Disclaimer: All characters depicted herein are the sole property of Charlaine Harris and HBO.

Chapter 6 - Fangtasia

The car ride to Fangtasia was quiet. The radio was off, and neither Pam nor I had anything pertinent to say. I let my mind wander as I watched the lights we passed.

"He's doing this for you." Pam said out of nowhere.

"So I've heard," was my only response. The silence was undisturbed for the rest of the ride.

We pulled behind Fangtasia parked in the employee parking area. Before we walked through the door, Pam stopped me. "Don't let your silly human feelings make you forget, Victor must see you as Eric's rightful wife." She turned away before I could respond and we headed into the bar.

Eric was sitting at a circular booth towards the back. It might as well have been his throne, with the eyes of almost every person in Fangtasia on him. Next to him was Victor Madden who was wearing an Armani suit, something I had come to expect from him. His black hair was short and curly, just like it had been when I had first seen him standing in my front yard- having come for Eric, just like it would be for eternity. Victor was the lieutenant in charge of Louisiana for Felipe de Castro king of Nevada, Louisiana and Arkansas. He looked more like a GQ model than a lieutenant, had impeccable manners, and on at least one occasion tried to have me assassinated. This night was going to be just lovely.

"Sookie. You look absolutely mouthwatering." Eric said. He smiled and his fangs were showing- a sign that he was pleased to see me. The gesture was unnecessary as I already knew how excited he was thanks to our bond. "Please come join us, wife of mine." He said warmly. Of course this wasn't truly a request.

"Victor." I inclined my head by way of greeting, as I slid in next to Eric. Pam had taken the seat next to Victor.

"It's lovely to see you, Mrs. Northman." Victor responded with a smile. I almost protested but Eric pinched my arm under the table effectively cutting me off. I realized after his smile twitched almost imperceptibly that he was testing me, and I was glad I had kept silent.

"And you." I responded.

Eric and Victor returned to talking business, and a waitress in the typical gaudy black dress took my order. I knew I wouldn't be driving so I asked for a martini. Bored and annoyed at having to be there, I wondered how long until I could leave without it being unseemly. Much to my chagrin I actually felt relieved sitting here next to Eric. At this moment, I truly hated the blood bond we shared. I wanted to be free of him, but our blood bond betrayed me as part of me was just content to sit next to him. As if on cue Eric put his arm around me and started lightly stroking my neck. I wanted to argue, but nothing had changed. Victor was still there on the other side of Eric, waiting to see if I truly belonged to him. I glanced at Eric, and though he was listening to Victor, he smiled at me as though he were a fox who had ensnared a rabbit; which at this point seemed a rather apt analogy.

I smiled at Eric, "Would you excuse me?" I said to the table, employing the good southern manners my Gran had instilled in me, even though I would rather have told them all to Fuck off. Eric looked at me inquisitively. "I need to go to the ladies room." I informed him in a whisper.

"Would you like for me to join you my lover?" He asked seductively.

He never gave up. I rolled my eyes and slid out of the booth. Through the bond I pushed annoyance toward Eric so he wouldn't actually try to follow me. I tried to ignore the thoughts from the fang-bangers as I walked towards the ladies room; but with the stress I was already under the attempt was weak. I could hear their thoughts and all of it was non-sense, and all of it was annoying.

What's she see in him? That vamp ain't got nothin' on me! Her best friend had no problem showin' me how much she wanted me, so why is she droolin' all over someone who is already dead?

Why am I here? This is truly the dumbest thing I have ever done to impress a guy. He's not even worth it.

That blonde skank has finally left the table. Maybe I can get his attention before she gets back. He is so hot! I wonder what he's like in bed.

I laughed in spite of myself. If some fang-banger wanted Eric, she could have him. Be my guest. The look on his face if she tried would be priceless, but I was more interested in getting away than finding out if she would actually approach him. I walked into the bathroom, even thought I had no need to use the facilities. I just wanted Eric's hand off me. I looked in the mirror and adjusted my hair. I applied some lip gloss, and refreshed my perfume. I washed my hands, twice. There was nothing for it though, I had to go back. I refocused my shields, so the voices were just a murmur in the background and headed back to the table. Just my luck, Eric hadn't been seduced away, by some pathetic fang-banger.

