It's close enough to dark that his instincts to hunt may wake him if he senses his food source getting farther from him." Next he commanded, "Go inside, and lock the door. You too Alcide. Do not come out until I tell you to."

That was exactly what we did. The three of us sat quietly for the most part and listened for any sound at all.

Alcide said, "I thought you weren't supposed to retrieve him."

"I wasn't." I looked back at him, "But I knew where he was, the place was quiet and Laffy was already started. Chances seemed good to me." And it would mean that Eric would not have to risk his own life, or someone else's on another day.

We turned to Laffy. Lafayette said, "Eric suggested that I consider it if the opportunity presented itself. I didn't think it would, but it was so quiet and when I saw him like that… well, I just couldn't let him stay there like that." He turned toward me, "I was supposed to have him in the trunk before you met me at the car, but getting to the key took some doin' an' then there was all that silver…"

We jumped when something pounded against a wall, then a crashing sound and a lot of grunting. The sounds started to die so Laffy and I put our ears to the door but we couldn't tell what was happening. The wait seemed to take forever.

When we came out Eric said to Laffy, "I told him he could use some of your clothes. You're closer to his size than Alcide." Laffy was not about to protest, so he nodded. Vampire Bill was already looking better, and was healing before our eyes. He wore a pair of dark jeans and a very girly lavender shirt that fell off a shoulder.

Eric stated, "Mississippi has undoubtedly discovered William's prison break by now. William, you will drive Mr. Reynolds back to Bon Temps. Should you be stopped by Mississippi's people, you will claim that you commandeered his vehicle for transportation and the human's for blood when you broke free. The woman was a pest, so you passed her on."

"Yes master." Bill looked like he had a question but was not certain if he should state it. Eric gave him a look to indicate that he should say his thoughts. Bill inquired, "How am I to explain my escape if I had no help?"

Eric pondered, "Last night was a full moon so the guards would have been tired in the morning... Tell them that the guards were not on top of their game." Then he asked, "Were there any locks?" Bill and Laffy both nodded. Next Eric suggested, "Tell them that one of the vampires opened the locks for you, to tease you and forgot to re-lock them. Name one of your captors as the culprit and the king will kill the person; one down."

Bill nodded, "I will do that. Thank you, Master."

"Master?" I couldn't help saying it, "Pam calls you that because you're her maker. Are you Bill's sire?" I looked at Eric.

"No. His maker is a female named Lorena." Eric looked at Bill as if he picked up on something as he'd mentioned her name.

Bill informed us, "Lorena is no longer."

Eric said with not even a hint of emotion, "I'm sorry to hear that Bill." Maybe he didn't like this Lorena and was glad to know she was gone?

Bill responded, "I'm not. She was here in Jackson. Lorena is the one that brought me here."

Eric told him, "Offing one's maker is practically unheard of. There will be a heavy fine, of course, but I am most curious to know how you pulled it off."

"I didn't." Bill told him, "I didn't kill her."

"But you were there." Eric was in scheming mode, "tell me how it happened and who was there."

Bill was very still and said nothing. Eric was not happy with the non-response and after a couple of threats to which Vampire Bill still did not respond Eric was pissed and even more intrigued. He commanded Bill to tell him.

"Sookie killed her this morning." Bill looked at me with eyes full of sorrow. He tacked on, "It was not what I would call a fair fight. Sookie had her arms full trying to help me when Lorena attacked."

A proud male faced me, "You offed Lorena?

I asked Bill, "Why did Lorena seem to think something was between us?"

Bill looked down, "I'd told her that I was interested in someone else. She came to Bon Temps the night that we had our date and assumed much. Lorena…"

"I've heard enough, thanks." Unsteadily, I nodded my head to Eric as a sort of silent "yup, I killed her." "Can we think of something else now?"

Alcide's phone had rung not long ago and now he came toward us. You need to leave here, now. Someone's coming and she can't see you here. She's probably heard about what happened at the mansion." He explained to me, "We both know many of the guards there. We can't let her make the connection." He told Eric that the space next door was empty.

Laffy picked up any of his items that were in view in the living room and then we hurried over there and forced ourselves inside.

