A/N: Loverlies! I want to thank you all for the overwhelming support I have received. I was shocked I had 80 e-mails regarding this story this morning and one from a frazzled Shannon! I laughed so hard I cried at it. Anyway a lot of you are showing interest in Cleo..It will come in time. Suspense never killed anyone!

The Viking has expressed his unwavering devotion to all of you! Ready or not on with the story!

A/NN:WARNING THIS CHAPTER IS ANGSTY!

*~ };- ~*

Wednesday November 24, 1999

Apartment 4D – Shreveport, Louisiana 9:15 a.m.

I woke up like a shot! My breathing was labored and my heart was hammering out of my chest. My ears were ringing. I looked around the room disoriented. At first I was unsure where I was. It was then I realized that I was in my room, how did I get here the last thing that I remember was talking to Eric on his couch in the office. Trying to figure out the events from the past few hours I hurled my self against the pillows and sank into the mattress.

My mind was whirling in a week I have found out that vampires are real and gotten involved in some sort of relationship with one. I quit my job because my boss is a bigot, who says that he knows vampires, I never did figure out what that was about. I moved out of my childhood home. My cousin magically appeared out of thin air. I met my man's maker and found out some disturbing things about my family history.

Which brings me to the fucked up dream that woke me up:

I was standing in the middle of a wooded glen and there was a brook not too far away I could hear the water moving down stream. There were sounds of a raging war in the distance as well. I wove my way through the trees closer and closer to the sounds of clanging metal. In the middle of the clearing there was my viking smeared in blood with a crazed look in his eye as he swung his broadsword and decapitated a tall visceral man. His head parted from his neck and rolled about four feet into the water. More and more enemies surrounded my golden Adonis. Four flanking his left and six behind. 10 to 1 odds are grim. I was screaming for him to look behind him. The sounds of war drowned my cries. Faster than I could comprehend he wielded the sword in a wide arch cutting down the four men on his left taking limbs as they separated from his enemies. As the bodies crumpled the foes moaned and wailed in agony. The six men from his back surrounded him and launched themselves simultaneously at different areas of his body. Two at his legs and arms one man pulling him backwards. He lost his balance and fell to the ground with a thunderous crash. The taller of the men stood over him with his dagger poised at his neck. Blood was seeping from the wound. Suddenly Godric appeared at his side and faster than the human eye can see the foes all hit the ground with broken necks. He lifted the man with the dagger into the air his toes barely touching the ground.

I could hear him speak even over the caucus noise "What is the meaning of this fairy. You dare touch what is mine? I would have thought last time you would have learned your lesson."

As Godric tightened his grip around the man's neck and I could see that life was slowly leaving his body.

I was shaken by fear and I woke up. It seemed so real. As I came back to reality it hit me that in all the days since I moved to Shreveport I had yet to call or visit my Gran. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I have left my family high and dry. With tears in my eyes I made my way to the shower.

I turned on the water and stripped off my Victoria Secret pj's. I stepped under the torrent of water and relaxed for the first time since I woke up. The rivulets of water ran down my body and into the drain. I wet my hair and poured the shampoo in my hand. Smiling as I placed the bottle on the edge of the tub. As I lathered my hair I hummed out of tune to myself. I rinsed my hair and repeated the process with the conditioner. Grabbing the loofah I doled out a generous amount of body wash onto the netting and soaped my body. The humid steamyness of the bathroom washed away my tension and fear. I rinsed and extinguished the water. I dried quickly and used the towel to wrap my hair. I slathered on some lotion, and brushed my teeth.

Feeling better than I have all morning I wondered what was happening to me. I was looking introspectively at myself for the first time since meeting Eric and I noticed all of the concessions that I have been making. I am certainly not myself as I was a week ago. I am not a "Kept Woman" by any standards, but he has given and given and I took and took. I am not even putting up a half-hearted attempt to refuse. Although we made a deal. I accept gifts no larger than a car. He only said that because he gave me one I realized.

Grr...what am I going to do about this mess. Then the answer hit me like a bolt of lightning. GRAN! She will know what to do. Plus I have a lot of things to discuss with her. Rushing to get out the door I threw on my clothes. As I pulled my spaghetti strap tank over my head I noticed that my undies didn't match under my shorts. At this point I didn't care. I was frantic for answers and guidance. I whipped up a ponytail from years of practice. I knew that it was perfect and straight without the use of a mirror or brush, I took the towel and the pj's putting them in the hamper. I slid my favorite pair of flip flops on and grabbed my keys and monster purse.

