Disclaimer: Unbeta'd, so all mistakes are my own. All copyrights belong to Ms. Harris and Mr. Ball.

Chapter 22

BILL'S POV:

I can't believe I have to put in hours at this dump. If Sookie hadn't been so persistent about coming to Fangtasia the other night, then Eric wouldn't have known I was in his area yet.

I had planned on already having Sookie enthralled to me before dealing with Eric. Plus, she was never meant to meet Eric. But she would have gone to 'Fangtasia' with or without me.

She is so strong-willed, but I will have fun breaking her down and then training her to be my perfect pet, maybe taking her sweet smelling cousin as well. They would make a great pair. Just thinking about the two of them together is getting me hard.

I might as well get this over with. I checked in with the queen last night and told her I would be implementing the 'Get rid of the Viking' Plan tonight. She called before I left Bon Temps and said that the Magister will be here at 1 AM, so that should give me plenty of time.

When I walk in, Pam tells me that I need to check in with Eric before starting my shift. Whatever! I can't wait to get rid of these two. When I walk up to his throne, I am not prepared for what I see.

An Elder! Not just any Elder, but Vlad Dracul. What is he doing in the New World? I thought he stayed in Europe. He is a prime example of a Vampire not needing a crown to be powerful.

Ok, maybe he is just checking in with the Sheriff. That makes sense. I hope that is all that it is.

"Sheriff," I formally address him while bowing my head, trying to keep the distain out of my voice. I really hate Eric. "Ah, Compton, Yes, Allow me to introduce you to my Grandsire, Vlad Dracul."

"Elder, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." It really would have been a greater pleasure to not have made his acquaintance. I can feel the power rolling off of him.

"Please, sit. I'm sure Eric wouldn't mind you 'Enthralling the Vermin' from here versus a booth for awhile." A Vampire Elder wants me to be in his presence; and not just any Elder. The only child of the Ancient One, even if I wanted to deny him, I couldn't upon pain of death.

"Elder, if you don't mind me asking, what has brought you to the New World?" I ask him after sitting down next to them.

"I am actually on my way to Texas to visit my child and decided to stop by and see The Viking. I thought I might be able to assist him with the 'V' epidemic that Louisiana seems to be having." Shit, how many people know about the 'V'? But there is no way that they could know I am involved.

"Really, Billy Boy, trying to sneak into my area AND plant 'V' in my bar, how stupid can you be? Pamela, restrain him!" He orders before I can even blink.

Shit! Shit! Shit! Next thing I know I am being restrained by silver and someone is going through my pockets. Oh course, they just had to find the V. But it is just one vial.

Just as I finish that thought, I see a Vampire, I think his name is Maxwell, come through the front door carrying the cooler from my trunk. Behind him are two Vampires and a Were. The next thing I know I am chained to a wall in the basement. How the hell am I going to get out of this mess with my head?

MAGISTER'S POV:

Why do I find myself in Louisiana, you might ask? Because Monarchs can't handle their own shit, that's why.

I do not believe for one minute that The Viking is selling 'V'. He was taught to respect our Sacred Blood. Plus, he has been the one working to break the 'V' rings up. He is also the one that brought it to our attention that he had seen increases in 'V' users.

But, I am duty bound by the Council to at least look into the Sophie-Anne's accusations. Then, on my way from the airport, I get a message from Northman saying he has some news on the 'V' scandal and is requesting my services.

Since the Great Revelation, 'V' has become the drug of choice. Council immediately issued an edict stating that the sale of 'V' was illegal and considered treason to the Vampire race.

Included in that edict, it was announced that Sheriff's can 'handle' the consumers, dealers, drainers, and/or distributers, but they must submit reports to Council. This is one of the few items that do not go through Monarchs.

Well, maybe tonight won't be so boring. As soon as I walk in, the Sheriff's child escorts me to Northman's private booth where I am pleasantly surprised to see an Elder.

After Eric quickly informs me of everything that has transpired tonight, I am ready to go question Compton when I get my next surprise of the night.

I hear Vlad yell, "Humans out, the bar is closed", before feeling his will press slightly against mine. I am sure everyone else feels it as well.

It is a trait a vampire acquires once they hit a certain age. You can press your will on others that are weaker than you. I still have years before I will be able to, but I can't wait. It will definitely make my job easier.

As everyone scurries out, I smell the most delightful scent. I turn towards the door and see her. Even without looking at her face, I can tell who it is by her attire.

Fuck, what is the Angel of Death doing here? She doesn't normally involve herself in Vampire business. Plus, she has a Werewolf and her Personal Fae Guard, along with some human. Well, now I am certain that tonight won't be boring.

ERIC'S POV:

Everything has gone as planned so far. Just as the Magister is getting ready to go question Bill, Vlad clears my bar, MY bar, and presses his will through the room.

As soon as the last human exits, in walks The Angel of Death. Otherwise known as Vlad's goddaughter, Kristina Brigantia, at least I think that what she goes by in the mortal realm. Like Vampires, Faeries and Daemons go by many different surnames.

Every Vampire in the bar either knows of her or can at least sense the power rolling off of her and respectfully bow their heads.