Once inside, Laffy made himself scarce and went into a bedroom under the pretense of packing his items properly.

Eric informed, "We'll wait until his visitor has left before moving out." He turned toward Bill. "Now, about your project..."

Bill told Eric everything about the project and during this time, Alcide's guest arrived next door. We heard a lot of yelling and screaming. The vampires were not talking loudly at all, but still quieted so that the new arrival would not hear them.

Suddenly I had two vampires staring at me. Bill seemed to be shocked whereas Eric was pissed. Even though he was looking at me, I don't think Eric was angry with me. Bill though, seemed to think that I did something. I mouthed, "What?"

Eric informed in a low and dangerous tone, "the werewolf had the balls to say that my woman is a great lay. Not that I disagree, but he wants the bitch in his home to believe you've fucked him."

I huff and quietly exclaim, "What! Ugh!" Then I mutter, "Like there'd be anyone else."

"I never had any doubt." He said that with full sincerity in his voice and in his eyes.

There was no furniture inside the apartment and we were there for a while. Eric pulled me into him and let me relax against him as we waited.

I couldn't believe it when we started hearing love making sounds. How could he possibly go back to her? Once the noise started getting, uh... louder Eric decided that now would be a good time to leave since the shifter was occupied.

We headed for the garage. Vampire Bill and Lafayette got into the Lincoln as Eric directed me to Alcide's truck. Eric looked at me, "He'll get it back. I could fly us home, but it's cold out and you've been through enough without me giving you windburn."

So we headed for home. The two vehicles would take the same route for a while since we were all headed back to Louisiana. I wasn't clear on if we were going to Shreveport or Bon Temps and didn't care at the moment. We lost sight of the Lincoln in very short time. Eric had a lead foot; Bill drove like a grandpa in comparison.

The trip home should have been uneventful. But no, that was not to be. When we stopped at a gas station to fill up and what not, we had to deal with some humans that were waiting for us. I had been so worried about the vampires that I forgot to worry about the wolves. The humans waiting for us were hired by a "biker" to look for a big dark man, a tall blond male vampire, and a small blond woman. Evidently they wanted to ask us some questions about Jerry's death. Either that or they somehow found out that we'd dumped the body. Once the station was secured and the young clerk was back in possession of his own shotgun we called the police and left.

Just before turning onto the road, the white Lincoln passed us. It was too dark to see Bill's face. Eric was not happy and growled, "we wasted too much time here."

I remained quiet. It was not like we'd planned to walk in on a robbery which was really a trap for us. It took some time to move around and get into position without being noticed too soon. Of course, it took a while.

Not even a minute after we turned onto the road, we passed the Lincoln. Eric took out his cell, dialed and then spoke, "Expect company." After a brief pause, "Really? Call me when you're done."

He glanced at me, "They just showed up at your house. Their trackers are good; they couldn't have had much to go on to find you. You didn't leave a piece of clothing behind at the bar that night, right?"

I shook my head then asked, "We are going back to Bon Temps, right?"

Eric answered, "I'd prefer you to stay with me until this thing is settled."

I pursed my lips, "I could use some normalcy right now. I hate to think that I'm not safe in my own home."

Eric glanced sideways, "we'll make it safe." He set his jaw, "You put me in a most uncomfortable position, Sookie. I do not like it." I looked at him and waited for him to clarify. "I would be... angry should you be harmed again. I can keep you from harm if you stay with me. You are attached to your home in Bon Temps and would be upset with me if I forced you to do as I want. I do not wish you to be upset or angry with me. Do I drive you Bon Temps and pray that you will remain safe during the day? Or do I take you to Shreveport and pray that you might forgive me?" He really was thinking that over, I could tell.

"Take me home, Eric." I told him, "I will be happy just to be in the house with you. What's one more day from Bon Temps?"

He looked at me funny and I said to him, "Home is where the heart is."

Eric smiled and shook his head, "we can go to Bon Temps first thing tomorrow evening so you can look around and get anything you might want until we can make it safer."

We were agreed. I dozed a bit and woke when Eric slid an arm under me to lift me out of the car. I smiled, "I can walk you know. My vampire healed me with his blood and now I'm scary strong."

