Hey guys!
Here's the third chapter early, the forth is being finalized before I send it off for the final proofing and I'll update it before the end of the month.
Again, please enjoy the chapter, review, favourite etc. It's all appreciated because it shows me that you are interested in this story.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the chapters shown in this chapter apart from Hayley and Darren... And Clinton-Url McQueen. (You'll meet him soon. -winky face-)

Chapter Three

"Sorry, I was off in my own world. What were you saying?" I scratched the back of my head and looked up. To say the sheriff looked furious was an understatement.

"What are you exactly, Ms. Butler?" Fudge cakes…

I blinked in confusion and tilted my head to the side.

"Excuse me?" I asked almost wanting to laugh, however, in side of my head, warning bells were telling me to escape, to get out of here. He growled and slammed both hands either side of my head, I yelped and pushed myself as flat to the wall as possible. Every inch of my body just told me to vanish. To leave, but I couldn't. By doing that, I would be putting Darren at risk. (This was a bad side to travelling with him…).

"Don't play stupid!" He roared and I noticed he had bent down to be level with me. I paused a moment. He was breathing deeply, his fangs out and his ice blue eyes glowing with anger. He looked beautiful, but my senses were screaming danger. Why? Because he was powerful, he was ancient and he wouldn't hesitate in killing me right now. I bloody underestimated him. Bastard.

My eyes widened. I swore. Mentally, but still. I swore! This guy made me swear! Even Darren didn't do that and he was a smug… poopy head himself! Fudge…

I had to try and turn this situation round. I had a thousand year old vampire ready to kill me or Darren within seconds. He wasn't an idiot, but he was a… douche bag. Right. Think smart Hayley. You can do this.

"Well, what do you think I am?" I replied back, quietly, but I still had my voice. He stared at me calculatingly. He was figuring me out. I bid thee good luck Mr. Northman. It took Darren a couple years to do that!

"A pain in my ass." he muttered and I smiled. I couldn't help it.

"Seriously?" He blinked and pulled back an inch, confusion glittering within his icy depths, "A 'pain in your ass'? I've done nothing."

"You lied and pretended to be drunk. I humoured you plenty enough, now out with it. What are you?" his voice was cold and I rolled my eyes. He knew I was faking it. Not a dumb ass. Actually smart. Nice.

"Then I apologize for assuming you were as stupid as you looked." He growled threateningly, "What? I said sorry-" And now a hand was round my neck. Tight. I attempted to relax. That was the only way I would survive long enough. By struggling, you lose your breath and the hand will get tighter; took me about three times to figure this out. They were not fun times I tell you.

"You are trying my patience."

"And you are strangling me." I spoke with an annoyed tone, flopping in his hold. It loosened his hold round my neck a little bit, so I took the opportunity to take a deep breath.

"Then answer my question."

I smirked, but his grip tightened, ruining my hard work. I took another slow breath, mentally chanting to stay relaxed. "Well if you would stop" pausing to try and breathe, "strangling me." another pause to breathe, "then we might get somewhere." Jeez, if I wasn't with Darren, I would never be in this mess and even if I was, I could just escape easily! I could say 'bye bye sheriff' and then be gone! But noo I had to be travelling with Darren didn't I. Mother trucking Moth balls!

He growled, released his grip and stood tall, hands in pockets. I had a small fall, but because of how close he was to me, it wasn't as bad as it could have been. I just fell slightly against him before standing straight.

"Thank you." I croaked as I ran my hand round my neck, feeling the bruises, "Violence will really get you nowhere." I muttered as I stretched and rolled my neck to prevent it from seizing up after the sudden freedom.

"Now talk. What are you?" he snapped and I couldn't help but roll my eyes at his persistence.

