Set in a mix of the books and the TV series. Sookie and Bill come back from Dallas quarreling and break up. But Lafayette is still alive and had gone through his ordeal in Eric's dungeon.

Of course I don't own these characters, I am just very thankful that Charlaine Harris did.

Rated M for sexual content. Thank you to everyone who has reviewed this so far!

Chapter 4

"Sookie, I have to go." He was planting light kisses across her shoulder. She turned towards him and stretched herself awake.

"Already?" She asked drowsily with a pout forming on her lips. He leaned in and captured her bottom lip in a playful bite, which deepened into a kiss that threatened his departure.

He pulled back reluctantly and stood. "If I am to beat the sun to Shreveport." He was already dressed and she realized he had probably not slept.

She sighed in in mock exasperation. "I'm going to have to get a human lover on the side so I can wake up next to him in the morning."

Eric growled and moved to within inches of her face, his fangs were out and he looked furious. "You are mine! I will not share you."

She actually giggled at him. "You have no sense of humor in the morning."

He looked bewildered, no one had ever laughed at him when he was in full fury before. That expression made Sookie laugh even more. Then he grinned at her. "We can discuss this tonight. I'll be here as soon as I can after sunset. Stay away from Bill." He added sternly.

"I work tonight. I won't be home until late, well not late for you..."

"Stay here, I'll see you tonight." Then before she could protest he gave her a quick kiss and was flying out the window.

Stay home? Obviously Eric had no grasp of her financial situation. $10,000 in the bank or not, she couldn't afford to blow off a day's work. She looked at her clock, it was almost five. She would sleep another four hours and then call the waitresses working the day shift to see if they could trade. She wouldn't make as good of tips on the day shift but she would have more time to spend with Eric.

She stretched again, grabbed her robe and padded into the bathroom, stopping on the way to grab something to sleep in. She took care of necessities and took off the robe so she could put her nightshirt on. She paused when she caught her reflection in the mirror. Not only were Eric's bitemarks rapidly fading but the bruises Bill had made were gone. How much of Eric's blood did I drink? Have I ever told Eric that I didn't want to be a vampire? She revisited every conversation she had had with him and couldn't remember it coming up. Well, she was going to have to set him straight in that regard tonight. She pulled the oversize t-shirt that was her nightgown over her head and crawled back into bed. She was asleep almost immediately and if she had any dreams, they did not disturb her.

The sun was low in the sky as she drove into work. She had called all the other waitresses but none of them could switch at such short notice. She had to admit to herself that her more independent streak was glad. It would probably be better to not start this relationship cow-towing to every demand. She had to show him that she would make her own decisions.

As she looked at the sky again she was glad that she lived so close. She wanted to be in the bar and not alone by sunset. She didn't know if Bill was going to confront her but she hoped being in a public place would temper his actions. She felt a momentary twinge of guilt over using her friends that way, but she didn't really think Bill would hurt them, would he? Yet she still tried to figure out how long it would take Eric to get here. She had no idea how fast he could fly, or how long he took getting ready. Her best guess was an hour and a half at least, maybe longer if he had to talk to Pam about the bar.

The sun was just a sliver in the sky when she pulled into the employee parking lot. She went into Sam's office and stowed her purse grabbing a fresh apron and began tying it on.

"Hey Sook." Sam's friendly greeting was met with a shriek and a jump, Sookie whirled around her face white.

Sam closed the distance and grabbed her arms. "Sookie what's wrong?" He searched her face with concern.

"Sorry Sam, I'm a little jumpy tonight that's all." She lowered her head and made a show of tying her apron.

"Why?" he pressed.

Not meeting his eyes she mumbled, "I started seeing someone and I'm pretty sure Bill will be mad." She could feel Sam's disappointment and wariness through the contact.

"Do you think he'll hurt you? Or this new guy?" Sam let go of her and crossed his arms in front of him.

"I don't know. I'm just hoping he doesn't make a scene or hurt anyone before Eric gets here."

"Eric? Oh Sook, not another vampire!" Sam was running his hand through his hair. "Okay, you stay out in the main room with lots of people. No going back to the storeroom or anything. I'll stay at the bar and keep an eye out. We'll get through whatever."

Nodding Sookie gave him a half-smile and grabbed an order pad before going out to the bar. She plastered on her fake smile and started taking orders. She couldn't believe no one could feel the tension in the air. She wanted to tell people to run at the first sign of trouble but couldn't. Why get them all worried when it might not be anything?