He wriggled his eyebrows at me and then said, "Maybe I like carrying you."

We entered the house and I got a drink while Eric started a bath. I joined him in the master bedroom where we undressed one another as the tub filled. I pointed to the clothes on the floor, "I'll be happier if I never see those again." The last thing I wanted was a reminder of the day that I killed someone.

Eric resolved, "I'll toss them in the fire later."

We soaked in the tub and it was nice but I couldn't help but think of the attempted attacks on me. I asked Eric, "Do you think the Hell Hounds will eventually give up? Are there a lot of them?"

"Hell hounds?" He turned to me.

I shrugged, "The name seemed to fit. So?" I waited for him to answer.

He told me, "That pack is known to humans as a motorcycle gang called the Hounds of Hell. There are a lot of them. If something more intriguing crosses their path, they might give up seeing as how they do not know for certain what happened to their pack mate." His hands slid down my arms, "Let's talk of other things for the rest of the night."

I next asked Eric, "Why Lafayette? Why did you have him act as my chaperone?"

Eric said, "Trent Reynolds's murder was solved and Lafayette was able to return to Bon Temps because of our involvement. He owed us. Plus, he has no interest in women."

I chided Eric, "I was helping a friend in need. I can't believe you used that over him."

"It is the vampire way, Sookie." He added, "He did say that he'd do it for you anyway." I smirked at him a bit. He continued, "I fail to see the problem here. I wanted him to chaperone because he owed us, he was willing. I'm sure he'll enjoy his payment."

I turned to him and let my eyes do the talking.

Eric smiled, "He might have owed us and been willing to help but the man has expenses and could hardly afford to take time off from work. To do that, would be unfair. I did not tell him that he'd be paid, he'll find out when he receives his check."

We dried off and went into the bedroom. I told Eric, "Lafayette took his job way too seriously. The poor guy practically had a heart attack when Alcide replaced a wrap that his ex-girlfriend ruined while we were in Josephine's."

"Now why would he be mad about that? I'm rather angry with the ex-girlfriend at the moment."

"Laffy didn't know what happened at Josephine's. So when he saw Alcide give me the wrap he went ape shit."

"He took his position seriously. Good to know."

I watched Eric as he went to grab his cell. I couldn't help but feel disappointed that he'd reach for it right now. He turned toward me with his phone in hand. He knew something was bothering me and waited for me to tell him.

I bit my lower lip and then said, "I was hoping that...um...we might..." Eric smiled a little but said nothing as he waited to see if I'd actually say the words. "Spend some more time together."

He narrowed his eyes and moved his body in a way that made me appreciate his form even more. He teased, "We can spend time in proximity to one another while I make a call."

I stepped up to him and lightly punched his shoulder, "that's not what I meant and you know it."

My vampire leaned in, his nose at my shoulder and inhaled as he moved to my ear. "Then why don't you tell me?"

"Because I know you're not that dense, Eric." His scent filled my nostrils as I inhaled. "You're a very intelligent person."

"As are you, Sookie." He moved so that my bare breasts would make contact him as he crossed and put his mouth at my other ear. "You have a good grasp of vocabulary. I very much enjoy it when you are candid with me." He inhaled again and then pressed his body against mine as he reached for a bottle of lotion.

"You're as subtle as a brick." I watched as he put the phone down and squirted some lotion. He proceeded to rub himself with the lotion. Gulp.

I asked him, "Would you like some help?"

He continued and then smirked. "What do you want, Sookie?" His hands rubbed lotion on his taught belly. "There's plenty of lotion."

I'm not thinking about the lotion. Screw his damned lotion. "Screw me, Eric."

Triumph was in his eyes, "If you insist."

I nodded, "I do."

He put the lotion down at came toward me with a predatory gaze. I told him, "That was mean, what you just did."

"Mean? You think so?" He smirked.

He was close enough once again that I leaned into him and kissed. My tongue sought his, but his took control. I put my hands on every part of him that I could reach and he did the same but with him, it was as if he'd grown an extra pair.