"A young girl travelling with a Vampire," I snapped back, but this didn't help his anger as he growled threateningly, "Yeesh! What's so hard about believing that? Are you seriously that paranoid?" My voice was rising as I began to feel angry with this guy again, "I swear I've never had this much trouble in coming to a new town before!" I stepped away as I started to pace, "I mean, come on! I have a beating heart; I eat normal junk food that any old person does! I can drink and actually hold my drink unlike most people!" I spun round to glare at him with my hands on my hips, "Are you disturbed? Has a normal girl actually been as different as you think?"

And here came the pain. I was slammed back against a wall the back of my head making a particularly painful crack. You know that bet I had with Darren? I won it. I bet I would die this year. He bet next year.

I was expecting to be knocked out cold, but instead, my head was throbbing, I could hear my heart beating in my ears, along with the Sheriff's roar about me being insolent or something that was an insult to a certain degree. I felt something drip down my back and immediately went rigid. Fudge cakes…

I had to concentrate; I forced my eyes shut as I tried to seal the wound. I noted that the Sheriff had stopped with his roar just as the wound closed up taking as much of the blood as possible so it didn't seem like I was bleeding. I opened my eyes, seeing three of the smug sheriff staring at me in satisfaction. Three? Oh dear… I can't talk off three of them! One is way too many already!

"So all I had to do was make you bleed." he stated as I winced not being able to focus on one thing properly. Ew… I felt sick. I might need to vomit…

"So what did you find out?" I breathed, a hand on the back of my head, applying pressure to where the wound was. It was dry. No blood, but that didn't mean he couldn't smell it as soon as he caused the wound. He stepped back and I fell to my feet once more.

"Hybrid." he stated.

I laughed.

"Well done you freaking genius. Next time, try and avoid head wounds. One of you is enough; I don't want to have to see three."

He chuckled. "I can smell that you have human within your blood, but it smells… sweet," he seemed to stare at me with that sparkle of wonderment in his eyes, "What are you?" the way he almost whispered this huskily would have caused a shiver to run down my spine if I hadn't been angry… He genuinely wished to know the answer, but it was more out of wonderment compared to beforehand where he felt like he had to know for the sake of his area…

"Oh you have got to be kidding me?" I shrieked both mentally and verbally, "Didn't you get a strong enough WHIFF a minute ago?" There was two of him now. This was better, slightly. Besides, I could still hide my heritage. I swear the dick chuckled once more, and I think I can see a smug smirk off of him as he crossed his arms. I had to really look up at him this time, talk about invading a personal bubble.

"Smelling usually isn't enough. Maybe a tas-" he spoke in a certain tone that made a shiver run down my spine before I cut him off.

"Oh heck no," I could tell he was amused. I pressed back to the wall, wanting to create some space. No one spoke for at least a minute. He was grinning; I was trying to stay alive. Yay. It remained like this for… I don't know… A while and he has taken another step closer to me and was all up in my personal space right now! "So… this is kinda awkward." I muttered and he chuckled. I knew it wasn't awkward. I had to say something before something a lot worse happened... It's almost as if I wanted someone to randomly appear saying something moronic like 'awkward turtle' making a hand movement (I saw something like that on the internet).

"It's anything but awkward." He had leaned forward to speak in my ear. I tensed and ducked to the ground.

"Okay then, awkward for me." I was lucky enough to slide away to the side of him and stand up. I dusted myself off feeling a bit more normal and looked up to see his amused smug smirk. Bastard. There it is again! He's making me swear! Well… who he IS makes me swear… Either way it's his entire fault. I never swear, I am completely… not capable of it. "Not that this is nice or anything, but I really want to go home, eat a pop tart and sleep," and with that I turned and started to walk away from him, away from the back entrance and around the bar to get to my car.

I was feeling very pleased with myself because I didn't get killed, I wasn't drained or anything, and mainly because he hadn't followed me and slammed my head against the wall again. Ouch much? Also… the guy tended to bloody growl and be all… smug like all the time. This makes me very happy with the company I get from Darren. Less… angry and smug…More… Well, Darren really. He was great to live with.

