A/N: Thank you so much for all the alerts/reviews. I am surprised and happy that anyone gives a flying fig about my writing. In answer to the question of "Who is Gustaf?" he is my one O/C for this story and I basically put him in to mess with Eric and knock him down a bit. Don't worry, our favorite Viking loves a challenge.

Also, bare with me as this is a bit of a filler chapter. The good stuff is coming in chapter 3...;)

SOOKIE POV

As I stretched my limbs and basked in the warmth of the sun rays peeking through my window, I relished the quiet. Not hearing any thoughts was such a luxury for me that I had to take these moments when I could. My stomach growled slightly and I realized that I'd been neglecting it as usual. Getting up and shuffling toward my closet, I remembered most of my things had been in disarray before I left. Opening up the doors, my mouth dropped in complete shock and outrage. Not only were any of these clothes mine, most looked quite provocative and expensive from the quality of fabric. My face reddened as I realized who was responsible. That Pam. It looks like I will be talking to her sooner than later. I smiled slightly despite myself. As I looked up on the top shelf I spotted some jeans and a t-shirt. There was a note:

My favorite telepath,

You WOULD pick the only thing in this closet that is unisex. We'll work on your fashion sense (lack thereof) later.

-P

Well that was bitchy, but I expected nothing less. After putting them on, I looked in the mirror and rolled my eyes. The jeans were a bit snug in all the right places and the t-shirt had "Fangtasia: where all your bloody dreams come true" splattered across the front. I couldn't catch a break, but at least it was something. I'd take care of the shopping later today.

After a quick breakfast, I picked up a were's mind near the property. My stomach jolted slightly, gearing up for a possible showdown. I took a few deep breaths and peeked out of the curtains but saw no one. Well, I can't hide here all day. I grabbed my keys and headed out.

After driving for about 10 minutes, I noticed a truck had been following me. I took a few right turns to try and lose him, like Jason had taught me when I was first driving on my own. He followed at a safe distance but I was starting to get creeped out. I drove a bit faster and before I knew it a siren was blaring behind me. Andy? Oh God, I don't need this right now. Andy Bellefleur pulled me over and I noticed the truck passing us, just barely catching the "Herveaux Contracting" on the side. What the heck was Alcide following me for? Before I could further debate that, I had a very angry pudgy face outside of my window.

"Sookie? What the hell, we, we thought you were dead!" he was spluttering and looking like he wanted to ring my neck but instead waited for my response. This should be fun.

"Look Andy, I'm real sorry for the confusion. I just had to get away after everything with Bill and…." I lied easily, but he cut me off with a fierce growl. "You could have called or somethin', your brother was worried and had us looking for you day and night! Not to mention all the manpower it cost…" before he could finish I hastily added, "Ok, you know what, I'm sorry I PUT YOU OUT. But as you can see, I'm fine and I've tried to contact him but I keep gettin' his machine. So if you see him, let him know I'm ok alright?" And with that, I left a pissed off Andy in the dust. Man that felt good. Self-righteous ass.

After doing some much needed grocery shopping and grabbing a few new sundresses, I drove home (slowly) and pondered the Alcide stalker moment. Why on earth was he following me? Did Eric put him up to this? Only one way to find out.

When I arrived at home I immediately searched for Alcide's cell number and dialed it. After a few rings his gruff voice answered, "This is Alcide". I hadn't really thought through what I was going to say so I decided to be blunt. "Hey Alcide, it's Sookie. Why were you following me this morning?" I heard him cough a few times, then the phone sounded muffled. I'm pretty sure I heard a slew of cuss words. I smirked, sure I caught him red handed.

"Yeah, well, Sookie I was in Bon Temps, doin' a remodel and-" I cut him off quickly, "Really? Who's house? I know pretty much all the folks here. I don't remember hearin' anyone say or think about doin' a remodel." I almost giggled out loud as I heard the muffle again and finally he blurted "Alright fine, you wanna know the truth? I missed you and heard you were back. So I checked to see for myself." Well, I didn't expect that. Crap, now what do I say? "Sookie? Hey, you there?" he sounded panicked so I quickly responded, "Um, yeah. I'm just surprised is all." Well here goes everything. "Hey, you wouldn't want to go out this weekend would you?" Pause. Big FAT pause. Oh crap, he must think I'm such a wack job, first accusing him then asking him out. "

"You know what Sookie, I'd love to. How about we go to this new restaurant in Shreveport Friday night, I'll pick you up around 7?" I didn't know what to say I was giddy, so I went for basic. "Yep, sounds good!" I could almost feel his smile through the phone and as I hung up my smile was pretty dorky if I must admit. Soon I would be having a normal date, with a guy that wouldn't want to suck me dry. I couldn't wait for Friday!

I was laying on my side, there was a fire blazing and I felt a cool hand running down my ribcage to my hip. As I turned to see who the mystery man was, I heard his voice "Lover, why do you deny me so?" My heart jumped, not another dream! "I'm dreamin' again, oh God when will this end?" He chuckled in a sexy low register and pulled me astride him. "Now, I think you know as well as I do that you love these dreams and enjoy playing out your fantasies. Too bad you will not yield to me as easily in real life…the pleasure I could bestow upon you would leave you breathless." As he spoke he started rising until he was at a sitting position with me still facing him. Our faces inches apart, I touched his lips and his fangs as they came out in a flash. He murmured something in Swedish as he closed his eyes and let me touch his face. I leaned in and started kissing him all over, his eye lids, cheeks and finally his lips which he returned with fervor. "Lover, the things you do to me…" and right when he was about to enter me I saw Alcide's sweet face asking "See you at 7?"

Dammit! Why did I never get to finish these dreams? Better yet, why did I want to? Uggh! I felt guilty about Alcide and confused as to why. I knew these dreams were occurring because of the blood but why were they so emotional? Wouldn't they simply be about sex? I needed more answers and before I could date Alcide, I wanted a clear head. Time for the inevitable trip to Fangtasia…