Many, many thanks to my beta, bajan-martini for her suggests, comments, and keen eye.

Hope you enjoy the chapter. Don't get too upset, not all things are as they seem. Thanks for reading. Comments are appreciated.

PS: My apologies for not responding to previous comments. They really are appreciated and motivating.

Chapter 26 The Witch's Hour

I was sitting in my car, pulled off the road, and hidden behind a grove of pine trees. It was dark, seven o'clock at night, on December the eighteenth. I was waiting for Liam to arrive home. I had run out of patience and was running out of time; therefore, I resorted to covert tactics.

Prompting my actions was a reoccurring dream of Avis that I had dreamt during the last two consecutive nights. It was a very odd and disturbing dream. She and I were standing on a cliff that overlooked the ocean. I was looking down at the waves crashing on the rocks, below the cliff. I remembered that I was terrified and wanted to turn and run away. Right before I was about to do just that, Avis whispered to me, "Be still." I woke up in a cold sweat both nights.

The combination of the dreams, the amulet, and the Time of Crossing was freaking me out, big time. I didn't care that I was contradicting what I had said to Eric, about showing up at someone's house unannounced. The sense of fear and urgency was practically overwhelming me.

Liam's Audi passed by me at a fast pace and sharply turned left onto to the gravel road that led back to his house. I looked at my watch and then patiently waited for fifteen minutes to pass; then, I drove up to his house.

Liam's house was an old Federal style, three story structure. It was well kept, with burgundy shutters that contrasted perfectly with its grey clapboard siding. It had a stately appearance and was somewhat large, but would never be considered a mansion. It was a perfect house for the esteemed doctor.

As I walked up the front steps, I experienced a slight unease, and I don't know why. I pulled the century-old door chime cord and waited for what seemed like an eternity. Finally, the door swung open to reveal a very handsome, but harried- looking Liam. He was dressed in jeans and a white oxford shirt under a grey, woolen cardigan. I had never seen him dressed so informally and it was a very good look for him.

Damn, you're a hot looking man. Focus Jo. If I acted on every time I was attracted to a man… I… I wouldn't be so tense or enjoy wine so much...

He must have ran to get the door because he was huffing and puffing, trying to catch his breath. "Jo? What ah… what are you doing here? Are you alone?" He quickly stepped out and looked around the grounds. This odd behavior sent up a red flag in me.

"Sorry Liam, but I had to see you and you weren't returning my calls. I remember that you were leaving town for the holidays, and –"

Liam seemed very jumpy and nervous. He asked again, "Are you alone?"

Being asked the question twice and being interrupted really plucked my irritated nerves. I'm sure he heard the snap in my voice. "Yes, yes - Liam, I'm alone. Listen – Liam - I need to talk to you about the amulet and... and about the Time of Crossing, on the twentieth."

Then Liam really pissed me off by playing dumb. "The time of what? Lass, I'm not sure what you're talking about."

"Liam, cut the bullshit. Listen – the amulet was damaged and I want to know if you can fix it. About the Time of Crossing, screw it, I don't give a damn if you don't want to talk about it. Just tell me what to do to protect the people of Bon Temps and me. Will this amulet help me, because I'm around supernaturals all the time, and –"

"Lass, lass – Jo, calm down." He gave me a dimpled smile and motioned me into the house. "Come in. We'll talk, but not out here." He placed his hand on the small of my back and guided me into his house.

I was somewhat impressed by the entrance hall. It was completely paneled in oak, with crown moldings, and there was a grand, austere-looking oak staircase, which gleamed from a recent polishing. There was a drawing room to my right with pocket doors and a room to my left; I assumed it was the formal parlor. The white paint on all the walls in the rooms seemed new. But, there was something off about the house – then it struck me, there was hardly any furniture in either room.

The drawing room had an old mahogany desk and chair, but that was all. The parlor room had a few pieces of Hepplewhite style furniture - couch, chairs, and coffee tables, but nothing else. The entrance hall contained a plain, Shaker style hall tree, which was filled with Liam's various hats and coats. There were no paintings, no decorative objects, or rugs in any of the rooms that I could see. The lighting for the rooms and entrance hall was provided by electrical wall sconces. It all felt temporary, cold, and unwelcoming.

