Disclaimer: Disclaimer: All characters belong to Charlaine Harris. Don't sue please :)

I woke to the sound of my cell phone going off. I slid halfway out of bed to grab my purse and find the small red phone. After turning the alarm off, I moved back into bed. Eric's phone was on the end table across from my side of the bed it was lit and I could hear his speaking softly on his blue tooth. I sat up as rubbed my eyes and brushing my hair back with my figures. Eric passed by the doorway with only a towel around his waist, he had a comb in one hand and was gesturing with the other. He was deep in conversation, though I hadn't tuned into who he was speaking to. I ignored the mild ache the from between my legs and went to me luggage.

I tied the knot around my robe and tossed the large suite case on the bed. Not knowing what the plan was for the night I grabbed a fresh bra and panty set and made my way to the bathroom. Eric was still listening to someone on the other end of his ear piece as he planted a soft kiss on my forehead before walking out to the bedroom.

I tried not to seem miffed that once again had showered without me but I head slept late again. I would have slept later if I hadn't been smart about setting my alarm before we left last night. I showered quickly and washed my hair. Thank god for showers, just like the two nights prior, my showers were like my new cup of coffee. I needed it the shake away mu grogginess from not sleeping underground.

As dried off and slipped on the soft black lace I could hear Eric was still on the phone. I wrapped my robe around me and blow dried my hair. When I turned the hair drier off Eric slipped in behind me. He gathered my hair and brushed it all the one side. His eye followed mine through the refection of the bathroom mirror. His lips smiled against the skin of my neck after I let a tiny shudder pass though my body. It was torturous of him when he brushed his cool lips over the sensitive areas on my skin. Eric let out a purr as his nose glided up my neck and behind my ear.

"Sorry I was on the phone so long, that was Victor. Apparently he is down here as well."

I straightened up and broke from his gaze.

"You are not happy about this I can feel that. Sookie, you must use all your restraint during our visit. If we cannot convince the Felipe that out intentions are true this will all be for nothing."

I looked up at his reflection and nodded with a smile. Eric didn't enjoy having his time wasted and he had made very clear what our purpose in Miami was.

Looking down at the counter I saw there was already a curling iron, salon grade too. Was I so easily impressed or was this place one of the nicest hotels I'd ever been in. I switched it on and turned to Eric. I pressed my head into his chest.

"I will do as you wish…I hate this but I trust you."

"Good."

"What do you want me to wear; I assume you know what we are to do tonight."

"Yes, there is a…well for lack of a better term, cocktail party tonight here in this hotel. Felipe is staying here and club on the top floor specializes in vampire nightlife."

"Oh my, maybe you can pick up a few ideas for Fangtasia."

I lifted my face to meet his and smiled. He let out a low chuckle. I had to find some light in our situation somehow or I wasn't going to survive this trip. I dreaded seeing Felipe again.

Eric smirked back.

"For a moment there, I thought you were reading my mind."

His short golden hairs tickled my lips as I placed a kiss on his chest and turned back to the mirror. I began curling sections of my hair as I spoke.

"Well I packed a few dresses, you can go out there and see or I can in a minute."

My eyes fell to the refection of the towel behind me.

"And as much as I wouldn't mind you keep your current attire on I don't think Victor or Felipe will be too pleased."

He smile and left the room.

I wanted to do something a little different than just curling my hair. I should have cared less considering who we were visiting but Miami was a pretty stylish place and I wanted to look the part. Thankfully I had time grab Cosmopolitan in the airport. After listening to Eric tease that I didn't need read about the 50 things human men find sexy and fighting carbs during the holiday I was able to read up on hair and style for winter.

The mild chill in the winter air wouldn't trouble me so I tried a simple updo. On the first try it looked great. It looked sassy and sexy without looking too polished. When it came to makeup I tossed my foundation in trash, my skin was perfect. My face was completely smooth and even. I couldn't help but smile and the idea of never needing liquid makeup ever again. I applied some soft grey eye shadow, black liquid liner and mascara. I finished with a cranberry lip stain, clear gloss and added a little hair spray to my hair.

Eric was dressed when I walked back into the bedroom. He was perfectly polished to vampire perfection in his simple black suite and gun metal grey dress shirt. He never buttoned his shirt all the way and I was starting to think he did it to tease me. He was tying his black dress shoes when I walked over to the closet. Could I love him anymore? He had put everything away for me; I knew it only took a minute for him but the gesture was sweet.