She was half an hour into her shift when Bill walked in the door. She glanced at Sam to be sure he noticed and continued taking the order of the table she was at. He walked up behind her and said in a very low, very taut voice. "I need to talk to you." Judging by the reaction of her customers the expression on his face was terrifying.

She pretended not to hear and clarified the order. "Did you want ketchup or ranch with the onion rings?" She jotted down the response and then turned. "Hello Bill." he did look terrifying, but she glanced at her watch. "I have a break in an hour, would you like an O negative while you wait or would you like to come back then, or when I get off shift at close?"

"I want to talk to you now." he demanded.

"I'm sorry I can't. If you want to wait I'll spring for the True Blood." The bar was completely silent, except to Sookie who could hear the cacophony of minds shrieking around her. "God he looks mad...", "...is she crazy talking to him like that?", "Can we sneak out of here before he tears the place apart?", "He's going to kill her right here..."

She put up her shields as best she could and said quietly, "Bill, your quarrel is with me and if you want to talk to me later then fine. But you are about to create a panic here and I will not have you do anything to these people or Sam, who have nothing to do with this." She set her hands on her hips and her smile faded.

He opened his mouth to growl his response when the door opened "Bill!" Eric stood framed in the doorway.

Bill whirled and seemed ready to launch himself at Eric.

"Take it outside." Sam said from the bar. Eric nodded at him but Bill's eyes never left Eric, who then backed out the door. Bill followed warily, every movement controlled. Sookie was moving to follow when someone grabbed her arms from behind. "Don't be stupid Sookie, it's not safe out there right now." Sam whispered in her ear.

"But I don't want them to fight, Eric will kill him and I'll have to live with that."

"Chére you can't get between them. Did you see the bloodlust in their eyes?"

By this time just about everyone in the bar had moved to try to see what was happening in the parking lot, though no one was foolish enough to go out. Especially with the growling, thudding and breaking glass that could be heard.

"Please Sam, I have to try to calm them down." She half-turned to look at him, tears in her eyes.

"Sook, do you think two dogs fighting over a bone are going to fight harder if the bone isn't there or if they can see it?" He tried to reason with her.

"Don't go using dog logic on me Sam Merlotte." She hissed softly at him. She pulled and was able to break his grip, probably due in large part to Eric's blood. "I won't get between them. I'm just going to try to make them see reason." and she ran out the door before he could grab her again.

She was struck by how quiet it was, and a lump formed in her throat, please don't let one be dead, she prayed. Then she heard Eric's deep voice, low and threatening. Cautiously, she rounded the large tree that effectively cut the parking lot in two, grimacing at the torso-sized dents and smashed windshields of cars that bore witness to a struggle. There, in the cone of light from one of the overhead lamps, was Eric, a foot on Bill's throat. Eric did not have a scratch on him but the same could not be said for Bill. He was almost unrecognizable for the blood and the bruising on his face. "...not smart Bill, but not unexpected." He smirked, "You have done very few smart things in the time that I have known you. I could kill you now..."

"Eric, you promised." Sookie said softly, stepping to the edge of the light, tears were streaming down her cheeks.

"I know my lover." Eric began and Bill growled at the word.

"She is mine!" he insisted.

"No Bill, I'm sorry, not anymore." Her voice cracked as she looked on his wounded face, feeling only pity and regret. "Eric, please let him up."

Eric moved so fast that her eyes could not follow, and Bill still lay on the ground while Eric was in front of her facing him. "Sookie has asked that I not kill you before I give you this warning. Do not bother her again, do not touch her, do not hurt her. The same goes for her family and friends. If anything happens to her or anyone she knows I will come for you."

Bill struggled to his feet, looking past Eric, imploring her with his eyes. "Sookie what you're feeling is because he tricked you into drinking his blood, can't you see that?"

"How do I know the same isn't true about us? That our attraction wasn't based on me drinking from you?" She had wondered that since he had warned her of the attraction she might develop for Eric.

"But I didn't trick you. I saved your life that night."

"Really? Bill in all the while we were dating you were never once late for anything, but that night you were late. Did you watch the Ratts kicking me to death and waited just til I was about done in before you came to my rescue?"

Bill looked like he had been slapped in the face, but didn't deny it. Sookie's breath caught in a sob and she felt like she was going to be sick. Eric put his arms around her and held her close.

"Sookie asked that I not banish you, that I let you stay in your family's home. Do not make me regret that boon." He turned and started leading her back into the bar. After a few steps she stopped and turned to Bill.