Liam must have noticed my puzzled expression, so he provided, "I'm not much of a decorator. I've been meaning to get someone in, but… well… Come into the parlor. Can I get you some tea or coffee? Are you cold? I can start a fire."

I followed him in, took off my overcoat, threw it over the back of the couch, and sat down. I pulled out the velvet pouch that contained the amulet. Without saying anything, I handed it to him.

Liam seemed a little taken aback by the battered condition of the amulet. He whistled appreciatively, though it was meant to be sarcastic. "Well, lass, I certainly hope that this wasn't a comment on the piece. But if it were, you certainly know how to make a statement."

I couldn't tell him about Miss Violet; I didn't want him to know about her and her knowledge of supernatural things. Damn, all I seem to be doing now is shielding the people in my life from each other.

"No, it was accidently… hammered. Listen, I'm sorry that I'm here and I'm being pushy… but so much has gone on… You said it was a protection, charm thing. I didn't think to ask when you gave it to me, but what is it protecting me from?"

Liam gently caressed my cheek and said, "It is a protector. It strengthens your will. So that you won't succumb to other forces that wish to bend you to their wants. It will prevent spirits and other beings from… inhabiting you… or glamouring you."

Inhabiting or glamouring… glamouring… I believe Eric has glamoured me at times, though I don't know for sure.

Our eyes locked and though I had already decided to not take our relationship any further than friends, his dark emerald eyes just seemed to draw me in and send tingles through various parts of my body.

I was somewhat surprised when Liam pulled out of our touching moment and abruptly stood up. "I need to take a look at this amulet closely. I have a special jeweler's loop downstairs. I'll just be a moment." He started to walk away but stopped and quickly turned to look at me. His expression was stern and it surprised me, I had never seen such a severe expression on his face.

"Jo, do not leave this room. You must stay here. Do you understand?"

I nodded my head and chirped out a quick, "Sure."

He nodded in return and quickly left, leaving me alone with nothing to do but admire the crown molding in the room. So, I pulled out my Blackberry and checked my voice messages. Eric had called. I hadn't heard from him since he crashed my brother's commitment ceremony planning party. I was somewhat embarrassed when I noticed that my palms got sweaty and my heart skipped a beat when I saw his name listed as a missed call. I counted the days of when we had last been intimate and wondered if we ever would be again.

Damn, I sound pathetic. I'm not going down that road again. I will not allow myself to act like a high school girl with a crush, again. Screw that… Focus Jo.

About fifteen minutes later, Liam reappeared. He had a huge smile on his face which I took to be a good sign. He immediately confirmed it.

"Its fine, nothing is wrong with it, the charm is still good. I touched it up a wee bit, and I must say, it is now as proper and bright as a butler's boot." He placed the chain around my neck and the amulet felt warm against my chest. I examined it and was astonished to see that it looked completely undamaged, shiny, and new.

As if he could read my mind, Liam said, "I did a little welding – a tinker or two, a snip, a swipe and all is new." He flashed another charming, dimpled smile and I responded instinctually and smiled back. Who wouldn't, he was a handsome man.

I decided not to ask any questions on what exactly he did to the amulet; I knew that it probably wouldn't be wise to push his boundaries any further. Hell, he was a witch… I didn't know if he was a Harry Potter good witch or a He-Who-Should-Not-Be-Named bad witch. I decided that I really didn't want to find out at that very moment.

We sat in silence, both of us staring at everything but each other. Earlier in the day, I had come up with a thousand and one questions to ask him, but for some reason, they didn't seem important. I guess I didn't know where to start.

"Jo… I can't talk to you about some things. But just know that I care about you, but now is not the time… for anything more than what we have now."

There was something in his tone that said he was not just saying good-bye for the holidays… I just nodded my head and I decided to chew on my lower lip so that I wouldn't say anything that I would regret later. I wasn't angry, I was being cautious. I can be overly-sentimental and will blurt out things that I really don't mean or make promises I don't want to keep.