"I put the one I thought you would like most in the front, you didn't pack it since I didn't have a chance to give it to you at home."

The dress was one of the most beautiful pieces of clothing I had ever seen. It was grayish silver and it sparkled. It looked so expensive I almost didn't want to touch it. I could hear Eric stepping close to me.

"I saw this on one of those mindless movie premiere shows Pam likes and I had her hunt one down. I knew you would look better in it so I had to get it for you. You do like it?"

I ran my fingers over the fabric.

"It's beautiful, but it too much."

He took the dress from the hanger.

"Sookie."

That was not a plead, that was a warning. We had this conversation before.

He pulled the loose knot from my robe and let the silk fall into a light blue puddle at my feet. He looked at my black bra with a critical eye and grabbed a strapless one from a drawer. I quickly switched them and couldn't help but feel a little silly playing dress up with Eric. I wondered if he ever helped Pam with her corsets and things back when he first turned her, from what I remember she said clothing was pretty elaborate back then.

Eric held the dress as I stepped into it. The fabric felt like silk bandages hugging every curve of my body. I fixed the straps and stepped into the silvery grey satin pumps. Eric was licking is lips when my face finally when back to his.

"Well, was it everything you had hoped?"

I did look good but I had to at least tease him for his ridiculously expensive taste.

Eric pulled me to him and ran his hands over every fabric covered curve.

"No. It looks even better. It is a shame Pam was unable to teach you how to fight."

I arched my brow as I put in some simple grey pearl studs.

"Well I'm not leaving your side. So you can beat the men away if need be."

He smiled at my humor.

"Gladly."

****

I gripped me silver clutch and nervously ran my glossy lips together. Eric pulled me close to him in the elevator trying to calm me but I could feel his mild anxiety too. It never helped when one of the most calm and collected vampires was nervous.

"Ladies and gentlemen welcome to Crimson Loft."

The elevator operator said as the doors slid open and music filled the tiny compartment. I took Eric's arm as we walked out into the club.

It was a busy place. The club wasn't a loft but the top floor. All the walls were glass so you could either see downtown Miami or the ocean. The music was blaring and there was a heavy mix of both humans and vampires. I stopped for a second to put up my shield. Eric stiffened and I knew we had been spotted, so when I looked up I already had a smile on my face.

"It is so nice for you two to visit me during my holiday."

Felipe was in a dark blue three piece suite, his hair was slicked back and he had a young girl on his arm. She looks not older than 21 and her look screamed Miami, not fangbanger.

Eric bowed his head and I followed his motion as much as I hated to do so.

"Yes, Felipe I felt I should keep you updated on her progress. And who wouldn't find an excuse to visit the beach as well as the king."

Oh Jesus.

Eric was laying it on thick. I smiled at the Felipe and the girl. My last name sounded exotic with his thick accent.

"Miss Stackhouse, it is so good to see you."

He reached out with his feel hand and took mine. I used everything I had to not flinch of pull away as his kissed the back of my hand. I just kept the smile panted on my face and chanted in my head to hold my composure.

"Thanks, it's good to see you too. This party is amazing."

I was dying of hunger since the last thing I had was a bottle on the plane. Eric's blood during sex wasn't enough for even a snack and vampires can't live off of each other.

"Child, you look too pale. Come sit at our table you must have something quick."

Eric and I followed Felipe and his date to an upper section of the club. It was a sort of VIP area with ample plush seating and various bottles of liquor on ice for his human guests. There were also little heating units under the tables for True Blood.

Eric pulled two warm bottles and caught Felipe's eye.

"So soon? She needs to feed from a human she is too young for that garbage."

I shook my head but Eric spoke first.

"I think you will be shocked at just how right your prediction was on her rapid progression."

I knew right there I had to down the bottle in proof that Eric wasn't bluffing. I did so and as I wiped me mouth with a napkin Felipe was clapping.

"Oh this is wonderful. She will do wonders in court. I will need her at the end of this month for a few days. You of course, are more than welcome to escort her. I will have my people send you the formal information next week."

