Hello, hello! FIrst of all, I'm am terribly sorry I took so long to update. I'm doing midterms right now and I kind of had my head wrapped around other things. I'm currently writing two other fics (plus Concrete in Your Hair) lol I'm kind of going crazy True Blood-less hahaha so I write and write and write :) FInally another chapter. No Eric in there but lots happening none the less (sort of) It's not my best chapter nor my favourite but it was necessary :)

So here you go, a little list of songs to listen to (my current obsessions :D!) THe title for this chapter if from my number one song on the list!

Beat The Devil's Tattoo - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (most songs by that band are simply great!)

I'm In Here - Sia

Tighten Up - The Black Keys

Ghost In The Machine - B.O.B. (3)

Mercy - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

Baby You're A Rich Man - The Beatles

The Nosebleed Section - Hilltop Hoods

Lost In The World - Kanye West Feat Bon Iver

Misery (Acoustic) - Maroon 5 (isn't the Hands All Over album just sick :D LOLL)

- SO thats it for now! I hope you enjoy the chapter and the music and I'm looking forward to reading your reviews! (Sorry if the chapter is a little short... :P)

Thanks a bunch for sitcking with me and my crazy stories lolll

P.S. Eric is a sneaky little Viking... hence the slight confusion about the Magister and Bill saying Sookie was his and such... :)

The next day, Eric had arranged for me to return to my house in Bon Temps. I'd missed it quite a lot and with the recent events, I wanted nothing more than to be home. He had arranged however for me to be watched just in case. I gave Sam a call and he gave me my schedule for the next few days. I really badly needed to work so I was grateful for him being so comprehensive. I decided to give Tara and Jason both a call to see how they were doing. I was about to dial Jason's number when I heard a truck in my driveway. I looked out my window and was surprised to recognize Alcide. I went to the door and invited him in.

'What are you doing here?' I asked him, genuinely surprised by his presence.

'I came to see how you were doing. I was in town so…'

'That's nice of you.' I said, blushing. I felt bad about the whole Alcide situation. I'd kind of lead him on before the curse and regretted not keeping it at a more friendly level. He was very sweet and I realized that if I had more sense of what was good for me I'd probably have chosen him over Eric. But I couldn't now picture my life without Eric. He was my oxygen.

We chatted for a while and he told me about his sister Janice and how things were going back in Jackson. Which wasn't all that good. With Russell gone, the two packs of Jackson were fighting and Colonel Flood had recently died under suspect circomstances. I was a bit shocked to learn of that since I'd met the man once back when Alcide and I had been in Jackson seeking his advice after Debbie's engagment party. Thinking about the pack and the werewolves reminded me with a pang to my chest that I'd killed Debbie Pelt. Eric had reassured me that even if he had no idea where or how, he'd probably disposed of her body well and it wouldn't be found, but still, I had the guilt to bear. The events of the last few days had kept me from thinking about it too much but seeing Alcide made it all come back. I must have paled because Alcide worried.

'Are you alright, Sookie?' He asked, sipping at his fresh beer.

'Yes, yes, of course. Just a bit tired. No biggy.' I muttered, putting on my best innocent smile.

He nodded, convinced.

'So the pack?' I asked, trying to bring us back to the subject at hand.

'With Colonel Flood dead, there will be all sorts of political shaninagans and we will pick a new packmaster during a ceremony. My father is competing to be named next but there's also Patrick who wants the title. I actually came here because I wanted to ask you a favor if you will…' He said, carefully studying my face.

'Sure, anything you like. After what you've done for me it seems just normal.' I responded, cheerfully.

'Would you accompany me to the ceremony as my date?' He asked, a small smile on his lips.

I opened my mouth and closed it and opened it again. I was both surprised and kind of flattered but at the same time, I doubted Eric would have tolerated it. And I had a boyfriend, a very jealous one but I loved him. It wasn't as if I was exactly available to be his date.

'Alcide, it's awfully nice of you to think of me but I don't think Eric would allow me, even if we went just as friends. I don't think it's such a good idea. You know how he is…' I said. Of course he knew, everyone knew just how possessive Eric was. And how lethal.

