Nightfall came quickly, and much to my surprise, I had slept through the entire day without waking once, and hadn't even heard Eric rise and get into the shower. Sleeping so heavily shouldn't be that much of a surprise to me. I haven't slept all that well in weeks. Actually, I hadn't slept at all. Eric had left a note on his pillow saying he would return shortly and for me to shower. I growled. He isn't supposed to go anywhere without me. What if something happens to him and I'm not there? Lucky for him, I'll be able to sense if he is in any danger.

I crumpled the note and set it on the bedside table, and shut the bathroom door behind me, clothes from the previous night in hand. I hate re-wearing clothes, it feels dirty. I hope before I stop off by Sookie, I have enough time to return home and change.

The light switch was nowhere to be found; either I was that blind, or the bathroom didn't have one, and I figured I must be blind. The light wasn't needed, I can see either way, but it would be nice to have it on so that whoever may enter the room knows that someone is in here. I can't see it stopping Pam or Eric, though.

On a whim, I clapped, and suddenly the lights came on. I snorted.

"A vampire with a Clap On? You've got to be kidding me," I said, giggling like an idiot.

I stepped into the large shower, and sat on the cool tiles, relishing the hot water raining down from the shower head above. The water pounded the skin on my back, and I leaned forward, backward, every which way, enjoying the feeling. I washed quickly, fearing the hot would run out and I would be blasted with the cold, icy water that left me gasping when it made contact with my skin the other night. I had made the mistake of falling asleep in the shower, and woke up to freezing cold water spraying at my face.

"Devil water," I mumbled, rinsing the last of the shampoo out of my hair.

Eric laid sprawled on the mattress when I walked back into the bedroom, his arms crossed underneath his chin, blue eyes glued to some news cast about how evil vampires are. I sat on the edge of the bed beside him, listening to the religious zealots condemn the creatures, to which a spokesperson for the vampires rolled her eyes. Eric mimicked her, rolling his own eyes at the television, and changed the channel, turning it to some show about a group of people searching for spirits in abandoned buildings and residential homes and businesses.

"I couldn't tell you how many times we've toyed with these people for fun," I smiled down at Eric wickedly. "They're so easily scared, it's ridiculous. All talk until we move a picture, and they nearly piss themselves in fear."

"Is this what you do for fun?" He chuckled.

"Terrorize humans? Eric, it's a past time. Besides, living for as long as I have, it becomes boring; you need to find some sort of amusement," I slid backward, sitting fully on the bed now, and crossed my legs.

Eric reached down and lifted a large white bag by the handle with his index finger and swung it in my direction. The bag landed before me, its contents spilling out like blood from a wound. I picked through the items; t-shirts, jeans, a jacket-all the clothing I would need while I am here. The clothes were nothing special I noted, just plain shirts, a good choice on Eric's part, considering I most likely wouldn't even be wearing clothes most of the time.

"I thought you could use some things while you're here," He peeked back at me. "I don't think Sookie would appreciate you being naked all of the time."

"Thanks…but, I have clothes at home you know," I smiled sheepishly.

He ignored me. "She's working tonight," Eric said. "At Merlotte's. I'll be dropping you off there soon."

"And what am I to do? Sit and wait until her shift is over and follow her home?" I asked.

"Precisely. Go inside and order something if you have to. But keep an eye on her; there's a full moon tonight."

. . .

Eric and I pulled into the dirt lot outside Merlotte's, his fingers pounding away at the keys on his cell phone. I turned my body toward Eric, waiting for him to tell me to leave. The Viking pushed the small device back into his jeans pocket and reached into the back of the car and pulled a duffel bag that he had packed before we left with all of the clothes he bought.

He left me with a bag of clothes and a thick wad of cash, and strict instructions to stay by the human's side at all times in order to ensure her protection. I rifled through the back for a jacket that he had bought me, similar to one that I have at home. I pulled the military-style jacket on over my white v-neck and bent down to zip the bag up.

Leaves crunched on the ground somewhere near me. I stood up straight and sniffed the air.

"What are you doin' out here?" A voice asked. I turned around.

A young looking boy stood before me, shirtless, zipping up or unzipping his loose fitting jeans, I couldn't tell. His pale green eyes dragged slowly up and down my body as the tip of his tongue peeked out to lick his lips. The boy shifted his weight and leaned on one of the trees.

"I could ask you the same thing," I said, narrowing my eyes and wagging my finger at his partially undressed body.

"I was just hot is all…came out here to cool off. What about you?"

I smirked. "Liar, and I'm just fixing myself up before I go inside and have a drink."

His brow furrowed. "Hey! I ain't no liar."

"Yeah, you are. You smell like a dog. You're a shifter, aren't you?"

The boy's eyes bulged, his eyebrows shooting so high up his head they could have popped off if it were possible. I fought back the urge to laugh.

"How could you tell..?" He asked slowly.

"I can smell it," I said simply.

He narrowed his eyes and stepped forward. "What are you?"

I chuckled softly. "Kid, I belong to a species you couldn't even begin to comprehend the existence of."

"Yeah? Well, I've seen a lot of crazy shit lately. So what are ya?"

I pursed my lips, unsure of how to explain what I am without giving it away. Should I tell the kid? Hounds are mainly myths, and no human or other creature knows we exist until their last moments on earth, or if they are the ones looking for a Hound. Hmm. Why not? "I'm a…shifter of sorts. A Hell Hound."