Eric began a trail of kisses downward, I fisted his hair and I felt his moan on my flesh. He came down to his knees and pushed my legs apart. He ducked under and put his mouth to me.

There was nothing for me to get a really good hold on. We weren't close enough to a wall or even a dresser so that I could brace myself. The bed was a few feet behind me. "Uh, Eric... Eric, if you keep going I'm gonna lose it."

He moaned against my vagina and then poked his head out from between my legs. "I like when you lose it, Sookie. I will not let you get hurt."

"Eric!" I started to protest as he resumes the proceedings. "I'm going to lose my balance like this." His hands grabbed onto me as his mouth became more forceful and my body more reactive. I wanted to try talking to Eric again, but I felt a wave coming and I couldn't get the words out. I only managed to say his name as the wave broke and overcame me. I felt like a rag doll, but Eric didn't let me fall to the floor. He brought me down gently until we were in a position for him to pick me up. Then, we went to the bed.

Once I'd regained use of some of my faculties I said to him, "Now that was mean." Then I grinned at him.

Eric returned, "Just thought I'd give you another perspective."

I asked him, "Do we have time for more?"

Eric looked at me, "What do you mean?"

"You were going to make a call. You have work to do." Even I can hear the plea in my voice but I just can't keep it out, "I was really hoping to have sex with you tonight."

Eric beamed like a little kid that stole the last cookie from the jar. "I'd planned so that we would have time for sex tonight. I was putting phone on silent mode so that it won't be an interference."

Oh, Oooh. I smiled. Wide. Then, I reached for my man leaned in and kissed him quickly on the lips. He tried to deepen it, but I pushed him back so that I could feast on other parts. I rubbed both arms, both legs, massaged his chest and played with his nipples, I licked his belly, and caressed a thigh while I started to lick a testicle. He was heated and I sensed that he wanted to take over so I sucked and licked his head like a lollipop for a moment and then said, "I'm not done yet."

"Now you're being mean." He was proud and serious at the same time. I'd remembered some of the things that Eric had shown me and after a bit, he started bucking like crazy. If I didn't have his blood in me, he'd probably have given me a concussion or some such.

After he had his good moment, my body was acutely aware that it hadn't had Eric inside yet. For a brief moment, I thought I might just crawl up on him but I couldn't bring myself to take him like that. But the thought did give me a bit of a thrill. Maybe I'd work up to it. I told him, "I'm done now... unless you want me to do that again."

Eric crushed me to him, "Oh, you'll be doing that again; just not now." He rubbed himself against me. The smell of him, our closeness, what we'd just done together, memories of previous times all come together and I felt a rush of liquid. "I can feel your arousal." He slid a hand down and fondled my slit. He found my clitoris and gently rubbed it. I couldn't help but moan. His thumb took over position at my sweet spot as he probed a finger inside of me. "So wet. What do you want Sookie?"

"You, I want you." I rocked into his hand.

Eric said, "You have me. I'm right here. You want something else or something more. Tell me."

Not this again. "You know what I want, Eric." The only response I got was him sucking a breast while the fucked me with his fingers.

I'd go mad if he was not inside me soon. I growled, "I want you inside. Stop fucking around."

Eric laughed, "So which is it?" Before I let out even a grunt of frustration, Eric had himself positioned to enter. He waited for me to acknowledge the change before pushing inside. It was heaven.

Pleasantly sated, it was early afternoon by the time I woke. We made a right fine mess when we returned earlier in the morning. I needed another shower; Eric would too when he rose. I showered, dressed, ate, read a note from Eric and then passed some time watching television until dark.

I knew Eric was awake when I heard the water turn on. So I went and stripped the bed, put on fresh sheets and then put the dirty ones in the washer to be turned on after Eric was done.

We were out the door less than five minutes from the time I heard the water turn on.

The trip to Bon Temps was quicker than it should have been, but that was how Eric drove. Upon arrival I sensed some werewolves, and two vampires. I supposed Vampire Bill would be wanting his stuff back.

Speaking of, "Eric, why does Vampire Bill call you master now?"