'That's not the way I meant it.' Alcide said, sighing. 'Let's just say I could use your telepathy there…' Alcide explained. My balloon deflated. Oh. That was it.

'Oh.' I simply said, my brows furrowed. 'But you know I can't read werewolves so well…'

'However much you can read might help us.' Alcide replied. 'I know it's a lot to ask from you Sookie with everything that's been going on these past weeks but I wouldn't ask you if it wasn't important…' He said. Alcide had risked his life for me, more than once. I owed him big time, for that and for Hunter too. I didn't hesitate a second more.

'Alright. When is that ceremony?'

He smiled and drank from his beer before answering.

'Tomorrow night. I know it's short notice but it's been decided yesterday only.'

Sam had given me mostly day shifts for the next few days because of my situation (read here my dangerous Viking boyfriend) and so I realized I'd just have to make up a really good excuse for me to be gone the entire evening.

'Okay. I'll have to find a bloody good excuse for Eric though… You know how pissed he'd be if I told him the truth…' I said, a small smile on my lips. 'Do I need to know anything about the gathering?' I asked, cocking my head to the side. I wouldn't want to go there underdressed or do anything inappropriate.

'Clothes-wise, it's all about black and elegant. For the rest, I can brief you on our way there. I really have a lot to do in Shreveport before I return to Jackson tonight. I'll come and pick you up at four tomorrow afternoon. That good?'

'Yeah, sure. Okay. Thank you for coming, Alcide. Was nice to see you.' I said, accompanying him to the door. He walked out on my porch and was about to go but then he turned back and gave me a look that made my stomach flutter. Stupid hormones.

'If you ever… change your mind about Northman, remember I'm there, will you?' He said, giving me a small but charming smile. I blushed and smiled at him. He really was such a good man.

'Oh and Sookie' he said as he strolled down the steps.

'Yes?'

'Debbie is still missing. If you hear anything you tell me alright? People are starting to worry in Jackson and I wouldn't want her to give you any more trouble.' He said, his voice husky.

'Sure.' I said. I suddenly felt like throwing up. Of course people were missing Debbie. She had a family, friends. I closed the door and went back to the kitchen, pressing my back against the cool door of the refrigerator. I was a murderer and Eric had disposed of the body. The whole thing could hardly be traced back to me but could I stand the guilt now that I knew without doubt people would be worrying and looking for her? However big a bitch Debbie had been, she'd been loved by people and that was the part that troubled me the most.

I arrived in Merlotte with a little advance for the lunch shift. I had brushed my hair back into a high ponytail and I'd completely forgotten about the numerous bite marks and hickeys Eric had given me the previous night. Arlene wasn't there yet, thank God, but Holly and Tara were, preparing for the first clients.

'Hello there.' I said, giving them my best smile. I didn't know what to say or do or if I was expected to explain why I'd been off work for so many days. Holly smiled back but Tara seemed nervous and jittery.

'Hello, Sookie. How have you been?' Holly said, pleasantly.

'Not bad, yourself?'

'Busy. Lots of customers.' Holly replied, a porcelain tray with the milk cups and sugars for coffee.

I looked over at Tara. She was wiping the bar counter methodically, ignoring me. I walked over to her and leaned on the counter in front of her.

'Tara. I missed you.' I said, giving her a sad smile.

'I've missed you too, Sook. I have. Sorry for being so… you know, grumpy and all. I just have a lot on my mind.' She said. I walked around the bar and hugged her tight.

'I'm the one who's sorry for not being there more for you when you needed me. With Eggs and Franklin… I really am sorry, Tara. I wish I could have done something.' I had not idea where she was now living since everything had gone a bit crazy in the past weeks. I suspected she might have moved in with Lafayette but then again, Lafayette had his habbits and surely it wasn't so great living there.

'Honey, do you want to move back in with me?' I suddenly asked her as I caressed her tresses softly.

'I'd like that, yeah. Lafayette's an old bitch and he's always busy with Jesus and stuff…' She said, chuckling a bit. 'You sure you wouldn't mind?'

'Of course not, sweetie. I'd love to have you there.' I said.