"What the fuck is that?"

"Google it, kid," I clapped a hand on his shoulder and picked my bag up. "You might learn something!" I called over my shoulder.

Grunting slightly, I fixed the strap over my shoulder, strode across the lot, and pushed through the double doors into the dining area. Everyone seemed to be having a good time; talking, laughing, drinking…just enjoying themselves and each other's company. While they talked, I could feel their eyes settling on me, staring, curious of the newcomer. A young redhead approached me, smiling brightly.

"Just one?" she asked, grabbing a menu.

"Uh, yes," I said, returning the smile.

"Jessica, wait," A male voice ordered. The girl stopped and turned to stare at the man curiously. He stood beside her, adjusting the leather belt around his waist, and looked me up and down. The flannel clad man smelled the same as the boy outside.

Another shifter? Huh.

"What business do you have here?" He asked, narrowing his eyes at me. "You better not be here to cause trouble."

I looked over at the waitress. "Does he normally greet his patrons like this?"

"Only the ones that don't belong," He said.

I stepped forward, holding the strap of my bag. "Look, I don't know what your problem is, or what you think I am, but I'm not here to cause trouble," I bent my head down so that we are eye level. "But if you're looking for trouble, keep talking to me like that; you'll get it real quick," I hissed.

The shifter backed off and returned to whatever he had been doing before. Jessica smiled awkwardly and ushered me through the maze of tables.

"I don't believe I've seen you around here before. Are you new?"

"I am. I've been looking at houses all day around here and Shreveport, and I think I may have found the one," I crossed my fingers. "Hopefully I get it."

"I hope you do! Enjoy your meal," She smiled, and handed me the menu as I sat down. Our hands touched, and instantly she pulled back, her fangs bared. "What are you?" She gasped. The girl clapped a hand over her mouth and began to offer her muffled apologies.

"It's fine. I didn't burn you, did I?" I asked, wincing.

"No, you didn't…I just felt an intense shock when our hands touched…wait," She said, squinting at me, "why would you have burned me?"

"Long story," I muttered.

"What are you?" I could feel panic rising inside her. She felt threatened by me.

I flashed my fangs in response. "I'm not a vampire…I'm a Hound."

"A what? And if you're not, then how can you do that? Make your fangs pop out, I mean," She looked around briefly and took a seat across from me.

I toyed with the napkin. "I'm a Hound. You know…a Hell Hound? But, different than most."

She gasped. "I've heard of them…don't they capture lost souls and stuff and protect grave yards?"

"Mostly, yes," I nodded.

Except, I live in Shreveport, and work for a group of renegade Hounds, the wannabe Mafioso types, and carry out bounties.

I'm an undead contract killer, basically.

She leaned in and lowered her voice. "So who's dying tonight?"

I raised an eyebrow and laughed. "No one. I'm just here to have a nice meal."

The redhead frowned. "I didn't know you guys could shift."

"Some can, others can't. I'm one of the lucky ones I guess," I shrugged my shoulders. "I'm Adrian, by the way."

"Jessica," She smiled.

"I'd shake your hand, but I don't know what reaction that would cause," I laughed. "Well, I think it's best you get back to work; I think your coworkers are starting to get curious. And," I added, "that guy doesn't seem too happy about you talking to me."

Behind the bar he stood. An average height man, stubble darkening his jaw line, his eyes every so often focusing on me and returning back to the patrons sitting in front of him. Next to him mixing drinks was a tall, lean black girl. Even from here, I could feel the energy radiating from her body. It was strong. I inhaled deeply and waved over toward them, grinning widely. He glowered at me in return.

"Oh, that's just Sam," She dismissed.

"He your boss?"

"Yeah, but he ain't gonna do nothin'. Probably just curious about you since you're new here," She stood up. "I probably should get back to work though…I'll catch ya around, Adrian."

"See ya," I waved.

Just as Jessica walked away, Sookie approached the table, her eyes fixed down on the hardwood floor. She looked up and seemed startled at my being at her place of work. The shocked expression was quickly replaced by one of warmth, and a seemingly genuine happiness to see me. Sookie pulled a small notepad from the pockets of her apron and clicked her pen as she reached the side of the table.

"What brings you here?"

"Oh, nothing. Just enjoying the company of those around me," I smiled.

Sookie rolled her eyes playfully. "Eric dropped you off, didn't he."

I nodded my head. "Yup. Left me outside in the bushes and drove off."

"What a bastard. Can I get you anything to eat?…can you eat?"

"I can eat," I said. "But I don't feel that hungry. So, how about a cup of coffee?"

"Sounds great," She smiled. "How do you take it?"

"Black's fine. When do you get off work?"

Sookie looked around for the time. "In two hours. I'll be right back."

Two hours of sitting here sipping on a cup of coffee. Two hours of having everyone stare at me with a disdainful look in their eye. Two hours of having Jessica and that little shifter boy ogle me like some museum exhibit. After a half hour, I paid and grabbed my bag and sat outside.

It felt nice to leave the space, to breathe in the cool air. In the distance, wolves howled. I leaned against a tree off to the side of Merlotte's and listened to the howling as if it were a song, closing my eyes and letting the loud, familiar echoes flow through me..

They're close.