"Listen," He reached over and took my hand. "Promise me that you will wear this amulet at all times, especially in the evening, on the twentieth. The crossing is supposedly only a threat for supernaturals; though some 'sensitive' humans have been known to be attacked or possessed by the dark ones. Just stay away from all supernaturals and you should be fine."

Well, I think I'm going to have a little problem doing that. "Liam, in case that is not possible, what should I do?"

He looked at me with questioning eyes, but he didn't ask anything, he simply said, "Wear the amulet against your skin. Do not take it off and do not believe or trust anyone until the day is done – after the stroke of midnight."

Suddenly, I heard a bell ring. The sound seemed to come from the back of the house, actually from under the house. My guess was that it came from the basement.

Liam exhaled and weakly smiled at me. "Duty calls. I have a small clinic in my basement – for the needy - and I see patients whenever there's an emergency. I must be going and you have to go now."

He rose and gently pulled me up from the couch. While he walked me to the front door, he reiterated all the instructions that he had stated earlier. When we reached the door, he paused and said, "I'll be leaving tomorrow morning and I don't know when I'll be back. But I will come back, Jo, someday. It may be some time, but I will be back and then we can…" He gently caressed my cheek with his hand and then surprised me by quickly kissing me on the lips.

He pulled away and smiled. I barely had enough time to register what he had done, because we were interrupted by the sound of a man's voice.

The voice contained a thick, Spanish accent and dripped with sarcasm. "How lovely! Two little doves kissing farewell. Good evening Sheriff Lautner; isn't this an unexpected but delightful reunion for all of us!"

I knew instantly who it was; it was the short, pony-tailed, piece of crap vampire, Allitar Zalarus. He had trashed my vampire holding cell after he was arrested for illegally soliciting and drinking human blood. I remembered that he was a courier for the vampire Queen of Louisiana.

Liam quickly opened the front door and pushed me through it and shouted, "Run!" But within a millisecond, I felt a strong, painful grip on my arm, and felt myself being dragged back into the entrance hall. It was Allitar who had a hold on me and the expression on his face was pure evil. I wildly looked for Liam and was upset to see that he was lying on the floor, with blood coming from a cut on his lower lip.

" Sheriff, why are you leaving so soon? Have you had the grand tour of the house? I bet the doctor has been remiss in his host duties. Shall we start in the basement?"

Allitar walked towards the back of the house, dragging me along, despite all of my efforts to escape. He was completely unaffected by my punches, kicks and other attempts to free myself. Suddenly, Liam appeared out of nowhere and jumped onto Allitar's back. Their struggle lasted only a few seconds. Allitar threw him against the banister of the staircase. He was knocked completely unconscious.

Allitar continued on, dragging me by my arm. I tripped and fell. He cursed in Spanish and jerked my arm so hard that I could feel the tendons in my shoulder tear into shreds. The pain was so intense that I couldn't even scream, my brain was unable to coordinate the action.

I must have momentarily blacked out, because my next conscious awareness was that of air rushing past me, as if I was flying. Then, it seems I landed – crashed landed, onto some sort of structure that had protruding, hard edges. I bounced off the surface and landed onto another surface that was so hard, that it knocked the air out of my lungs. The horrifying feeling of suffocation enveloped me and all I could do was flop around, like a fish out of water, desperately gasping for air.

I could hear the cruel bastard laughing at me. I was completely terrified because I was acutely aware of the bleak, hopelessness of my situation. Tears flooded my eyes. I knew I was going to die… but slowly… while the sadistic, Spanish vampire enjoyed every second of my agony.

Finally, my diaphragm began to work properly; I literally gulped in gobs of sweet air. I slowly became aware of my surroundings. He had thrown me down a flight of wooden stairs and I was now lying on a cold, cement floor.