Stretching out, I ran a hand round the back of my head for any signs of blood again and felt none, not even dried blood. I grinned triumphantly. Healing was definitely something I enjoyed having. I continued my walk to my car, running my hands through my straight hair to try and sort the knots out that were created every time I leant my head back against something. When I looked up I couldn't help but huff in frustration at the sight in front of me.

There, leant against my baby was Eric Northman. Still smiling smugly, holding my bag again. This was becoming a bad, bad habit. I continued walking and he lifted himself up from the front of my baby.

"Did you dent her?" I asked and he raised a brow before looking at the car behind him.

"I don't think so no," he responded coolly.

"You don't think so?" I half shrieked. I couldn't help it. I loved my car. He chuckled and shook his head. I could only scowl.

"You seemed to have left your bag behind yet again, Ms. Butler," he handed it out to me once more and I couldn't help but keep the scowl on my face. I hated being called Ms. Butler and that was all I got this evening. Ms. Butler Ms. Butler Ms. Butler! UGH! Makes me feel old! Thank the lord I never said I was a 'Mrs.' Eww…

"Thank you." I bit out, pulling out my keys and walking round to the driver's side manually unlocking my door for reason I shall not say... I opened the door, chucked my bag in the space behind my seat before closing the door and crossing my arms.

"Shouldn't you be working or something?" I asked as I slipped past him to inspect the car where he was sitting.

"I am. What are you doing?"

"Making sure your bony Viking ass hasn't dented my car." I actually had no idea what his butt looked like, but bony, it definitely wasn't. Not telling him this though.

Once I was satisfied, I climbed carefully onto the bonnet and crossed my legs, careful to not scratch the paintwork. Once settled I looked up to see him standing there in that 'slouched, hands in pockets' pose with an amused smile and risen brow.

"I'm careful with her so I can sit. Besides, I know for a fact I weigh like nothing." I grinned and rubbed my neck with my hand, a small scowl on my face. The bruises were still there by touch, but I couldn't tell if they were visible. I might have to get Darren to look later and then try to prevent him from running off and getting himself killed. I winced as my fingers ran over a certain point and before I knew it, I had been pulled to the side of the car, legs either side of his waist, neck bent to the side and his cold hands running over the bruises.

"What are you doing?" I snapped as my neck was gently moved to bend to the other side. His icy fingers continued to run delicately across the skin. I couldn't suppress the shudder at the sensation. Cold hands on warm skin… Feeling his cold breath tickling my neck as well… Ah crap.

"The bruising… It's only very faint. Before it was more evident," he muttered and I nodded, forcing myself to concentrate on the situation. Well then, the bruising had started to heal. That's a good thing.

"Awesome, I don't have to confront Darren with him knowing I almost actually died tonight." He released my neck and I leaned back, letting the fresh air de-cloud my mind. I rested the palms of my hands on the bonnet behind me, so I could look up and see his expression. He was smirking, but his eyes said something completely different. Surprisingly enough, I didn't see any smugness there… huh.

"You can heal," he stated and I tilted my head, with a mock pout.

"No… really?" I spoke in false shock before I had a small smile on my face, "The fact that I'm not all woozy from your violent moment with bashing my head in didn't state that fact at all?"

He shook his head. Was that a smile I saw tugging at his lips?

"Anyone else would have been dead by now with that attitude," he spoke with a smirk and I nodded with a knowing grin.

"Surprisingly enough, I have been told that many times. Along with my mood swings," I grinned and he nodded.

"I think I've experience that," there was definitely a smile there and I laughed,

"You were going to at some point." I leaned my head back and looked up at the sky. I heard a laugh from him. It was… throaty, low and… sexy. Really sexy.

"Are they frequent?"

I smiled to myself, looking away. "Kinda."

