I had worked the early dinner shift at Merlotte's and was at home alone that night. Eric was working at Fangtasia, and I was expecting him at around three. At about midnight, I decided to take a little nap on the sofa when there was a knock at the door. A very agitated Bill came into the room and asked where my roommates were. Amelia was over at Tray's and Octavia was away visiting relatives in Arkansas. I could see that Bill was concerned, but he wouldn't tell me at first what was going on. He kept checking his phone and pacing until I finally grabbed him and said, "Bill. What is it? I need to know."

"There's been another takeover."

I hate vampire politics. "What's happened? Where's Eric?"

"I don't know. I got a call from Pam earlier. Felipe DeCastro and Sandy Sechrest are both dead. There was some sort of uprising in Nevada that had nothing to do with our state, but naturally, we are affected. As soon as word was out, there was a jostling for power. It seems that Victor Madden is poised to take Louisiana."

I kept watching the back door, waiting for the knock that I expected from Eric, just like last time. I knew he would come to ensure my safety.

"Where was Pam when she called?"

"At Fangtasia."

"And Eric."

"We haven't heard from him. Pam said he was at home, but she hasn't been able to reach him. Other vampires in our area have checked in, but the other Louisiana sheriffs have not."

"Well, he'll be here. It's just like last time. Nothing will happen to him. He's too valuable. He'll swear fealty to Victor and we'll just move on, right?"

"I don't know, Sookie."

We waited there for hours. Bill kept texting Pam. Her response was the same every time. No change. Finally, just before dawn, Pam called and Bill stepped out onto the front porch to take the call. I knew when he came back into the room that Eric was gone. I sat on the couch and heard a woman wailing somewhere outside and realized that that was me. Bill was holding me and saying, "I'm so sorry."

When Bill had to leave moments later, I kept clinging to him saying, "Take me with you." I ran after him down the steps and through the cemetery, but he was too fast, of course. I knelt on the ground and cried as the sun rose, wondering how I would get through this day and every other day that follows without Eric.

The following night, Bill found me in a fetal position on my sofa and called Pam. They got me to drink some soup and water and tucked me into bed. I heard Pam on the phone asking Amelia to please come home. The next week or so was kind of a blur. I found out that Clancy was the new sheriff of area five and one of the few Louisiana vampires to hold such a position. The other area sheriffs were all vamps loyal to Victor and I assumed from Nevada. Pam swore fealty to both Clancy and Victor. I couldn't blame her, of course. She had to get on with her life, and Eric would have done the same in her shoes. Technically, I suppose, I am in Victor's retinue and am still holding my breath, hoping he never calls on me to work for him. I honestly don't know if I could do it, but also don't know how I could refuse without threatening my own life.

At first, the idea of losing my life didn't bother me one little bit. I would have told Victor Madden and even Clancy to kiss my telepathic behind if they called me to work for them. But then I thought of Hunter, and the life he has ahead of him. And he is the only reason I was able to move forward for a very long time. I knew that he would need my help, advice, protection. My new practical self decided to get through this for Hunter's sake. I now also have a will that will ensure his security when it's my time to join Eric.

Flying into Myrtle Beach, I looked out the window and watched the beauty of the twinkling lights. I remembered the last time I saw those, and the tears started to fall. This is going to be a tough trip.