I think some of my ribs are broken… it hurts to breathe…

Bright, white pain flashed from the top of my skull. Allitar had grabbed my hair and jerked my head up so that I faced him. He looked deranged. Spit flew out of his mouth when he spoke, and his voice was distorted with hate and rage. "Because of you, I lost everything. I WAS AN EMISSARY FOR THE QUEEN… AN EMISSARY! But no longer… no. No, now I'm a mere delivery boy. No better than a servant. I have been humiliated in front of my queen because you!"

Aliitar jerked my head so much that I swear my neck almost snapped in two. I saw some of my hair fall to the floor. He grabbed more of my hair and twisted it…

"You dared to imprison me – me! A higher being! You dragged me into that public spectacle - a HUMAN court, for all to see…! She said I had jeopardized all of our kind… she punished me… the Queen does not show mercy… then she demoted me. I am forced to haul vampire blood from this bound, useless witch and deliver it to filthy, gutter trash. And now – the worst of my disgrace - I have to debase my dignity and honor by taking orders from that insane, Viking monster! He gives me orders – HIM! He is filth!"

He froze for a moment and looked at me very strangely. I immediately felt the pain of one of the horrible headaches that I would get from time to time. They started happening when I arrived in Bon Temps. Allitar emitted a creepy giggle and said, "Does that hurt?"

I was astonished. Are you the cause of these damn headaches? As if reading my mind, he calmly said, "From the moment that you arrived to this land, you have brought me misfortune. An emissary made to follow a human – as if I were no better than a dog that guards sheep! But, my little special ability made it almost tolerable. I so enjoyed watching your reactions to the mental pain that I can inflict. But I've grown bored of that – of you – I will end both of our pain… now."

I heard Liam's voice in the distance. It was slurred and muffled, distorted by the injuries he had incurred when Allitar threw him. I couldn't make out what he said. At least he's still alive. Run Liam, dammit – get help…

I heard someone coming down the stairs, half stumbling half falling. It was Liam. He called out to Allitar, threatening him, "I'll tell Eric! I swear it! Leave her alone or I'll call Eric now."

'I'll call Eric?' What do you mean, you'll call Eric…? Oh my god, no… Liam and Eric… and this piece of shit… are they working together?

Allitar grabbed me by the neck, pulled me up until my feet didn't touch the ground, and threw me against a far wall. I heard Liam yell at him and then I heard things being thrown. They were fighting, both physically and verbally.

Get up, Jo, now… I tried to sit up but I was exhausted and partially paralyzed by the pain emanating from every part of my body. But, what I heard next… hurt and shocked me more than the pain that I was experiencing.

Allitar yelled at Liam, "We are having to do all of this moving because of her – that puta! Eric is a fool – no one cares about what happens to her. If she goes missing - no one would care! What are we doing? It was working, our plan was working! Eric distracts her and we gather and transport the V. Why did he think she would find out – it makes no sense! But no – he's in charge. Oh, so yes! We must jump immediately and change our operation because of a lower life…. A human? I say no! I say we solve the problem another way! She dies now!"

I noticed that it was getting harder to breath. Every breath taken and expelled was excruciatingly painful. I coughed and blood splattered all over the ground. I'm bleeding internally. I don't have much time. Move marine – now!

Liam argued back, "Eric will kill you! And I will help him!"

Allitar countered with, "No, he won't. A vampire does not kill vampire because of a human. She is not important; she is not a special human. We saw how disgusted he was by her. We don't need her as a cover anymore. Why Eric thought we needed her was ridiculous. It will end now and the queen will be happy because we can keep the operation here! Without interruption. This puta will go missing - we will make it look like one of the creatures killed her; or that she was shot by a human."

My hands were shaking and it was difficult to control them. With great effort and fumbling hands, I managed to unstrap my gun. I then used my lips to release the safety latch. I held it against my chest as I struggled to sit up. I need just a second, just one second and a steady hand… My gun was loaded with silver tipped, wooden bullets. Those were the only bullets that I used in my hand gun; because I never knew what kind of being that I would be up against, like now. And those particular bullets would wound or kill any kind being, as the situation dictated.