"Bill, I rescind my invitation." she whispered, then her voice cracked and she was wracked by sobs. Eric picked her up and headed into the bar.

Everyone was rushing back to their tables when they entered the bar but Sookie didn't notice, her face was pressed against Eric's neck and she was trying to fight the sobs shaking her body.

Sam and Tara came running up."What the hell did you do to her?" Tara demanded, trying to get Eric to set her down.

"Nothing." Eric said softly. "Your office?" he looked at Sam.

"Sure, sure, this way." And he led Eric to his office, Tara followed.

Eric sat in Sam's chair behind the desk cradling Sookie on his lap and trying to sooth her. "Leave us." He directed at Sam and Tara.

"Not till we're sure she's all right and that that's what she wants." Sam stood firm.

Eric rolled his eyes and went back to trying to calm Sookie so she could speak to her friends. "Sookie, you're safe now. Please stop crying." He was stroking her hair and rocking her gently.

Sam looked at Eric over her head and mouthed, "Bill?"

"Alive." Eric mouthed back with a look of disgust.

Sookie's sobs began fading to hiccups and she reached to wipe her eyes. Tara dared to get close enough to Eric to hand her a tissue. "Here you go Sook. Are you all right?" She shot Eric a dirty look.

Sookie took the tissue and dabbed at her face, she nodded as she blew her nose. "I...I'm okay." She took another tissue when Tara offered.

"I'ld believe that more if there was a little more distance between you. Right now if you said something he didn't like he could crush you in a second." Tara was not the trusting sort.

Eric lifted his hands from Sookie and held them up as if Tara had a gun on him. He gave Sookie an exasperated look. She smiled at him and started to rise, he made to pull her back.

"Tara and I are just going to have a chat in the ladies room. Besides, I'm sure I'm a complete mess."

He shrugged and watched them go, then turned to Sam. "Ask what you will."

"If Bill is still alive, why is she so upset?" Sam asked, not really caring if Bill was alive or not.

"She realized that her whole relationship with him was based on a lie and that he is far more treacherous than she could have imagined." He glowered, "If I had not promised her, he would have met the final death tonight."

"So is he high-tailing it?"

Eric shrugged again. "He would if he were smart, but he is not banished - another boon I granted her - of course she asked before tonight's revelations." He looked at Sam through narrowed eyes. "You care for her." It was a statement not a question. Sam just nodded. "She is..."

"Yours." Sam finished for him, "I know, I don't have a death wish, but know that if you ever hurt her I will come for you." Eric nodded his head in understanding.

Tara and Sookie came back from the ladies' room, Tara nodded at Sam, but didn't look happy. Sookie had not been able to mask all signs of crying but her make-up was fresh and she had her strained smile back on.

Sam started, "Sook, if you need to head on home..."

"No Sam, I couldn't do that to Arlene, she's probably going crazy out there as it is. And who's been tending bar while you two have been in here mother-henning me?"

"Sam is right my lover. I should take you home." Eric stood up and went to take her hand.

"No, now you can wait for me here or at my place, but I am going to finish my shift." With that she turned and stomped out of the office, her ponytail bouncing defiantly. As she walked down the hall the bar was abuzz. Hushed but urgent voices carried back to her in a steady drone, but that quickly died to silence as she entered the room and all eyes turned to her.

Snapping her shields and smile firmly in place she headed for her tables. Arlene had obviously been picking up the slack because food had been served and drinks refilled. She took fresh drink orders and cleared tables on automatic. As she passed Arlene she gave her an apologetic smile and a big thank you, but when the redhead went to ask her questions she shook her head and mouthed "Later." Tara came back out to the bar and started filling drink orders.

In about 10 minutes people started pouring through the door, apparently everyone with a cell phone had called everyone they knew to tell them about the big vampire fight in the parking lot. Sam came out looking grim and it was all he and Tara could do to keep up with the bar orders.

Sookie had assumed Eric had headed to her home but he came back in through the front door. The bar fell silent again and Sookie could feel the tension level spike.

"If I may have your attention..." he began and Sookie snorted. He had their undivided attention already. He shot her a dirty look. "there was some unexpected damage to some vehicles in the parking lot earlier this evening. I have left the name and number of a repair shop on the windshield of the cars. If you take your vehicles to that repair shop I will cover the damages. Enjoy the rest of your evening." He then headed over to the only open booth, sitting with his back against the wall and his long legs along the bench. It was in Arlene's section but Sookie signaled to her that she would take it, for which Arlene looked thankful.