Eric answered, "I am his master now." I waited a moment and Eric told me, "Human blood was what he craved when he woke and there was not enough of it. Synthetic is much easier to procure and store, but he would not have taken it in his blood lust. There were few options, I could kill him or I could feed him. Since he is of great importance to the queen, and we went through the trouble to find him, killing him was not palatable. If I'd let him go, he'd have found the nearest human and fed on them until they died. Such a scenario could create problems for our image if such a thing got out... I fed him my blood. He was so depleted of his own that I now have as much control over him as if I'd sired him myself." He looked at me, "Thanks to you he doesn't have two masters."

I chuckled, "would you have to like share custody or something?"

Eric didn't laugh at all and I sobered up quick. He told me, "His maker was a bitch. Lorena was known for making her children do things that they… shouldn't. I will not stand for certain...actions. If Compton had ended up with two makers, it would have been hell for him."

We parked the car near the back door. I looked down the driveway in the dark of the night. It was a much smoother ride than normal and now I saw why; my driveway had been re-graveled. I turned to Eric.

"Glad to see you're okay Ms. Sookie."

"Bubba!" I looked to my some-time vampire guard.

He hung his head and said, "I'm real sorry I couldn't keep watch over you last night. I had some doing with those Mississippi vampires. They're right fine hosts, I'll tell you that."

"Bubba, did you watch me every night I was in Jackson?"

"Yessum. Eric said to watch you but make sure no one saw me."

I finally had a sense of hope that we'd find out who killed the werewolf. I asked, "Did you see anyone hanging outside Alcide's apartment the first night we went to the club?"

He nodded, "I did. There were a few of them outside. They was talkin' and I heard 'nough to know that there was a blood offense an' who done it. One of 'em got tossed by security guard but the one that done marked miss Sookie snuck on up into the hallway. He done clean picked the lock and was opening the door when I stopped him. He wasn't gonna hurt Miss Sookie again."

Eric asked, "What did you do exactly?"

Bubba told us, "I snapped his neck and shoved him in the closet. He was too big to carry out on my own without someone seeing. I figured you or Alcide could figure out how to toss the body."

We all smiled, "Of course."

I said, "I usually keep blood in the ice box if it's still good I can heat some up for you."

"You have plenty of blood on stock, Sookie. I'll heat some up." Pam had caught our attention. "The werewolf Alcide stopped by during the day and left your things with the day guards. I brought them inside."

"Thank you, Pam."

We walked up and stepped inside. Pam asked, "Shall I make some hot cocoa for you, Sookie?"

"I can get it, thanks." I told her. I really was accustomed to doing that for myself and not having a visitor to my home do that, nor was I used to said visitor serving other guests.

I mixed up some cocoa for myself as the others began to drink their bloods. As my own drink was heating, Tina came out. Bubba looked at her longingly as he drank his bottle of blood. "She looks delicious, but I know she's yours. I will not feed from Miss Sookie's cat."

"I love Tina very much, so thank you." The cat in question brushed up against my leg. I picked her up for a moment, gave her a hug and set her down. Then I watched as she trotted toward the table to brush against Pam and weave between her legs. Pam made a clicky noise and Tina jumped onto Pam's lap and plopped herself down. Pam began stroking Tina's chin which stretched out to meet her.

Eric teased, "But you're not a cat person."

"It's Sookie's cat." She said as if that meant that Tina was better than all the rest for having been mine.

"Now I know what to get you the next time I'm looking for a present."

"Eric, you know that I do not do furry things." Pam protested as she scratched behind Tina's ears. "Don't even think about it."

"I won't feed off your cat either Miss Pam." He looked at Tina, "Even if it does look mouth-watering." Bubba stood, "Thank you Miss Sookie for the blood. I'll be going now. You have a good night now."

I stood up, "I'm going to collect a couple of things. I won't be long."

Eric said, "Now that we know what happened, I can get the dogs off you. You didn't kill him, your guard did. They're hired guns themselves, they might not like it, but they can respect it. The most I'll need to do is pay a fine for the handling of it." Geez, death really was callous.

Pam observed, "He makes a good soldier and he protects Sookie well."

Eric noted, "He could have been more helpful if he'd told Sookie what he'd done."