I heard Liam and Allitar engage in another scuffle. I focused my eyes long enough to see a laughing Allitar slowly bend Liam's wrist at such an angle that it was sure to break. Liam was fighting for release and crying out in pain.

One last jerk delivered me into a sitting position so that I could take proper aim. I barely had the strength to lift my gun and point it at Allitar. He was standing in profile. Turn around; I need to see your chest… target… turn-a-round! I croaked out, "Hey!"

Allitar stopped his assault on Liam and turned towards me. His laugh turned from sadistic to humor filled. As he slowly advanced towards me, he told me that I was a fool because bullets weren't anything more than a nuisance to him.

I fired once. The surprise on his face was almost comical. But, I had missed my target; I had hit him in the stomach. I fired twice more in rapid succession. The third bullet hit the target - his heart. For just a moment, he had a look of disbelief on his face. And then - his head and shoulders exploded into a gory blast of blood, flesh, and bone pieces and his body melted into a gelatinous puddle of goo.

I fell over; my head hit the cement with quite a thud. I'm sure it hurt, but a funny thing started to happen… I was starting to lose all sense of feeling. I ran my hand over my stomach and noticed that it was very extended – it meant that I had internal injuries.

Breathing was so difficult… I coughed… I saw more blood splatter on the cement floor, in front of my face… I coughed again and actually saw the blood spray out of my mouth… then I noticed that with every laborious breath I was able to take, it was followed by a gurgling in my chest… I was drowning in my own blood.

I felt my torso being lifted and I tried to hit whomever was trying to attack me… or, at least I imagined that I did, I'm not sure if the thought ever became an action. I heard a sound, someone was talking… I thought it was Liam but I wasn't sure… Something was pushed against my mouth and I was told to drink… But, I couldn't drink, I couldn't swallow… I was getting cold. I was laid back on the floor. The black enveloped me and I was lost in the dark… and then I wasn't there anymore…

I was so cold, but the heat that surrounded me slowly seeped in through my skin and warmed me. I took a deep breath and cough. Hey… it's easier now… to breathe… and pain… no pain…

I opened my eyes. I took another deep breath and was amazed that I didn't choke or cough. Without forethought of the consequences, I stretched out my arms and then twisted my back bone to pop out the kinks – and there was no pain. Did I just do that?… Move?… And no pain… No… pain…

I was lying in a large bed. I saw burgundy and gold wallpapered walls. The sheets were a light blue in color and were very soft, as soft as Egyptian cotton. The room was a bedroom, filled with antique Victorian furniture. I turned to my right and saw a sleeping Liam, slumped in a chair beside the bed.

I slowly sat up and saw visages of daybreak peeking in from behind the pull shades. I heard a gasp and looked in Liam's direction. He smiled at me and said, "You're back. You scared the devil out of his den, lass – and me, too."

I slowly smiled at him while taking in his appearance. He looked tired, rumpled, and he was wearing the same clothes from the evening before. But, thankfully, his green eyes still had a sparkle in them. His dimples were endearing and his smile was warm and kind. Damn, you are a fine looking… witch… warlock… whatever…

"How was your evening? Exciting?" I hoped my wry attempt at humor would smooth away some of the worry wrinkles on his face. I was rewarded with a bigger smile and a deep chest chuckle.

"Well, I'll tell you, my bonnie beauty, you sure are a whole party all to yourself… and in a very appealing package. Never a boring moment with you." His smile faded away, "The sun is coming up and I have to leave within an hour. You were injected with vampire blood, and you should be completely healed now. You need to be carefuI; it can put an edge on your frills, so watch your temper. I… ah… Are you alright… how do you feel?"

I nodded 'yes' in response and started to take inventory of my body. All seemed fine. Oh shit, I almost forgot. "Allitar… shit… I'll –"

"I took care of it. I left his car on an old closed road near Shrimpton. That was the direction he was heading in. I staged it… with his remains… it will looked like he was robbed and was given the true death. Downstairs is all cleaned up… This must stay between us. Vampires are not understanding or forgiving, they will want revenge. They will finish what Allitar was trying to do to you."