It has already been spread around that she is the Heir to Faerun. Apparently the public announcement was made in Ireland at their Kingdom Ball.

I notice 2 men flanking her as she makes her way towards us. On her left is a Wolf by the name of Alcide and on her right is a Faery. But what truly surprises me is who is behind them.

Making the back part of their diamond formation is my telepathic Southern Belle wearing a red and white checkered sundress. Now, what is she doing with Kristina?

Exiting our booth, Vlad and I bow our heads towards her, while the Magister bows his head and lifts her hand, before kissing it.

"Your Highness, always a pleasure to see you." The Magister must want to stay on her good side. I have heard that you don't want to get on her bad side.

"Cut the crap Magnus, I will assume you have already heard about Compton. Well, I am here to verify. Here is the warrant for his arrest." Talk about bunt.

Straightening up, the Magister takes the folded document from Kristina and scans over it. Even I could see his eyes bug out slightly before steeling his face again.

"This is on the orders of a Goddess?" Magister states, surprising all of us, except Vlad and Kristina's entourage.

"Yes, it is on my orders. As the Last Goddess and Head of the High Council it would behoove you to make sure this is handled properly." Well, shit.

"Of course, My Lady, I will handle it personally. In order to properly document this, what exactly is he being charged with?" I bet he will. He wants to keep his job when the Council is restructured in a few months.

"'V' Possession and Distribution, using Witchcraft on a Royal, Blood Offence against the Fae and High Treason against the Council" Oh, Billy Boy, you are even more stupid than I thought.

I tell Pam, through our bond, to bring Compton upstairs and to make sure he is still restrained.

"Sheriff Northman, always a….well, let's say pleasure. Allow me to introduce you to my Personal Guard Preston, my Head of Security for the States Alcide, and you already know my cousin Sookie." Say says while pointing out each of them.

Did she just say that Sookie is her cousin? Of course, out of all the thousands of woman I have pursued, the only two to turn me down are related. I wonder which side. Sookie smells great, but not like a Faery.

Once Pam has brought Compton up, I realize that she gagged him. Priceless! I hand all my evidence over to the Magister and so does Kristina.

The witnesses to finding the 'V' sign affidavits and Kristina summons some Fae guards before sending them to Compton's residence to gather some database.

But before the Magister leaves, Kristina says she has an announcement to make while the Magister and Bill are still here.

"As The Angel of Death and The Last Goddess, as well as the Heir to Faerun and the Head of the High Council, I declare Sookie Adele Stackhouse under my formal protection. Anyone attempting harm on her will suffer my wrath." That definitely got Bill to stop struggling against his restraints for a few seconds.

"I will make sure it is documented for Council, Your Excellency." The Magister states before bowing and leaving with that waste of blood.

"Eric, Vlad and I will be leaving the area for a while and I'm sure that Sookie would prefer to stay in Louisiana. Would you be willing to be her protector? She will be moving into my estate temporarily and will be guarded by Alcide during daylight hours." Kristina asks me after taking a seat next to Sookie, across from Vlad and me.

"Of course, but she would be much safer in my main property. I have plenty of space for her to be comfortable." Getting her into my house would be the first step in getting her into my bed.

"It has already been decided. My house is perfectly equipped for her, but if it would make you feel better, my estate is Vampire friendly. I will be starting her training soon and would feel more comfortable 'popping' in and out of my own house. As for safety, along with Alcide in the day and you at night, there will be four Weres and one Fae guard at all times." She states firmly.

"Her estate is perfectly safe Eric, it is where I am staying while here. Plus, it is a 10 minute fly from there to here." Vlad informs me.

"Sookie, how do you feel about this? Just yesterday you were clinging all over Bill, yet tonight you didn't even care when he was removed." I ask her, truly curious.

"Eric, he was sent to procure me for your bitch of a queen. Of course I hate him. And apparently he was influencing me with his blood. I didn't even know he could do that. If leaving my home for a few weeks and receiving guards will allow me to stay safe, then of course I will do it. I prefer a gilded cage for a few weeks to a dungeon for eternity." Sookie says calmly, but I can see the rage building in her eyes.

I am about to inform Sookie that Compton wouldn't be able to control her with his blood if she is a Supe, but Kristina stops me.

"Yes, she is a Supe. Well, partially. She is a Faery/Human Hybrid. The reason he was able to influence her with his blood is because he was taking a tonic that would enthrall her to him. I gave her a charm this morning that will allow her to be free from his influence." Kristina tells me.

"That is why Compton was charged with using Witchcraft on a Royal?" I ask her.

She nods.

"Of course I will be Sookie's protector. I am honored that you have asked this of me and I would feel more comfortable being close to her even in my rest. I will still need to keep up appearances here though, so I would ask if it is acceptable for Pam to her in my stead a few nights a week."

"That is acceptable; she will need to stay at the estate while I am away. Vlad will text you the address and I will need you to start Saturday at first dark. Consider this payment for saving your ass. Oh, and I would suggest not telling your Queen, or anyone else, about this." She says before leaving with her guards, Sookie, and Vlad.

She could not possibly be letting me off this easy. She saves my ass and all I have to do is keep Sookie Company for a few weeks?