I gave him a playful grin before pushing myself further back on my car before I slipped off and fell into him. Something I wouldn't particularly enjoy. I was noticing things… attractive about this guy and it's not a particularly safe thing to notice. Let's not forget the fact that… My legs were still parted by his body. Okay, he may have forgotten that fact, but I sure as heck didn't! If Darren were to walk out and see this, he would suspect something that isn't true and then I would have to sex him up to get him to think differently. Sex as a tool isn't always fun I have you know.

"What did you mean by 'actually die tonight'?" he asked and I tilted my head in thought for a second remembering why and when I said that.

"Ohh!" I gasped in realisation, "Right! Yeah! Well, because of my mood swings and my attitude, I have a bet with Darren on when I am going to die." I realised how relaxed I was explaining this to the guy who was going to kill me not 10 minutes ago. I was so going to win this bet. He was smirking again. This was a less… annoying one. Maybe because it's of an amusement I can understand? He needs to smile more; much nicer to look at.

"Whose winning?"

"He is. Currently," I grinned, "but my bet is that I'll be killed at some point this year. He thinks it'll be next year." I snickered at how stupid it sounded, "We've had this bet going on for a few years. I always say 'It'll be this year. Totally.' whereas he always thinks it's the year after." I burst into my laughter and my hands shot to my face to muffle it. Real genuine laughter… well, some of my laugher from before was real, but the whole thing was funny at the time. The whole matter seemed so ridiculous that it was laughable! Not to mention, my bet with Darren was truly stupid. One of those things where it's so silly it's funny.

"So gambling against your life is a funny matter?" I could tell he was confused and stumped, but that just made me laugh more because of his reaction. I attempted to curl my legs up into my chest as my stomach was beginning to hurt. I had to calm down and fast because I have a feeling this guy does not like to be giggled or laughed at very much. Well… Poo… this just made it all the more funnier as I pictured a cartoon version of us, with a very annoyed (yet funny) looking Eric whilst I was giggling like a cute little chibi person. I must try and draw that… and of course: fail (As much as I love art, I haven't drawn in years so I don't even want to think about how rusty I am… Besides, I painted more that I drew; especially when it came to drawing little cute cartoons).

You probably guessed this was going to happen, I know I had done and I had even tried to prevent it. I was laughing so much I lost my balance on the bonnet and slipped off into the arms of the Viking. Mind you, because I had brought my legs to my chest, with my hands covering my face, I'm not surprised. I had no balance with the way I was sat anyway. I gasped in a deep breath before:

"I'm sorry." I was finally able to shriek between my giggles, I had to say something before he got annoyed. I felt his hands slowly trail down my sides before gripping them, surprisingly softly as he lifted me up and set me back up on my car, hands moving to rest on my arms to make sure I didn't slip up again. My face had been covered by my hands the entire time in attempt to muffle the now titter and hide the fact that I was laughing so much I had tears in my eyes. In fact, to a human looking over (if they could see from where I was parked), I might have looked like I was crying. I gasped of much needed oxygen, failing as I attempted yet again to calm down.

"Breathe," he spoke calmly and repeated it a few more times before I sat straight and wiped my eyes. I sat there breathing, my eyes closed as I settled down feeling his calm wash over me. I wiped under my eyes and my cheeks to remove the tear stains before looking up with a calm smile. He looked relieved; I was able to refrain from sniggering at the relief in his features.

"Sorry. I guess I never realized how silly it all is and I guess it just caught up with me. Most likely some sort of post traumatic stress to almost being killed" I smirked and looked up after hearing his little amused chortle. He had slouched slightly, he slouched a lot actually. He's too tall.

"It would make sense, but something is telling me that this is another part of your mood swings?" he half asked and my head nodded with half agreement, huge grin on my face. "This is going to be annoying."

I smiled and my head bobbed in agreement once more, containing all laughter due to stomach and cheek bone pain. "You and me both. Does this mean I can stay home while Darren comes here?" I looked hopeful with a cheeky smile, biting the corner of my lip, and he chuckled.