'I'll pack my stuff tonight then. And I'll come over tomorrow morning. That good for you?'

'Sure.'

Sam came out of his office then and he gave me a courteous nod before heading in the back where I could hear Tommy and Terry arguing. Some things would never change…

My shift was pretty eventless apart from the occasional annoying bar patron. A few guys from Hotshot came over but they left when Jason came in with Hoyt around the end of the afternoon. Jason gave them an annoyed look and sat at the bar with his friend.

I walked over to them.

'Hey boys. What can I get you?'

'Two beers. Thanks.' Hoyt said. I was glad Jessica had found him. He truly was a good guy and he'd take care of her. Jason stood and followed me when I went back to order their beers.

'Hey sis.' He said, hugging me. I was pleasantly surprised at his display of affection. Jason rarely hugged me but I was happy he was doing it now.

'Hey. How have you been?'

'Pretty darn good. You know that boyfriend of yours gave me this sick car!' he said, excited. 'And Crystal is lovely.

'How has it been with the people in Hotshot?'

'Well they were mighty pissed at her and I'm kind of feared there. They think I'll call that Northman on them if they bother me and I told them that that extended to Crystal so they are kind of nicer to her now.' Jason said. 'You know I was meaning to ask you something, Sook.' Jason said. Suddenly, I wasn't too sure I wanted to know what he wanted.

'You think I could come and check out the attic at Gran's? I've been looking everywhere for Mamma's old wedding ring, you know the one she wore before Dad got her that little diamond one?'

I yelped in surprise.

'Oh my god, Jason! You want to marry her? So soon?' I exclaimed, my brows furrowed.

Jason looked guilty as charged.

'Jason! You just met her! Don't you think you could think it over and wait a bit?' I scolded. He was so thoughtless sometimes it amazed me. How could he want to get married when he'd just met the girl merely a month ago.

'You were engaged to Bill after six weeks. I hardly see how that was any more thoughtful than me marrying Crystal.' Jason replied, rolling his eyes. 'I love her Sook. She's the One. I know it. I can feel it here.' He said, tapping his chest right over his heart.

'Me and Bill have nothing to do with this. Jason, her half-brother tried to kill you! Doesn't that make you want to reconsider becoming part of the family? Not even a little?' Now, I'd really pissed him off.

'You know Sook, your fiancé almost killed you himself. I hardly see how you can even be telling me all this. Now can I come and get the ring or not?' He snapped, his brows furrowed in frustration.

'I have it in Gran's jewellery box. Come tonight, I'll give it to you…' I muttered. He was an adult and I knew there was little I could do to change his mind. I guess I'd have to get to know Crystal better before they picked a date. He went back to sit with Hoyt and as good as forgot I was there in the first place. The rest of the afternoon went pretty well and it was close to 7 pm when a strange couple made its way in the restaurant. Bill and Hadley sat in a booth and Hadley looked around the restaurant with curiosity. She'd been here a few times back when we were kids and she came to visit Gran but it had been at least fifteen years since her last visit. At that time, the restaurant had been called Charlie's Fish & Chip, before Sam had bought it six years ago. Both of them looked over at me and gave me small smiles. I edged to their table.

'Sookie.' Bill greeted me, his deep voice filled with emotion.

'Hey.' I said.

'Hey cousin…' Hadley whispered. She was still feeling awfully bad because of her treason, I guessed. But then again I didn't have much family left at all so I had no intention of keeping a grudge against her. It hadn't been her fault Sophie-Anne was a psycopath.

'How are you doing, sweetie?' I asked, taking her cold hand in my much warmer one. I saw a bloody tear gather at the corner of her eye and I felt my throat tighten.

'Oh it's alright, it's alright, Hadley, really. Don't worry about it. Hunter is safe and me and Bill's gonna take care of you.' I said, throwing a quick glance at Bill who simply nodded.

'I'm sorry for causing you so much trouble, Sook. I really am…' Hadley whispered, dabbing her cheek with a napkin. Many patrons in the bar were looking our way so she turned her face to hide her bloody tears. Jason suddenly spotted her and approached the table.