All I could do was just nod again.

I slowly got out of bed and was somewhat relieved to see that I was not naked. I was still in my uniform, which was a crumpled, torn, blood stained mess. Surprisingly, I felt good… real good… approaching on damn good, actually. I did a few arm and neck stretches. With each passing minute, my mood and body seemed to improve exponentially.

I was happy to report, "I feel good. Really good. I'm really okay, it's amazing."

Liam got up from the chair, smiled and said, "Good. Come on now, I'll get you some coffee."

I asked him how he felt and he said, "Right as rain. I took V, too. It brought me back to snuff."

Liam led me down to the kitchen and while he prepared and served me coffee, he attempted to fill in some of the blanks in regards to last night's events. There was nothing I could do now; I couldn't arrest Liam because I knew all the evidence was gone. According to him, all of it had been removed well before I arrived last night. My main interest was Eric and his part in this little blood factory.

Liam said he became involved because he owed a debt, and that Eric was the holder of that debt. He said Eric, under orders from the Queen of Louisiana, pulled him into the operation of extracting V. Allitar was the main courier and he delivered the V to the suppliers, who then distributed it to the dealers.

"Yes, Eric is quite the businessman. He runs a very proficient, successful operation. The lab will be set up in some new location. It's not wise to continue operating in one place too long. I don't know where it will be and I don't care – I'm through with it all."

Liam became quiet, locked up in some unpleasant memory or thought. I had my own thoughts to pick through. Eric was illegally procuring and selling V… and it seemed that my worst fears were true; he was playing me for a fool.

Well, I walked right into it, didn't I?... With eyes wide open. So, all the time spent with me… and the sex… was just a ploy to keep me distracted. Quite the little whore, aren't you, Eric? But, I'm the fool… I knew better… Being caught up in Eric's game almost killed me last night… I can't tell A.J. or Roman about this. They will know about Eric and me. They would fire me… or worse, especially if I'm perceived as a traitor.

I've accumulated quite a little collection of dirty little secrets, haven't I? I'm really fitting in here, huh? Shit, I've almost been killed three times since I came to this damn place! Maybe I need to consider a career change or relocate… far, far away from here. I am in way over my head. This place kicks the shit out of everything I've ever encountered, including Iraq.

"Are you a witch?" The words came out of my mouth without any pre-thought. I noticed that Liam didn't seem shocked by the question, he didn't even flinch.

Liam actually laughed. He began cleaning up our coffee things. Right when I thought that I was going to have to push him on the subject, he began to talk.

"In 1624, a doctor named Alexander Drummond in Dunfermline, Perth, Scotland, used herbs and minerals to heal an ailing child. The child would have died, but the good doctor saved his life. The father of the child was so grateful, that he went a-braggin' everywhere and to everyone. He told people that the good doctor had performed a miracle! Well, long-story-short, Alexander was dragged to Edinburgh and was tried and found guilty of 'unorothodox religious practices' – witchcraft. Luckily, Alexander escaped and eventually ended up in Dumfrey, Scotland. He married and took the family name of his wife, McTavish. He was my ancestor.

Like him, I too use unorthodox methods – like vampire blood – to save lives, like yours. I use herbs and such, like him… it was passed down… from father to son to son to son… I am not a religious person, but I am spiritual person. I knew that the world was full of all kinds of creatures and energies… spirits… Call it what you will, lass – witch, warlock… though I prefer doctor. It tis what I am… Through all of this, I only wanted to keep you safe, lass. I swear it."

He walked over to me, crouched down beside my chair and then quickly kissed me. He pulled back to watch my reaction. But, all I could muster was surprise. The kiss hadn't been long enough to really rate. Instead of playing coy and flirtatious, I schooled my face to remain void of any expression. I wasn't sure how much of his story was true. But, my instincts told me that he was more than just a sweet doctor from the Highlands… he was a witch. I prayed that I would never be on the receiving end of his abilities, whatever they were.

I decided to push through the awkward moment by changing the subject. I quietly asked him, "How long will this vampire blood be in my system?"