Eric could sense my approach and turned toward me. I noticed that there was an addition to the table and froze. Sitting next to Pam in the circular booth, was Bill Compton. Eric offered his hand to help me back in to my seat, and I took it only because everyone at the table was watching. I couldn't imagine what he could be doing here. Why did he have to be here tonight, while I had to play the part of Eric's wife so convincingly?

"Sookie." Bill greeted me, his face unreadable. He had to have known I was at Fangtasia before he sat down. He would have smelled my scent in the seat next to Eric, and on Eric's hands, on me- as everything I was wearing had been from Eric. This night just kept getting better and better.

"Bill." I responded inclining my head for proprieties sake. "You are looking well." I told him.

"As are you." He responded. "Is that new?" He asked motioning to my necklace.

Before I could respond Eric spoke, "It is in fact. It was a gift from me. The entire ensemble, if I'm not mistaken." Eric said sensually, emphasizing the word entire. My cheeks reddened, and Bill looked away. Eric had effectively ended that conversation, and might as well have branded me with an iron.

"Bill was just joining us to advise us on the progress of the database. The new update should be posted soon." Victor explained.

"Ah. I'm sure it will be well received." I responded, not knowing what else to say. It was getting late and my interest in vampire politics was less than robust, to say the least.

"Eric, I think your lovely wife is bored. Maybe she would like to dance. That is, if you don't mind." Victor said warmly, but with an inflection that let both of us know that this was not a request. Everyone at the table tensed nearly indiscernibly, though due to the request, or the prospect of Eric's reaction, I didn't know.

"I'm sure she would appreciate that." Eric responded coolly, though I could feel his anger through the bond.

I slid out of the seat again, followed by Eric and Victor. I typically enjoyed dancing, but somehow I doubted I would tonight. I forced a smile to my face. When Victor took my hand, it took everything in me to not tremble with fear. He led me toward the open area where people danced if the mood struck them. It wasn't exactly a dance floor, but it worked as one when need required. The song was something old I couldn't place, but upbeat enough that we weren't the only ones there.

Much to my surprise though, Victor let go of my hand to walk over to the DJ for the night. The music abruptly ended and a song I didn't recognize replaced it. The lyrics were Spanish. The words were foreign, but the rhythm was unmistakable. Victor wanted to Tango. Luckily I was a good dancer. He walked back over to me, ignoring the quiet protest of the others on the floor and pulled me into his arms. I was scared and I could feel Eric's anger, but I knew it was imperative that I didn't let on to either. His hold was strong and there was no escape, so we danced. His body pressed to mine, and I followed his strong lead. He was becoming aroused, and his fangs extended ever so slightly. Whether he wanted my blood or my body I wasn't sure; though I would imagine it was a little of both.

"The song is 'A Fuego Lento'. It means a slow fire. Your husband could translate for you." He told me nearly spitting out the word husband. He face was close to mine, and into my ear he said "I know your 'marriage' to Eric is a lie. I was there when he accepted the knife. I know you didn't intend to join with him. I have also heard that you have sent him away." He said, his voice sweet, but the threat was laid down.

I was nearly frozen with fear, but I smiled back at him. So much for his impeccable manners, I thought to myself. His body still pressed to mine as we moved. "Mr. Madden, I do apologize for any misunderstanding but you are mistaken. At the moment I offered my husband that knife, you are right, I had not intended to join him. A girl can change her mind, though, and I did." I smiled coyly, laying on the southern charm and lying as if my life depended on it – as it almost certainly did. "I'm as happy as a clam. I love Eric, and he loves me. We do quarrel on occasion. What couple doesn't?" I asked him.

"Is that so?" He asked disbelieving. He dipped me back. "Then why is it you still live in Bon Temps, instead of with him in Shreveport? I would not allow my wife, especially one as enticing as you, to live so far." He told me as he pulled me back to him.

"I've lived in my home almost my whole life, Mr. Madden. I grew up there and prior to meeting Eric, my whole life was in Bon Temps. It's not something you can just pick up and walk away from." I explained. "I have started moving in actually." I lied fluidly. "I brought a box over just the other day, and I ran into Eric's new day man. Slowly but surely I'm working on it." The first bit was not quite a lie, and Victor could check with Jeffery if he wanted to. Eric was seething at this point, which was making my hold on this conversation much more difficult. Victor spun me from him "Eric understands the reasons that I am taking my time with leaving my home. If you have issues, you should take them up with him. Maybe he is just more considerate than you are." I told him, having chosen to forget my manners. He jerked me back to him with a force that was painful. Maybe I shouldn't have added that. He put his arms around me and dipped me back just enough to leave my neck exposed.