Eric nodded and I tried not to frown. Vampire or not I was still looked at as an object and the new found pride I had from being a vampire made it difficult to hold my tongue. Eric took the empty bottle from me and rubbed my leg. He was trying to calm me. I didn't like being discussed like I wasn't there, especially by Felipe.

"We will discuss everything later."

"Yes, I cannot wait to use her gifts. There are many matters that need tending to back home."

These two needed to stop or I was going to lose it. And if Felipe was so busy why was he here and not back in Louisiana. Eric felt my anger and he squeezed me knee as a warning to stop.

Eric smiled and nodded.

Victor walked into our area and took a seat across from Eric, this night was getting better by the minute.

"Victor."

"Eric, Sookie."

"Hello Victor."

It soon became clear to me as I recognized other vampires from Rhodes and other events that this was no holiday. Maybe Eric wasn't as high on the ladder as I thought and wasn't invited to an event for the vampires that held more power. Or maybe vampires like to go on group vacations.

Something didn't feel right. But I could have just been uneasy for the mere fact that I was sitting not far from the man who a week ago had decided my future. Not to mention my great grandfather would most likely declare war as a result.

The air in VIP was getting a little too heavy not that I could breath but I needed to get out the there. I put my hand over Eric's which was stuck absent mindedly on my knee.

"Eric, I'm going to walk around for a minute."

He stood and put out his hand.

"I'll come with you."

He then turned to Felipe and Victor.

"Gentleman we're going to have a look around for a moment. We won't be gone long."

"Don't keep her to yourself for too long."

Felipe joked, instead of growling I smile back at him as I took Eric's hand and stood.

Eric and I walked down the stairs, across the dance floor and out to the large terrace. There was a mild breeze outside and he wrapped his arm around me as we continue to a more vacant area.

"Eric I am going to lose it, I swear! I can't sit there with them any longer. I know we have to for everything to work out but it's too soon."

He pulled me close to him as he leaned against the railing.

"You are doing so well Sookie, do not doubt yourself. You must use your hatred to your advantage, use your anger to calm you. Remember the sooner we are back in their good graces the better off we are in the future. This is all temporary."

I knew he was telling me all of this because even though it was obvious I apparently forget the plan when I am upset. But being face to face with the person responsible for your death would upset anyone. Eric gripped me a little tighter and I felt his calm seep into me. He planted a soft kiss on my forehead.

"Forgive me for speaking of you like an object. You know I think so much more of you."

I knew the part he had to play tonight and I didn't like it but it wasn't his fault. We both had to act agreeable.

"When in Rome."

He chuckled and loosened his grip.

"Yes, I suppose you are right."

He took my hand and we walked back inside. Eric and I made a lap of the club, he bought me a blood. This time I tried Red Stuff which was worse than True Blood. I downed it anyway and Eric assured me that if I needed to really feed I shouldn't be nervous about asking. If I felt uneasy about doing it here, there was always room service. Room service that still sounded totally trashy to me like you were ordering a hooker or something.

When Eric and I got back to the section Felipe and Victor's dates were there but they weren't. There were a few other vampires in the section but no one I knew. Apparently one of the other vampires recognized Eric and handed him a card. He flipped it over and quickly put it in his pocket. His soft voice went to my ear.

"I've been summoned, it's probably nothing and I shouldn't be gone long. Maybe you can make some new friends up here."

Very unlikely.

Eric handed me a plastic key and gave me the 'just in case' look. He leaned down and placed a soft, slow and passionate kiss on my lips. His tongue only dipped in my mouth enough to tease and I couldn't help but whimper as he pulled away. At least it warded off any uneasy nerves I had about being alone. I tucked the key away in my clutch and turn back to the section.

Two pairs of eyes were glued on to me as I turned. The two human girls were totally mesmerized by our kiss. I would have been blushing if I could.

The vampires in our section were all talking among themselves and the two girls were off on their own. I am sure the other vampires knew they were off limits since they came with Felipe and Victor. I grabbed another bottle from under the table and smiled at the girls as I took my seat on the couch across from them. They're heart beats followed the heavy bass of the music. For sheer distraction, I lifted my shield for only a moment.

"She's so beautiful. But I've never seen two vampires together I don't understand."

"I'm not into girls but I wonder if Victor would mind is she fed from me. I could never as that. He would kill me."

"That Northman is pretty hot too I would love to have Felipe invite them up tonight."

