Author's Note: The chapters are going to come up a little slower this week…Only because I am onto reading Living Dead in Dallas and trying to go as quickly as possible so I have more material/inspiration for my lovely readers. But, remember that this isn't going to follow the plot of the series exactly, more in spirit (and be hopefully more faithful than True Blood as much as I love it) lol


Disclaimer: Again, not my world. Just playing in Charlaine Harris's imagination.

Eric's POV

CHAPTER 3

Another busy night at my lovely establishment. Granted Thursdays were always relatively busy days, but perhaps the summer heat brought out the carnality in humans. It certainly brought out less clothing. From the vantage point of my throne, I could see plenty of writhing bodies on the dance floor—some so intertwined that you could see no clothes at all. "This is Fangtasia," I thought somewhat proudly. My usual devotees were here, but not begging for my attention quite as avidly tonight. I only had to kick two away from my feet in the past hour. It suited me just fine since I was preoccupied, but if it continues much longer I might be losing my touch. I grinned as I briefly thought of the displays I could do to titillate my fans once more. Pam was at the moment talking expansion…again. I may be the figurehead of Fangtasia, but it was really Pam that threw her heart and soul into running the place. She has been desperately wanting to add a second story for light bondage and some of her other "particular" pleasures for some time now. Obedient as she was, she would not act without my express permission but I knew she wanted this passionately. I typically remained silent on the matter, mostly because I hadn't quite decided if it would draw unnecessary attention.

However, today I was in a particularly good mood because of a certain blonde haired beauty and decided the hell with it. Pam certainly has earned a little bit of fun.

"Install it," I finally responded, "as long as construction doesn't interfere with business."

Her eyes shone as she desperately held herself back from gushing with thanks. She knew I didn't appreciate that kind of affection in front of customers. As harsh and hard as Pam can be, at the same time she devoured Dear Abby, enjoyed pastel colors, and could gush. That sparkle though, it reminded me of why I had turned her in the first place. Her raw energy is still so…appealing. Not sexually, but on just an interpersonal level. I haven't felt anything sexually for Pam, well ever. I turned her out of loneliness and a paternal desire, not out of love or lust. If I turned Sookie…let's just say paternal instincts would not be involved. At all.

"It looks like your day is going to get even better," Pam whispered in my ear, drawing my attention forward to the door. Oh Mr. Bill Compton. She was right. Nothing would be better than an impassioned confrontation on staying away from "his" Sookie when I had a napkin in my breast pocket that could shatter his worldview.

"Eric," he bowed briefly. I usually expect much greater reverence, but I was still in a relatively good mood. I would let it slide, this time.

"Bill. To what do I owe this unexpected visit?"

He responded, "I have been called away to Louisiana. Will you watch Sookie in my absence? I have sent Bubba to stand guard by her house, but I need you to also be alert. I think this murderer she is looking for will soon be coming after her." And this was supposed to surprise me? Bill has no idea how tightly I watch what interests me, and how little happens in my area that I do not know about.

"I hope you realize I will do more than watch her Compton," I purred—enjoying his discomfort. "Why New Orleans?" I asked as casually as I could manage. I have my suspicions, but wanted to see how up front he would be with me. I am his Sherriff and Bill takes our laws very seriously; but our relationship has always been tumultuous at best.

"I have business for the Queen." His answer was short, concise, but already too much information. No one ever accused Compton of being bright, but I had no idea he would be this stupid. Did he honestly expect a vampire of my caliber and in my position not know why he was going to her?? I had heard rumors about his true intentions long before he actually showed up in our little section of the South and was keeping an eye on his actions. I do not rashly believe everything I hear, but this knowledge meant I must do a little more research on Mr. Compton. I knew pressing the issue now with him would rouse suspicion. No matter, I had other ways of figuring out exactly what I needed to know.

Now for a question I did not have an answer to. "How did Sookie take the news?"

"Not well," he sighed. "We had already been arguing before and this tipped the scales. She, she rescinded my invitation." Excellent. Just excellent. I tried not to smile…too much. Rubbing salt in the wound was just too irresistible to pass up.

"I will certainly enjoy…comforting…her in your absence, Bill." I noticed the grimace he tried to hide. Good, I thought for a second he missed what I was implying.

He had the gall to let a laugh, but the respect to make it short. "Like she'd ever let you in her home."

I couldn't have asked for a better opening. The gods are certainly smiling on me today. I slowly pulled out the Merlotte napkin and sniffed it. I could still smell her lingering scent—like lemons and warm milk. He recognized her writing instantly. "I, and dare I say she, would beg to differ."

Note: Please review! I know its on the shortside but it's a much needed transition.