His face moved toward my neck, and I had a second of sheer terror as he whispered "Eric is lucky to have made you his wife. An innocent young woman such as you needs to be protected from the cruelty of the world." I knew we weren't close enough to the table for Eric to clearly see what was happening, I know I would have felt his response through the bond if he had. Victor let his fangs graze me, and they pushed against my neck- indenting though not quite breaking the skin before he kissed my neck and pulled me back into a position that would indicate the model of friendly propriety.

"Thank you, for the dance." He told me as he walked me back to the table. "It was very illuminating."

"The pleasure was mine." I responded, with all the effort I had left I smiled at him.

"Indeed" he said as we reached the table.

Pam was gone, but Bill and Eric were still there, silent. Eric was relieved at my return. "You were beautiful," He told me, letting me know he had been watching the exchange.

"Thank you," I told him with all the warmth I could muster. I wanted to go home.

"Eric, thank you for allowing me the pleasure of a dance with Sookie," he told Eric formally. "Your wife is a lovely partner; you seem to be a very lucky man." He said. I wasn't sure if I had convinced him, but he seemed to at least consider it was possible. "You and I still have things to discuss and if I'm not mistaken, Sookie is probably quite tired. We should call it a night and retire to your office." Victor said, leaving no room for discussion.

Anger again flashed through our bond, but Eric stood and agreed.

"You should get home, my lover." He told me. He leaned in to kiss me, but I turned my face away, so instead he kissed my neck. His eyes flashed when he smelled Victor on my skin. "This is truly radiant on you" he told me as his finger traveled down the Y of my necklace to the tear drop shaped diamond. I wasn't in the mood for him in generally, and his playfulness in particular, so I glared at him. He stepped back and grinned. "I'll call Pam over to take you home." He told me.

Bill stood up. "As I am no longer needed, I will be leaving as well. Sookie can ride home with me, if she would like." He stated, making it a point that it was my choice.

Before Eric could answer I responded, "I would appreciate that. Thank you. I wouldn't want Pam to have to go out of her way, when you are right next door."

Eric was just angry all over the place tonight, and I detected a bit of jealousy. He didn't trust me with Bill. "You may take my wife to her home, Compton, but take care." He responded, choosing his words carefully. "Goodnight Sookie." Eric said and turned towards his office where Victor was waiting, in what I imagine was a none-too-patient manner.

I sighed with relief when both Eric and Victor were no longer in my eye line. I turned toward Bill. "Thank you for offering to take me home, really." I told him.

"It's truly no inconvenience." He responded, his tone unreadable.

We walked toward the front of the club. I ignored Pam when I passed her. I was just ready to be out of Fangtasia. I couldn't wait to be home. I wanted to shower. I wanted to wash Victor off me. Always the gentleman Bill offered me his arm as we walked to his black Cadillac. He opened the door for me, and helped me inside.

We had been driving in companionable silence for what seemed like a long time before I was relaxed enough for it to occur to me that I was alone with Bill. I had wanted to talk to him, there was so much I wanted to say to him, but I didn't know where to start. After the evening I just had, I wasn't really sure if now was the right time either.

"Are you alright?" Bill asked me, breaking my train of thought.

That was a loaded question if I ever heard one, though I doubted he meant it as such. Alright how? Alright with what? Alright with the events tonight? Alright with Eric? Alright in general? Physically I was tired but otherwise well, mentally I wasn't so sure. I didn't answer right away. Finally I told him "I don't know."

"I'm sorry," he told me, his voice full of sincerity. I started to cry. After everything, I could not bear to hear him apologize. None of this was his fault. It was Victor's fault, Eric's fault, and even my fault. But none of this was Bill's fault. "Sookie?" he said, full of concern.

"You have nothing to be sorry for Bill. I do. I'm so sorry! I'm sorry for everything!" I told him, looking out the window, unable to face him. Tears were still streaming down my face.

