Time frame: Years after "From Dead to Worse"

This is a companion piece following "Family", "Bowling for Vampires" and "Leather Underwear."

Disclaimer: I don't have any claim on the characters in the Sookie Universe. Please don't sue me. The other characters are my own creation and just wanted to play with them for a while.

A/N: Another short chapter. I'm tying up a few loose ends left from the beginning of the story, so bear with me. There is a method to my madness.

Chapter 31

Two months ago...

"I'm sorry Master, I can not do what you've asked of me." she says softly as she kneels before him, her head bowed.

"Are you defying my orders, Pamela?" he growls standing up from his chair, a six foot four inch tower of anger. Pam had gone against him before, but never over something important. Never against a specific and direct order.

"Yes, I am. You may take my life as is your right, but I will not go on with this deceit. Cole deserves better than a lie."

He whirls around his desk and stands in front of her. She braces herself for the end and it seems like he is ready to give it to her. After what seems like an eternity of silence he rests his hand on her shoulder and laughs.

"It seems that love has finally found you after all." he says with a chuckle. "I've been wondering how long it would take for you to realize it. Seems Sookie was right after all- I am definitely more stubborn than you are when it comes to matters of the heart."

Pam looks up at him. Eric is smiling at her. He gestures for her to sit on the sofa. Bewildered and a bit stunned she obliges.

"You knew?" she finally says after regaining her composure.

Eric arches his brow at the ridiculousness of her question.

"Given Cole's talent, why did you think I chose you in the first place? He would have seen a deception the moment he looked at you. The only way he wouldn't is if there was no deception. It worked out quite well if I do say so myself."

She nodded thoughtfully. Clearly Eric knew her better than she knew herself.

"When did you know, Master?"

"The moment it flashed on your face when you looked at him, just like it did for me with Sookie." He heaved a heavy sigh and patted her on her head.

"I am sorry to break it to you, Pamela. This affliction is permanent. Try as you may, there is no escape for you now." He says in mock sorrow.

Pam smiles back at him.

"I wouldn't have it any other way."

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2 1/2 months ago. The afternoon before Ally and Bill's big date....

She was in love with both of them. This was an intriguing wrinkle.

I'm not quite sure that I like this new development, however.

She looked even more dazzling than the last time I'd seen her. Her red gown flowed with her body like a second skin. It took every ounce of restraint that I had not to take her in my arms, but she kept me at bay afraid that my scent would overwhelm her vampire lover.

Vampires. Such strange and savage creatures, not nearly as graceful as the fae. There were a few that stood out above the rest, but I know that they are merely an exception rather than the norm for the race. William Compton was one of those exceptions and so were the likes of Eric of the North Village or Northman as he calls himself now and his child. Yes they are a tribute to vampires as a whole.

I told her I had made my peace with her not being mine and I had. Her vampire would never fail her, for that I was certain. He truly loved her. He was steady, strong, intelligent and he was an immortal like herself. While I will eventually die, he will not- at least not naturally. They have a connection between them that is easily discernible to my trained fae eyes. Though it was evident from the beginning that she wielded great power, not many could see the deep elemental aura that was forming around him. He had the blood of the enlightened in him...and it was growing.

He is the only one worthy enough to stand by her side. If it wasn't going to be me, it need to be him.

Cole would never be her match. He loves her, that much is evident but who could grow up with such an enchanting creature and not fall for her? He would never be able to provide her what she deserves. Plus his ability to null her abilities is a heavy concern. If he cannot control the demon within again and tries to harm her, she would not resist if she was still tied to him. She will not be able to do what was necessary for her own sanity and survival if it meant killing or hurting him.

No, they must separate. He must find another. He must find his match, but he will not do this willingly. Not without a push in the proper direction...

Eric was sitting behind his desk going over documents in his office. They looked positively dull to my eyes, but they apparently held some importance because he felt the need to keep them safe in his filing drawer.

"What can I do for you, Niall?" he asks putting down his pen and leaning back in his chair.

I sit down in front of him. "It is something that will benefit you as well, Northman." He grins.

"Tell me old friend, what is this gift that you offer?"

"Allison McCallen."

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Present day...

I knew she was going to be in BonTemps this morning to run some errands and talk to Sam and thought I'd meet her for some breakfast. I don't know how to explain it, but I felt like she needed to see me. Without even thinking, I got into my car and drove straight to Bill's house, my internal Ally GPS pulling me to where she would be.

She looked like a breath of fresh air, happiness rolling off of her in waves as she runs over to me and gives me a hug.

"Cole!" she says gleefully. "I was hoping you'd come."

"Ask and you shall receive." I smile holding her to me. Stepping back I look down at her. "What's up?"

"This." she says showing me her left hand, the diamond ring flashing on her finger.

"Wow." I say sitting down on the front stoop. "Wow."

"Is that a good 'wow' or a bad 'wow'?" she asks smiling down at me. I look up at her.

She was my first love. She had been my world for so long that there are still moments when I catch myself thinking of her as if she and I were still together. Despite the fact that I love Pam and I'm pretty sure she loves me, she could never know me the Ally does. That part of me she would always have and I think I will always have that part of her too.

No matter how mature I think I am, it was still a little shocking to think that someone you cared about in that way would ever marry someone other than you. That she will no longer be yours even though you know in your heart of hearts that you never really had her.

"Are you happy, Ally?" I ask. She looks at me for a moment then sits down next to me.

"I'm very happy, Cole. Happier than I'd ever thought possible" she says, resting her head on my shoulder.

"Then it's a good 'wow'" I say patting her knee. She shifts her body and looks at me.

"You will always have a special place in my heart you know."

"I know, but it's still nice to hear it."

"Well there you go- now you've heard it." she says standing up. "So dear friend, how about you giving me away?"

She will always be a part of my life and I will always be a part of hers. She's found love and so have I. Our paths permanently entertwined but never meeting. It was how it was meant to be.

I could live with that.

Standing up, I hold her to me, kissing her on the top of her head. "It will be my honor, Ally, to walk you down the aisle."

"Thank you, Cole." she whispers. "I could never imagine doing this without you."

"I will always be there for you Ally. You are my family and that's just what we do."

TBC- Last chapter and Epilogue coming up next...