"But then how will I have any fun little one?" he grinned and I paused with an arched brow. Fun? This was fun for him? Guy needed to get out more… So do I actually. Fudgsicals,

"Well you have fang bangers for that." I responded with a grin and he laughed with a nod.

"Indeed, but I am sure it won't be as amusing as it has been in your company."

"Really? I find myself annoying." My face was as serious as I could make it with a little pout.

"That you are." My pout changed to one of mock hurt and I crossed my arms seeing his eyes glittering in amusement.

"No need to be so blunt about it." I feigned hurt and sniffed before sliding off the car, face almost hitting his chest. I automatically leaned back against the car, my hands behind me to support myself from slipping or falling.

"I apologize," he smirked and bent closer towards me. You know that thing called a personal bubble? He was all up in mine again. I was feeling quite uncomfortable and I just realised and his legs were between mine… again. I must have been sat like when he picked me back up and not realised it. What's wrong with me tonight?

"Apologize for what?" my head snapped towards Darren and a grin broke out on my face. I ignored the fact that he looked about ready to kill Eric. I think this meant sex when we got home. I didn't feel like denying it tonight. I felt the Sheriff stand straight and take a few steps back before I ran over and wrapped my arms around Darren's waist tightly before pulling back with a scowl, using a hand to pinch my nose for a second and took a step away from him.

"You stink. Have a shower when you get back." I wrinkled my nose and backed away to my car, opening the door and picking up the keys from the roof. I pressed the unlock button on the key and stood up, leaning forwards on the door, my arms stopping my neck from digging into the top.

I noticed Darren nod to Eric in a professional way before he was sat in the passenger seat. I looked at him and by the look on his face, it was time to go home and put up with a moody Darren. I really should stop hanging out with people who have mood swings similar to mine… and besides, Darren was supposed to be the mellow one out of the both of us. Why the sudden change of attitude now?

Shrugging, I smiled and mock saluted to the Sheriff before slipping in the car and looking at Darren as I slipped the keys in the ignition.

"What's with you?" I asked as I pulled out of the parking lot normally before speeding down the road. There was no reply for a few minutes and I snuck a glance, "Well?"

He growled quietly and I rolled my eyes, pushing my foot down on the accelerator and speeding up. I did not like how this was going to end up so I had to try and sort it out sooner rather than later.

It wasn't long till I pulled up and parked outside my house. I wasn't going to park it in the garage tonight. I had to stop him before he locked me out of his room. I pulled my keys out of the ignition, left my bag in the back and ran up the stairs after him to his room. He hadn't locked me out I discovered, so I ran down the stairs and burst into his room. He walked out of his wardrobe wearing cotton sleeping trousers and a gray v-neck t-shirt, it hugged his slightly muscled chest and arms nicely. His face was clear of the make-up he had on previously. His face and body was still tense, so I went and sat just off the centre of his bed, crossing my legs.

He looked at me and stopped, crossing his arms. I swear that was a glare he was giving me, but he seemed tired. It was barely even 1am. We were sat like that for a few minutes before I rolled my eyes and sighed, leaning forward and resting my arms on my knees, absently picking at the nail varnish again.

"Stop being stubborn and bloody tell me what the heck is the matter with you," my voice was a bit louder than normal, snappier too. This was only because I was sick of the glare he was giving me and I felt like I would suddenly combust into flames. If looks could kill, I would definitely be dead right now.

His lips pursed tightly and he clenched his jaw. "What the hell was with you tonight?" he spat out and I actually had the lean back in shock. Wow. Angry much?

"I got nervous and pretended to be drunk. He fell for it." I shrugged acting as if I didn't care. I wasn't about to tell him that I was almost dead tonight, just imagine what he would be like then!

"I'm not so sure about that," he muttered and I smiled sweetly.