'Hey cous..' He drawled. He looked amazed at the fact she now was a vampire. Hadley gave him a careful smile.

'Hey Jason. How have you been? Robbing some hearts no doubt?' she asked, a bit of a smile in her voice.

'I'm settling down actually.' He said. I took Bill's order and left them both to chat. I warmed the two O neg bottles and brought them back to their booth. They were now alone and Bill was telling Hadley about some basics.

'Bill, can I talk to you a second?' I asked him.

He looked from me to Hadley and then nodded stiffly. I waved at Tara to signify her I was taking a short break and then walked out the backdoor with Bill in tow.

'What did you want, Sookie?' Bill asked, eyeing our surroundings. The night was now pitch black and I could hear the wind in the leaves of the trees as well as the faint sound of the juke box music from the bar.

'I wanted to thank you for helping me back at Sophie-Anne's.' I said, my hands clasped together nervously. 'And I wanted to say that I haven't forgiven you for betraying me, but I don't want to act as if we were strangers either. And if you wish to date…' I added, unable to finish my sentence.

He took my hands in his and pressed them lightly.

'I will always love you, Sookie. I might see other women but know that my heart has belonged to you from the moment I laid eyes on you.' He said, fervently. I felt my throat tighten and tears brim at the corner of my eyes. Somehow, even after all that had happened and how much I loved Eric, I knew that I'd always have a special place in my heart for Bill. He'd been my first everything and I could hardly forget our time together, even if most of it had been based on a lie.

'Thank you, Bill. Really.' I said, a fat tear rolling down my cheek.

'If he…if he hurts you, I'll kill him.' Bill suddenly growled. I gazed up at him and sighed.

'He won't. He cares for me, Bill.' I said.

'I don't trust him still.' Bill hissed, turning his head to gaze at the forest. 'But if he's your choice, I respect that.' He added.

'Thank you.' I simply murmured. He went back inside, feeling there wasn't anything else to be said. I stayed outside for a few minutes to breath in the cool air. Lafayette joined me then, a cigarette between his lips.

'Hello doll.' He said, lighting his smoke and inhaling deeply.

'Hey. How have you been? Just arrived?' I asked him. I looked towards the employee's parking space and spotted the familiar red Corvette.

'Yes. I'm doing the night shift today.' He said, fixing his bright pink bandana with a nervous hand. 'You know you were missed here.' He said, smiling at me. I smiled back. He was the sweetest thing and I was glad things seemed to be going better for him,

'I missed everyone too. It's been a couple of crazy weeks for us all, I think, with the vamps and Maryann and all…' I said, leaning back against the ramp of the tiny stairs that led to the backdoor.

'That it has. Crazy motherfucking weeks. You still with that blond vamp? Scary motherfucker he is…' Lafayette commented, taking a drag of his cigarette.

'Eric… Yes. He's my boyfriend now. I guess. I'm really sorry for what he did to you, Lafayette.' I said, feeling I had to apologize. As much as I loved Eric, he didn't exactly have a choir boy record behind his belt and he'd been downright awful to Lafayette.

'Well I guess his car kind of made up for some. And he gave me his blood to heal…' Lafayette replied, blowing some smoke out slowly.

'He gave you his blood?' I asked, genuinely surprised.

'Yeah. Fucking crazy shit it was.' Lafayette said. 'Gave me those fucked up dreams…'

'It is a side effect…' I said, a small grin on my lips. Lafayette rolled his eyes and butted his cigarette.

'Anyways, gotta go in, sweet pie. Take care of you and don't let him hurt you.' Lafayette said, strolling up the steps in his large cargo pants. I followed him in and nearly dropped my platter which I'd gotten on the counter when I saw the second mysterious couple of the evening pass the door. Hell I think the entire place stopped breathing and gazed in wonder at the two of them. Hadley and Bill's heads snapped up and their nostrils flared.

In the doorway of Merlotte's, dressed all in white, stood Claude and Claudine, equally beautiful and dashing and equally in danger, because before I could do anything, Hadley jumped on them, fangs bared.

Sweet Jesus, Shepherd of Judea, I thought.