"Sookie, what's wrong? Why are you sorry?" he asked.

I couldn't answer. "How did it get to this?" I asked, still staring out the window. I noticed we were almost home.

"I don't understand, Sookie. What's wrong?" he asked again. I didn't know what to say. So I didn't say anything.

We pulled into my driveway and Bill turned off the car, and turned to me. "Talk to me Sookie." He begged. "It hurts me to see you like this." He told me.

A fresh wave of tears started. I opened the car door and stepped out. I knew I was being unfair to Bill by not responding, but what was there to say? The past couldn't be undone, and the present was so messed up. Without realizing he had even moved, Bill was in front of me. "Sookie, please." He said. The despair that was so clearly written on his face broke me. I could not hurt him anymore. Bill was my heart.

"Oh, Bill." I said and wrapped my arms around him. I buried my face in his chest, and he put his arms around me. He stroked my hair, trying to soothe me. This felt like homecoming. He let me cry. I pulled myself together enough to stop the tears, but I didn't move away from him. I looked up into his eyes. "I'm so sorry, Bill. I love you, and I ruined everything. I've been so unreasonable, and I've hurt you so much. I'm so sorry!" I told him. His expression changed, but I couldn't read it. "I should have let you explain. I should have forgiven the things you had no control over. I should always have know you weren't going to act like any other man- you're not, on so many levels! I should never have gone to Eric." I told him almost sobbing. "I'm so sorry for everything." I stopped so I wouldn't start crying again.

"Sookie," he breathed. He kissed my forehead, "I forgive you. I love you too." He told me. He tilted my face up to him and kissed me. It was the sweetest kiss I have ever had. It was so tender, and I felt myself relax into him. His lips were soft and slow; his tongue gentle. I had a flash of the dream I had the other night and quickly pulled away. Bill looked perplexed.

"What's wrong?" He asked.

"I can't do this now." I explained, feeling crest fallen.

"Why." Bill asked.

I sighed. "Eric." Though it was only one word, it was difficult for me to say.

"But he's not here. I heard your fight with him earlier this week. He was yelling outside your window. You must have rescinded his invitation. You no longer want him." Bill recounted confused.

"Yes, but the blood bond." I tried to explain. "He came because I was having a dream. In the dream I felt passion and lust strong enough that he felt it through the bond."

"Oh." Bill responded. "I knew there was no other man, though I heard him accusing you. You had a dream strong enough that it called to him?" Bill asked. He sounded hurt.

"I wasn't dreaming about him. In the dream, I guess the feelings of passion and lust were so strong he felt them through the bond. He appeared outside my window after he felt the release of the passion and lust." I said, my cheeks reddening.

Bill seemed to understand. "If no Eric, who were you dreaming about Sookie?" He asked.

I looked into his eyes. "You." I responded simply. The look in Bill's eyes was of pure exaltation. He kissed me again, and I responded unable to stop myself. I loved him. I wanted him. I pulled myself away before I got too carried away. "As you saw tonight though, I am still bound to him, not only by our blood, but by the vampire marriage he tricked me into. As I'm sure you heard the other night, he says I'm still his wife and no other man can come near me. While I don't want to be with him, I don't know how to get out of our 'marriage', and after Victor's barely veiled threats tonight, I'm not ever sure if it would be safe to. Though, honestly I'm not even sure if I'm safe now." I explained.

Bill's expression didn't change, but I could see the pain in his eyes. We were so close, but so far away.

"Only Eric can end your marriage. Fraternizing with another vampire's spouse without permission is a punishable offence." Bill said matter-of-factly.

I dropped my eyes and sighed. I knew I was putting Bill in danger by holding him. I released my arms and stepped back, or tried to at least. Bill wouldn't let go of me, and instead pulled me closer. "I love you Sookie. I will not lose you again. We will find a way." He told me. He tensed for a moment, "Victor threatened you?" he asked. It must have just sunk in.

"Not in so many words, but the intent was there. He has already tried to have me killed." I told him.

"Bruno?" He asked, cottoning on.

I nodded adding "And Corinna." It was a testament to how much I had changed in the past few months that I even thought this, much less said it, "I wish Vincent would die," I told Bill.

"He will." Bill told me, his voice colder than ice. I believed him.