"That was very nice of you Eric. Can I get you a True Blood?" she asked putting a cocktail napkin down in front of him.

"That's not what I thirst for." and he grinned at her showing a bit of fang. She felt herself flush and heat begin to build between her legs. He raised an eyebrow to acknowledge her arousal and licked his lips provoking a shudder down her spine.

"Eric, stop it!" she scolded in a whisper. "I'm at work. Order something or wait at my place."

He snapped his fangs back away and sighed, "Fine, bring me an A positive, I'll try to choke it down."

"Coming up." There might have been a bit more swing to her hips than normal as she walked away. Eric did not seem to take his eyes off her the rest of the night and the looks he gave her whenever she came by to check on him almost made her jump him in the booth.

Arlene came up to her as she was placing an order at the window to the kitchen. "Sug, the way that vamp is looking at you, he is going to eat you alive." She looked worried and motherly.

"Arlene, it's okay. Eric won't hurt me."

"That's what you said about Bill, but you were crying like a baby about him earlier."

"That doesn't count." Sookie stated firmly, "How many times have you ended up crying over some guy, and none of them have been vampires. That's just a part of relationships. Sometimes you get your heart broken." She turned and headed back out to the tables. But in a much subdued mood.

Eric, of course, noticed. "What did the red-haired one say to you?" He looked grim.

"She's just worried is all. You might have noticed that you scare people a bit." She said with a half-smile on her face. "My friends just don't want to see me getting hurt."

"I could glamor her, make her more receptive to our relationship."

"No! Please don't do that to anyone. I feel bad enough when I go into my friends' thoughts without you going in and changing them."

He dipped his head to her, he obviously saw nothing wrong with his plan but was willing to let her call the shots as far as her friends were concerned.

She moved on to her other tables and the night wore on. As closing neared she went back to the kitchen. "Hey, Lafayette, can you fix me one of your specials to go?"

He whirled on her, spatula still in his hand. "Sook are you out of your ever-loving mind? Did that son of a bitch glamor you? How can you be with him after what he did?" His voice was intense but low so no one could overhear.

"He saved my life Lafayette, more than once, and he's not a complete monster." Lafayette went to cut her off but she persisted. "I know what he did to you was terrible, and I can't imagine what it was like, but from what I've heard other sheriffs do much worse to V-dealers. At least you're alive and in one piece."

"Sometimes I wish he had killed me." He shook his head. "He doesn't deserve you Sook. He's evil."

"But there's good in him too. I've seen that he can love. He has been around evil for a thousand years. He needs a chance to see good." She looked at him pleadingly, she liked Lafayette and didn't want to lose him as a friend.

"I still think you is crazy." He mumbled and turned back to the grill.

"Thank you Lafayette." and she left the kitchen.

Sam grabbed her arm and pushed her into his office in front of him. Turning to face him she rolled her eyes, "Go on Sam say it, 'Eric is evil, Eric is dangerous. Not another vampire.'" He was leaning with his back against the door as if his legs couldn't support him. He looked as if someone had just died. "Sam what's wrong?"

"Is it true?" he asked softly, running his hand through his hair.

"Is what true?" Sam knew she was seeing Eric, what more did he want to know?

He threw himself off the door and pointed in the general direction of where Eric was sitting in the bar. "Are you going to let that bloodsucker turn you?" He bit out angrily through clenched teeth.

"What? No! Did Eric tell you that?"

"Yes." He spat. "He said tonight would be your last night working here and that soon he would make you immortal."

"Why that arrogant... Sam, don't worry, I do not want to be a vampire. I just hadn't told Eric that yet. But I guess I can't put that off any longer. Trust me, I'll tell him tonight." She went up and put her hand on his cheek. "Sam, how could you have believed that? You know I gotta have a suntan."

He chuckled and gave her a tight hug. "Sookie, I hate your taste in men."

She gave him a quick squeeze back and a peck on the cheek before pulling away. "Well since I do want to keep this job I think I better get back to work."

He held on to her hand. "Sook be careful." he grinned. "Eric is evil, Eric is dangerous, not another vampire."

She laughed and headed out the door. As she reentered the bar area Eric shot her a curious look, he had obviously been wondering what she had been doing for so long out of sight. The look she returned was definitely a 'we need to talk' look and he dared to look surprised and innocent. She growled to herself and went back to her other tables.