"Well whether he believed me or not, he was a gentleman about things. Though he knows there's a different smell to me that isn't human. He might consider the fact that I'm a hybrid." I rested my arms on my knees again and leaned forward. Darren had growled and took a few paces forward towards me.

"What did you say to make him think that?" he snarled, throwing his hand to the side to elaborate his point. I arched my brow as I sat straight and crossed my arms.

"What did I say?" my voice rising as I pushed myself off the bed, "I said nothing! And wait a second why would this suddenly be my fault!"

"You got awfully talkative with him," he took a step nearer me and I shook my head. This was unbelievable! Why in the world was he blaming me! It's something that can't be helped! If it wasn't for me 'being talkative' then he would have figured it out soon anyway! Different smell, attitude and I would probably cut myself with him near anyway! I'm not exactly the most graceful person when my mind is somewhere else.

"What! I was trying to be drunk!"

"It didn't look like it when I walked out to find his hands all over you on your car," he swung his hand to gesture to the door. I couldn't believe this was happening. He was making all this bloody fuss because of the 'physical' closeness between me and the Sheriff? Wait…was he seriously getting jealous all of a sudden? After we made a deal all those years ago that us in a relationship was a terrible idea? Scratch that, is a terrible idea?

"You're freaking unbelievable!" I shrieked my hands gripping at the roots of my hair, "you're getting jealous now of all times?" I was full on shouting at him now. He growled coming inches away from my face.

"I am not jealous! This guy could kill you!" he sneered and I had to lean my head back by a fraction, still glaring at him.

"Well I'm still here!" I pushed him back and he actually stumbled a few steps, not expecting it. This didn't help because he growled furiously at me. I backed away a few steps cautiously, still glaring. I may be angry, but even I know I can't really take Darren on physically.

"Not for long you're not," his voice was cold and I rolled my eyes, ignoring the fact that he was still stronger than me and the fact that he just threatened me.

"You know what? You're being stupid! This whole conversation is complete nonsense because of your idiotic jealousy! And you know what? I really don't appreciate the fact that you're-" and for the second time that evening, I had been slammed roughly against a wall with a hand squeezing my throat as he roared 'Shut up'. This time however, when the back of my head slammed against the wooden panels of his wall, no blood was involved or anything where I would have to heal myself. In fact I felt the adrenaline pumping through my veins as I decided I wasn't going to put up with this. I did was came naturally to me when I thought about getting him off me. I thrusted my hands against his face, pushing it back as I screamed 'Get off!' as loud as I could.

My hands glowed a beautiful bright light and within seconds, Darren released my neck and backed away covering his smoking face as the light faded, shrieking in agony. My 'Holy Light' was sort of the equivalent to UV rays sometimes, but I never thought into it too much. I flopped to the ground, watching him for a few seconds before I pulled myself up and stormed out of the room heading towards the kitchen.

I heard him follow me at human pace, not far behind when he stopped with his shrieking. I didn't want to see his charred and burned face yet so I pulled out the bottle of A negative blood and placed it in the microwave before slamming it shut and waiting for the blood to warm up. My arms were crossed and I could feel the frown on my face. I didn't like it. I wasn't supposed to be angry. I'm normally calm, happy and relaxed. It just didn't feel right being angry right now.

"What are you doing?" I heard him ask and I shrugged stubbornly.

"You'll need some blood to be able to have that healed tomorrow," I muttered and turned to see the mess I caused on his face. From my hand prints, skin and flesh had been burnt and singed away in parts. There were a few gaps and holes around his cheeks where I could see his teeth. It honestly stunk worse than the bar and took everything in me to not just vomit. Yeah there was some blood, but not much surprisingly enough. I guess where I had charred at certain areas; it sort of stopped the bleeding. It was clotted and… a little bit black…

"Next time, don't try to play macho man. I won't hesitate on doing worse the next time you make me angry," was all I said, in warning, before storming off to my bedroom and shutting the door quietly. I knew Darren won't come in. It had nothing to do with an invitation; he just knew to respect my privacy enough to not come walking in when the door was shut. He would knock. I leaned my forehead against the door and closed my eyes.