"If my mother knew I was doing this, I would be so dead."

I looked way from the girls who were both really blonde and really tan. Their inner thoughts were boring to me and I put my shield up once again. As I sipped me blood I kept hearing mummers of consciences from the other vampires close to me. It sounded much like it did when I heard Eric but that was very rare and short lived. The waves of thought kept spilling in and out of my brain. I finished my blood and put up an even stronger shield which seemed to work. A vampire who looked to be close to my age smiled at me from the group.

Elena was a vampire from Orlando; she sat next to me after a few minutes had passed. She had a light tan complexion and long brown hair. Her eyes were a beautiful hazel. Elena complimented my dress and returned one for her shoes. She had also been to Rhodes and Jackson though not at the same time. She told me she was looking to buy some more property in Louisiana and I told her about Shreveport. I was about to bring up Eric's club when he took a seat behind me. Eric politely shook her hand and she excused herself to find some dinner.

Eric waited for her to leave before saying anything.

"I think we should stay down here a little longer and then you'll be hungry for some real food."

I nodded knowing what he meant by that.

I smiled brightly again as Victor and Felipe returned. They both took their dates to the dance floor. As I looked down at the two couples I could also see Elena had found her dinner, a young man. I turned around and curled up to Eric as he made light conversation with a few of the vampires sitting near him. I assumed from their conversation most of them were also sheriffs. A few minutes passed and a slow song came on.

"Wanna dance?"

Eric just smiled and excused us from the group. I took his arm and he led me to the floor. We held each other close as 311's version of Love Song played through the packed club. I knew it was just a song but in that moment I felt like it was just him and I in the room.

The moment was short lived, as the song ended Felipe cut in.

Oh joy. I think I feel my fake hunger coming on.

Eric handed me over to Felipe and Eric took the hand of his date. She was shorter that I was even in heels and I could sense has amusement as he towered over the nervous human. Another song came on, it was not as slow as the pervious but it was in Spanish. Felipe knew it so I followed his lead.

I was doing everything I could to not focus on the vampire in front of me but also not be obvious. I didn't want to be rude but I was terrified of losing my cool and was trying my best to focus on the bigger picture. I was slowly learning to deal with my new way of life and I was extremely grateful for Eric but I couldn't look at the man dancing with me and not hate him. He had taken so much from me. All possible normalcies were stolen from me by this man. I strained to maintain a smile.

"My dear Sookie, I do hope you are enjoying yourself. I am pleased that you have accepted your new role in Louisiana and I hope that we can mend any trust that was broken last week."

Uh, do I have a choice?! Be polite, be polite. Bigger picture!

"Yes Eric and I are having a great time."

I bit my tongue before I could say anything else.

Felipe spun and as I came back he looked me dead in the eye. I didn't know how to react, was he angry? I did my best to remain calm as his dark eyes burned into mine.

"Eric told me about the Fairy prince contacting you. I am very happy you chose not to go to him."

He pulled me closer as we moved to the music.

"Your maker does not know how fortunate he is to have such loyalty. Unpleasant things would have happened to your dear Viking if you had gone to Niall."

I tried not to shudder at the thought but he saw my reaction and smiled and pulled me even closer, he squeezed me hand tightly.

"I do not like being envious of vampires especially ones beneath me. If you came back with me you would want for nothing. Eric would have to accept it."

Was he crazy? I've heard this all before, from Eric about Bill. My answer was plain and simple. No.

The song had ended and I guess he grew impatient because as he squeezed my hand tighter the only sound that came out was, "Ow!"

I yanked my hand away and pull myself from his grasp. He released me without a fight, not like I would win if he had. Eric was at my side looking a little less than pleased. Felipe took my hand once more and kissed it.

"My apologies. I got a little excited, please come back to the table."

"Actually, Sookie has had enough True Blood for tonight."

Felipe's date went to his side and he did not look pleased about our refusal but chose not to make a scene.

"Very well, enjoy the rest of your night. We shall see you tomorrow evening."

Eric and I said our goodbyes and headed back to the room. As we stood in the elevator I could feel his rage.

"Eric, its fine he didn't do any damage, if I was human my hand would be broken but…"

He took my hand and didn't say a word. I tried to calm him while maintaining my own nerves.

When we got the room he changed his clothes and asked me to do the same.