Liam gently ran his fingers up and down my arm and smiled, "I'm glad you aren't frightened of me. I'm so very glad. You are remarkable, I always knew you were but now, there's no denying it." When I didn't respond he said, "It will be in your system for twenty-four hours, maybe a little longer."

I just nodded and slowly pulled my arm away from his gentle strokes. I had to ask him a particular question, though I already knew the answer, "Are you leaving for good? Is this your big good-bye?"

He took a deep breath and then exhaled it. "I don't know. I've waited a long time to be released from this enslavement that I've had to endure… and it's almost over. Freedom will indeed be a sweet air to breathe… I'll finally have my power… ah… I… will have… the potential to go and come as I please. I need to do some things… re-claim my life… re-visit some old acquaintances… and re-pay their kindness to me... I hope to come back, but I just can't commit to a time, yet."

Have your powers back, huh? Yeah, that confirms it, you're a witch. Maybe I have nothing to fear from you, you've always been kind, but I just have this feeling… Maybe I'm becoming paranoid. But, I'm just glad I'm not any of those 'old acquaintances' that you plan on visiting. Yep, I'm sure they'll be surprised.

Instead of speaking my mind, I just nodded and softly slapped him on his upper arm, "Take care of yourself, Liam."

He stood, took my hand and pulled me up against him. "I am not going to forget you… I wanted more for us, don't-"

I gently placed my right index finger over his lips, preventing him from saying anything further. I whispered, "It is what it is. You're my friend. Our relationship took the course it was meant to take, and that's where we should keep it, especially right now… in this moment… Friendship is the best gift a person can give to someone… Well, that and the protection amulet… Oh, and saving my life – yeah, that's a big one." I chuckled and he smiled.

We hugged and when he tried to kiss me again, I pulled away. Luckily, he took it well and didn't make it an issue.

He walked me out to my car and his last words to me were, "Remember this, wear the charm next to your skin; it will protect you from whatever being may try to possess or persuade you. The crossing will happen when the lunar eclipse occurs, it will be brief… Just before midnight… Those that cross will be after the supernaturals; they can only anchor with them, so stay away from the supernaturals during this time. You never know what could happen. Please take care of yourself."

I really wish I could take your advice – but I can't, so... I smiled and gave him a final hug, "You too."

As I pulled away in my cruiser, I glanced back at him in the rear view mirror – and almost slammed on the breaks. I swear on a stack of bibles that I saw something that looked… like… an old, old, old, horribly deformed, hunched back man dressed in Liam's clothes. I squeezed my eyes shut for a second and looked back and saw nothing, not even Liam.

Damn, I must be high on V, because I'm seeing things.

For the next twenty four hours, I felt wonderful, the best I had felt since before the helicopter crash. I went on duty and worked two shifts. That night I couldn't sleep, so I cleaned my entire house and went for a two mile run. It was so nice to not be in pain and I was very happy when the effects lingered beyond just one day.

I decided that it was imperative that I tell Roman about killing Allitar and the blood factory. It was my duty to tell him, I was still a sheriff. Of course, I would leave out certain facts: kissing Liam, my affair with Eric, and down play Eric's and Liam's participation in the V operation. After all, it was the vampire queen that had forced them to collect and distribute V. I still cared about the two men and would protect them as much as I could… and more than I should. I called and left messages, but of course, Roman never called me back.

I didn't return Eric's call.

I was standing in a huge, elegantly decorated room, in the most beautiful mansion I had ever seen, surrounded by Louisiana's wealthiest citizens. All the men were dressed in tuxes and all the women wore long-length, designer dresses or pantsuits and expensive jewelry.

The Christmas party of the Honorable Garland Beauchamp Marquette, Governor of Louisiana and a first cousin to A.J., was a grand, elaborate affair. It was held at the private home of the Governor; actually, I was told that the plantation was one of the family's estates – in which he was allowed to reside.

The plantation was named, 'Willows and Oaks' and it was breathtaking. The grounds were vast and well landscaped, dotted with regal oaks and weeping willows trees that dripped with Spanish moss. The huge, brick, Greek Revival style mansion was encircled by a veranda and a second story portico.