It wasn't long before I heard the microwave door and then his door shut, almost in unison, as he vanished into his room. I sighed, pulling away from the door, slumping over to my bed and falling into the soft cotton sheets, staring at the pink satin covered ceiling (It was just over my bed…). Tonight was just drama after bloody drama and it was annoying. Why was this place being so different compared to everywhere else? Sure, Brighton was nothing like this, but that's because we were socialising with the King of England. I missed Clinton-Url and his funny little quirks…

I had to get ready for bed, whether I wanted to or not so I got up and stripped out of my clothing, throwing it in my laundry basket and pulling out a random nightie from the dresser. It was a short hot pink cotton strappy dress. Like the top from last night, it revealed a lot of my black bra and just flowed over my bum with a tiny slit up the side. It was comfy and loose though so I settled with it. After all, it was only me to appreciate it.

Sitting at my dressing table, I removed all make-up and pulled my hair round into a loose side pony tail. I covered my face with my hands for a little while as I leaned on the table to try and clear my head ready to just relax and go to sleep and prepare for waking up.

Tonight I went from bored, to happy, to nervous, to frightened, to angry, to… I think I was amused talking with Eric Northman… to angry yet again. My evening was an emotional rollercoaster. I was completely exhausted. A girl shouldn't go through that many emotions; even if she was forty.

"Ugh… do people call this a mid-life crisis?" I muttered to myself before shaking my head, "Naaah, I'm being silly."

I returned to the kitchen, pulled out a small bottle of apple juice and leant against the work top as I drank it. Darren hadn't even come up to try and talk now that I'm out of my room. Does this mean he wants me to go to him? Nah, he probably knows I'm still angry… or he's embarrassed? He knows he was a total Ass Biscuit?

Maybe it's time I should leave him and settle down somewhere and do some years of college again… All I would need to do was sort out some files and stuff for me to be a student and get a job somewhere. It sounds quite nice actually: Being a student again. I could get myself a nice little flat, meet people, especially my neighbours, and go out dancing as much as I want. Maybe I could meet a nice doctor or a medical intern! Mother would like that… I wouldn't even have to get that intense of a job. Maybe a small waitressing job or a small part time job working with clothes? Cash in hand maybe? Life would be in my control completely…

I rolled my eyes at my thought process. No way. I walked to the door that lead to the lake and looked out. The moon wasn't even reflecting on the calm water. I ran a hand through my hair and put the apple juice back and grabbed my car keys. I had to park it and grab my bag. In fact, no, I won't park it. I'll just grab my bag, put it away and go to bed. Or play some video games and then go to bed; either one sounded as good as each other. Though, the more I prevent from going to sleep, the worse off I'll be tomorrow… I'll dump the bag on the side and then crash. Sorted.

Nodding at my awesome idea I stepped out of the front door and felt a slight chill up my spine.

"Fudge it gets chilly at night…" I muttered to myself and quickly ran down the steps to my car and leaned in to pull my bag out. A sudden breeze on my bare legs made me jump, hitting the back of my head on the roof of the car. I slowly pulled myself out of the car (in case of light headedness) rubbing my head and using the other arm to push the bag onto my shoulder.

"Owie!" I sighed and slammed the door shut, rubbing the area that will most likely gain a small bump and then gradually fade as I healed it. Rolling my eyes I grabbed the keys from the roof and locked it. I really wasn't having a good night tonight and I knew I was going to suffer tomorrow. I mean, I had my body healing me every time I do something to damage it (example: drinking, being strangled (twice!), forcing the cut to heal etc.), I used self defense to completely wreck Darren's face. Okay, so the headache will come from healing my wounds and hurting Darren, but still, it'll be a nasty head ache tomorrow. Haven't done this much in so long, it might be like a nasty little hangover; or just a bad hangover.