I put on dark wash jeans and a black tank top and dark red zip hoodie. I slipped on some flats and went over to him. We matched; he had on dark jeans and a black long-sleeved thermal. The buttons were undone a tiny sprinkling of blonde hair showed through the top. He was hunched over his suite case deliberating on something. I draped myself over the back of him and rested my chin on his shoulder to see what he was looking at.

"Black Vans."

"What."

"Put on your black slip on vans, they'll be easy to take off in the sand."

"I like the way you think."

I pealed myself off of him and sat on the bed. The fact that he even owned a pair of vans was funny to me. I think about that point I wanted to find amusement out of anything, anything to keep me sane. He didn't bother with socks as he stepped in and stomped on the shoes.

"You look like a dead surfer dude."

He smiled for only a moment before his face hardened and he opened his hand for mine.

"I don't want to talk in here, let's go."

I grabbed the plastic card from my purse and slid it in my back pocket before going to him.

We left the hotel in silence. The cool breeze felt nice as if ran across my face. We crossed the street and walked down the sidewalk for a few blocks before Eric found a patch of beach he liked.

Eric didn't speak until we already had our pants rolled up and shoes off. The cool sand felt amazing against bare feet. I pulled the pins from my hair letting the wind run through it as we tread lazily in the damp sand at the water's edge.

"Felipe wants you closer to him and if I were to stay with you I would be forced to give up my position as sheriff of area 5."

"So where will you be the sher….Wait! He can't do that! Why are they doing this you've done nothing wrong."

I stopped walked and stared up at him until he spoke again.

"Well this is was we were discussing, while I was gone. It isn't going to happen; I won't let that happen to either one of us. I had Victor on my side the whole time. I think he's start to convince himself that Felipe isn't completely sane. "

He placed his hands on my shoulders.

"I didn't leave the hotel to say good bye to you, you foolish girl. We're out here because I think that whole place is bugged."

"Eric that's crazy, they didn't even know we were coming until two days ago. Well if Felipe is crazy maybe you're right."

We started walking again, my feet sunk into the damp sand.

"I know I'm right. Sookie, they know war is upon us, do you think they would trust anyone now? It isn't just our room I'm sure. The interesting thing is, they are least concerned with the fairies. Felipe believes there will be a civil war between us and the humans. Apparently the FOTS has been involved in some very suspicious activity. There have been clues dropped that something is going to happen within the next few weeks."

"Ah ha, that's why he had me turned."

"Yes."

"And then Niall will declare war on Felipe as well for turn me."

"Yes."

"And we will suffer great losses but if we survive then the rest of what we want goes as planned."

"Yes, Felipe and his true allies have little chance."

"As long as he dies and we don't I am happy, and some day I hope to mend things with Niall."

He smirked at how I made it sound so simple. He grabbed me and kissed. I giggled. We just needed to be happy even if it was for only a moment or that the good feeling came from the thought of someone's death.

"I can't believe you thought I would just sell you down the river."

"Yeah well I find it hard to believe you would give up you precious role at Sheriff to follow me around."

"Don't disrespect my role, lover."

I pulled from his grasp playfully. I began skipping across the wet sand, and slashing through the thin layer of water as it skimmed over the smooth surface.

"What are you going to do about it, Mr. Northman? Punish me?"

Thank god there wasn't anyone else on the beach. In a less than a second he closed that gap between us. His force knocked me into the sand and he landed softly on top of me. I loved Eric when he was playful. He made it easy to forget and the fuck up shit that was going on.

I let out another giggle in between kisses and Eric pulled away.

"I will never let anything happen to you, ever."

"I know, I believed you the first time and I always will."

He rolled off of me and we both sat up. We scooted together and looked out at the waves. After a minute he took my hand and ran his fingers gingerly over my knuckles.

"Can't believe that bastard used his strength on you?"

"Eric we are talking about the man who put my death and transformation in motion. Not to mention torturing you. I somehow doubt he cared much about hurting my hand."

I paused and took in the sound to the crashing waves.

"I can't believe he thought I would leave you for him."

Eric stiffened.

"I know, I heard him too."

I kissed his cheek and snuggled closer to him.

"Never."

A/N:

Next time I promise I will have this beta read.

Oh if anyone if curious here is a picture of Sookie's dress there is link on my profile.