I had no idea that A.J. and Roman's family were so wealthy. I should ask for a raise…

Eric and I were pretending to ignore each other and it was a stiff competition. Every now and then our eyes would meet and he would look away and sneer and I would look away and glower.

The vampire queen, Sophie-Anne of Louisiana had arrived with her entourage about an hour earlier. Along with massive sized body guards and some unknown others, her retinue included Bill, Sookie, Pam, and of course, Eric. Eric looked fucking gorgeous. Fuck him, asshole.

Fucking jackass, lying, wacko… manwhore.

The queen was on the opposite side of the room from our group. Our two groups had briefly and politely met and I wasn't impressed. She seemed like a 'wannabe' – someone aspiring to be someone she wasn't. Her mannerisms and speech seemed unnatural and affected. I couldn't believe that Eric worked for someone like that, but maybe he didn't have a choice.

All evening, I was attached to A.J.'s arm – per his orders, and I met all kinds of people; it was very reminiscent of A.J.'s barbeque party. It seemed many people knew him or were related to him. Oddly, I was the only woman in our group. The rest of our group consisted of Roman, some sheriffs from Bernard Parish, and a few other men that I think were at A.J.'s party.

A.J. was the true king of the evening and Roman was the prince. Garland, the host of the party, spent every spare minute massaging either A.J.'s or Roman's egos. As A.J. held court, Roman broke away every now and then and prowled the crowds, looking for beautiful women. From all the calling cards that he had stuffed in his pockets, it seemed that he was quite successful.

I almost feel sorry for Twyla… almost.

What really irked me though, besides the distraction of Eric in his perfectly tailored tux, was that every now and then someone mentioned that damn arrest YouTube video. It seemed the thing was still on the internet and someone had added music to it. I was so-not-pleased as various people re-told or partially re-enacted how I wrestled and arrested Donnie Cox. A.J. swore that he had it taken down and insisted that the posted video must have been a pirated copy. He promised to personally look into having the video removed. I knew better than to believe him.

As A.J.'s pet for the evening, I was pampered, well feed and watered. I had to admit, it was a great perk. Anything I needed immediately appeared. Whenever my champagne glass was nearly empty, I was presented with a new one. Waiters with trays of hors d'oeuvres seemed to hover near me, which was fantastic, because I didn't have a chance to have dinner and I was hungry.

I excused myself and made my way to the ladies' room. After I refreshed myself, I touched up my makeup. As I looked in the mirror, I was somewhat pleased with what I saw. I was dressed in a plum-colored outfit with matching, low heeled shoes. The outfit consisted of palazzo, flared-leg pants made of crepe material and a satin strapless bustier top, which displayed a tasteful tease of boob. A calf length, satin plum long coat, made from the same material as the bustier, completed the ensemble. It was a perfect outfit in case I had to run… somewhere.

All in all, I blended well with the crowd, but it didn't take a savvy eye to know that I wasn't wearing haute couture, which I certainly couldn't afford.

I proudly wore jewelry that my mother had given me. I had on a garnet yoke necklace that had a large garnet tear drop in the center. My earrings matched with tear drop shaped garnets. I hardly ever wore the jewelry set, basically because I didn't have anywhere to wear it.

Taped to the side of my right breast, was the amulet. It was out of sight, but definitely touching my skin. Though it gave me a sense of security, I still was on pins and needles, wondering when and how to break away from the group before the Time of Crossing.

After leaving the restroom, I wandered over to the ballroom and listened to Harry Connick, Jr. – the Harry Connick, Jr., in person – play piano, while accompanied by his band. He sang vintage Sinatra while people danced. It was a very impressive sight.

The majority of people seemed to have already indulged a bit too much in champagne and liquor, they were loud and their dancing was somewhat... clumsy. Well, everyone desires a night of just letting loose…

I turned to leave and walked straight into someone... who was very tall.

It was Eric.

He looked down at me, quirked up an eyebrow and asked, "Care to dance?"