This was a problem with being a hybrid Angel. Using my abilities actually took a lot of energy, but when I was younger, I was stubborn and refused to let myself be weak so quickly and I guess when I go to sleep, my body 'shuts down' to heal and regain energy completely, so when I wake up, instead of feeling refreshed (Like one would think) I have a headache or a slight 'hangover'. There is a way to prevent this, and it's drinking this weird special Holy Water…

"I swear, if I'm not killed, I'll end up killing myself somehow," I muttered as I yawned, climbing up the stairs sluggishly.

"I would probably agree with that," a voice said from the top of the stairs, making me shriek and jump in the air. Next thing I knew I was in someone's arms at my front door. I blinked in confusion, letting it slowly sink in before I looked up to see the Sheriff of Area 5, Eric Northman.

"Erm… what?" what the hey? What was he doing here? Oh Shizzle Sticks… how long has he been here? Did he hear the argument? If so… why didn't he come and see me when I was out back? Or was he waiting for a good opportunity to get me to hurt myself? Or scare me. Sick… prick.

"I need you to invite me in," he stated stopping my thought process. I blinked a couple of times before shaking my head with a little pout on my lips.

"Darren is busy and I'm going to sleep." I yawned as soon as I finished my sentence and covered my mouth feeling the heat rise to my cheeks. I just yawned right in front of him. I haven't even done that to Darren! It may sound weird, but it's still a conscious thing I have. Or a girl thing?

"I'm sure he'll find a way to come talk to me," he was smirking and I had to nod in agreement with this. Eric was the sheriff after all, so anyone in his area must follow his set rules.

"I'll go get him." I struggled in his grip, hating being carried bridal style right now, made my dress shorter than it should be and I felt way to close with him. He smelt nice too.

He didn't budge so I gripped his shoulders tightly and used that as some form of leverage to sling myself straight forward, effectively sliding over his arms. I shivered and shrieked a little, feeling the tips of his cold fingers run up the backs of my thighs and slip my nightie up in the process. My hands went straight to the hem and pulling it down, preventing him from getting more of a flash of my panties, before slipping indoors quickly, scowling at the fact that he was chuckling. I ignored the crude comment from him as I dumped my bag on the sofa before banging on Darren's door.

"Sheriff's here. Stop sulking and go talk," I spoke a bit louder than normal, knowing they both will be able to hear. When I spun round to head to my room, I found him at the front door already talking with the tall blonde haired vampire. "Night then," I muttered before turning and heading to my room, yawning once more. I had shut the door, switched my light out, opened my window by a fraction, all before crawling under the duvet and pulling an old scruffy cuddly dog from under my pillow. I got myself comfortable, snuggled in the duvet and cuddle up with the soft dog, and felt my eyes droop shut. By the time I wake up, I'm going to feel like total DooDoo.

I felt myself drift off to sleep within seconds, feeling completely relaxed and content for the first time this evening. Life was good when you can leave everything behind for a small amount of time to just sleep.

Did you like it?
How do you like Hayley and Darren's bet? What about the state of Darren's face?

Do you want more Eric/Hayley interaction? Then Review/favourite/alert this story and your wish may come true :)

Also, I have a little treat for you:

"You know-" An all too annoyingly familiar voice made me jump back into a kneeling position shrieking 'Holy Carrot balls!'. I looked forward to see Eric was sitting back on the bed grinning. My face was probably a picture with my arms formed some kind of karate chop. I was so shocked and I felt the adrenaline pumping through my veins from that scare.

"I thought you left." I barely whispered, though it was all high pitched and squeaky. I realized I had gripped his hip… or leg… Either way, my face was as red as a cherry and he had a grin on his face. A huge grin. He had straight teeth… they were white also…

"To pick this up." He held up the cuddly dog and I soften immediately. That… Well that was really sweet of him…

See You Soon.