I nodded in agreement to that. "But we still managed, right?"

Pam said, "I still find it hard to believe that you dumped a body."

"You and me booth," I said. Pam wanted to hear all about it. I told her what went down as Eric made a call to (hopefully) straighten out the mess. She found the tale to be entertaining and even hilarious at points.

Eric returned to where we were and let us know that the "dog have been called back."

I paused, "If the bikers came after me 'cause they thought I had something to do with that guy Jerry's death then what about the one that tried breaking into my place before we left for Mississippi?"

Pam suggested, "My guess is Lorena. Bill did say that she was under the impression that you two were together. Someone like her would have been pissed to passed for a human."

Eric said, "Knowing her, it's a likely scenario. We'll keep some guards around just in case we've missed something."

"I suppose the two of you would like to know how to gain entrance to the room in progress?" Pam looked at us. Guess there was no more to say on the werewolf invasion of my farmhouse.

They'd started already? My head turned and I looked around. My eyes looked toward the stairs. Whatever is being done must be taking place there.

Pam began, "the trap door will be crowded but I believe that is the point. It's in your closet, so if someone here's the trap door they may think it's the door closet. You have seasonal boxes and items that can be placed on top. You do not have to move a large area rug or furniture each time you want to gain access."

She got up and we followed. Once in my room, she opened the closet which seemed normal enough to me until I looked down. There was a large piece of wood lying on the floor. Eric lifted the board. Down below was a small hole. It wasn't a basement or even a room, yet. But if Eric had to, and didn't mind the dirt floor and walls, he could stay here after a little more digging.

Eric looked at Pam. She said, "I'm not big on construction. I'm better at destruction. You want a fancy trap door? I don't do those. At least I was good enough to make clean cuts across the existing boards."

Eric told her, "There is that. I'll need to reinforce the wood floor where it's been cut and put in a door that will sit flush. That shouldn't take me too long."

I did a little hop of joy. "Oh, I can't wait until it's done. If you tell me how you're getting all the dirt out and stuff, I might could work on it some too. You know, while y'all are sleeping during the day."

Pam looked at me like I had two heads. She couldn't believe that I'd want to do such work. Eric said from over my head, "This project was her idea and I do believe Sookie would like to involve herself in her own project." I nodded like an idiot.

Pam told me what I needed to know if I was going to work on the project too. "Do not work on it while we are sleeping. We're working with dirt walls, Sookie. They could cave in; the hole could fill with water. If you want to help dig that's fine by me, but unless you want to piss off Eric I suggest you don't work on it alone." So that pretty much left just the nighttime when I'd slow them down. Phooey, I guess I can't win them all, but I really would rather be alive and safe.

I faced Eric, "Were you really not going to say anything about me working on it during the day?"

"Not if Pam did." He smirked, "I didn't want to be the one to rain on your parade as it were."

I contemplated my choices for the evening. I don't have to work tomorrow, mostly because Sam doesn't know yet that I'm back but I'll call him during the day. I wanted to share a bed with Eric tonight so I guess we could go back to Shreveport. But I really was anxious to start helping with the hole.

"You need to go into Fangtasia tonight, don't you?" I was trying to come up with a plan.

He nodded. "I do. I can come back tomorrow and work on making the trap door, but I'm afraid that I'll be rather busy with Sheriff and business owner duties tonight." So we wouldn't get too much time together tonight.

I faced Pam, "How about you? Is your boss making you work tonight?"

Pam looked at Eric, "I thought we might hang out you and me. You could tell me some more of your delicious tales."

For a moment I wondered if Eric is concerned that not all of the werewolves have received the message. I casted that thought aside and told Pam, "Sure, if you'll help me make this hole a little bigger tonight."

"We have a deal." Pam teased, "If you're this excited now, just wait until you're getting down and dirty with Eric. He is very good at cleaning up."

I turned red as the thought of us getting dirty and then washing each other off. I knew what I was doing

tomorrow night!

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Edit: Shortly after posting I realized that I left I hadn't provided any explanation for the werewolf trying to break into Sookie's home. That is speculated near the end.