Taking the stairs two at a time I reached the parking lot in half the time it should have taken me. I backed out of the complex and hit the road to Bon Temps. I let my mind drift over the events of the week again. My thought process was getting redundant. It was early in the day, but there was a lot of traffic. People rushing to and fro with the impending holiday looming over our heads.

I kept replaying in my mind over and over: "Sookie that isn't what I meant I have known a few vamps and all of them are the same evil personified."

I decided right then and there it was time for some answers from one Mr. Sam Merlotte. Three years he let me believe I was the only freak around. Well he fucked up he is going to explain this to me. And it had better be worth the secret. If the only thing I have learned from Eric is don't take NO for an answer I say its a damn good lesson.

I turned on the blinker and merged into the off ramp traffic. By 11:30 I was parked in the employee parking lot of Merlotte's Bar and Grill. Using the element of surprise I slipped threw the employee entrance and knocked on the office door. The creaking chair let me know that he was inside.

"Come in."

Not in the mood for pleasantries I said, "I want some damn answers Sam and you are going to give them to me.", I shut the door and plopped into the chair across from the desk.

He huffed, "I was wondering when you would come for them Cher. Honestly I expected us to have this talk when you brought Hadley in."

"If I had been thinking clearly that day we would have, but things were a little out of control. I wanna know what you meant when you said, "Sookie that isn't what I meant I have known a few vamps and all of them are the same evil personified."."

"Well its more complicated than that I better start at the beginning."

"Whatever, just start talking and don't stop til its all out. I won't be giving you another chance to explain so you better make it good."

"There are more things in this world than vampires. My dealings with them have always ended badly. I shouldn't have lost my temper the day you quit I just don't want you messed up in their shit. I care for you Sook."

"It's too late for declarations like that Sam. I have a boyfriend. A damn good one. So get on with your story and save your lost love confessions. It took me finding out about others for you to even speak your mind."

"Y..you have a boyfriend? Who? Since when?"

"Not that it is any of your business, but Eric Northman. I am not even sure boyfriend is the correct term. And when is none of your concern."

"Goddamn he is the worst one! That..that vampire is lethal Sookie! He will chew you up and spit you out leave nothing behind. He is a take no prisoners kind of guy! How in the hell did you get mixed up with the likes of him?"

I was getting furious. If he was going to fluctuate my feelings I was going to destroy his, "He's my new boss."

"REALLY? Well doesn't that take the cake."

"Sam enough! Just tell me what I came to find out. I am sick of your attitude. I am loosing my patience. And you are acting like a rabid dog."

"If I didn't care for you I would tell you to shove your demands up your ass. I think its fair that you know what you are getting yourself into."

He mumbled so quietly that I had to ask him to repeat himself.

I said, "I am a shape shifter. There are many things that noone knows."

"Shape shifter? What does that mean Sam?"

"I can take on any form of any animal at anytime I wish. During the full moon I have no choice but to change. There are other ware's that can take on the form of only one certain animal."

"WEREWOLF! They are real? Among others. Were-fox, bear, if you can name an animal someone can turn into it."

I was hyperventilating. I was angry. No strike that I was fucking livid. I had been his employee and friend and he chose to hide this from me. It took everything in me to calm down enough to speak.

"Why the fuck didn't you tell me Sam?"

I was barely maintaining my composure.

"I wanted to tell you Cher. I came close several times and lost my nerve. I was afraid that you would look at me differently. I didn't ever know if I would gain your love and the loss of your friendship would tear me apart."

"That is rich Sam. My entire life I thought I was the only freak around. And you..you could have confided in me. Changed my outlook and chose to hide it. I don't know what to say. Tell me about the vampires."

"I have known Eric since I moved here. He is the Sheriff of the area. Shifters don't travel in packs as the other weres do. I reported to him. His main oversee is the vamps, but I am a supe in his area, therefor I must comply with the demands of the government."

"You mean the Queen?"

"Yes, I did not swear fealty to the bloodsucking bitch, but they have a government. I owe them nothing, but it doesn't bode well to snub them."

"So that is what you meant about other vampires?"

"For the most part, although I would have gone into greater detail if I would have known that you were a sucker for ones like Northman."

"Leave it alone Sam. What do you know about fairies?"

"Damn your in the shit deep who told you about them?"

"Eric's maker. I don't want to go into any details, can you just tell me?"

"There are thousands of fairies. Much like Greek gods they take human lovers. Demigods are the result of those pairings, in the case with fairies, the offspring would be part fairy. Their hierarchy is much like Victorian England. King Oberon and Queen Titania. Slews of prince and princesses. The difference is that they are a Matriarchal hierarchy. The queen was slain in the last great Fairy War. Ask your vampire. He was there. Oberon died of heartache and depression. The Avalon is in turmoil. Niall and Brendan the first born twins have split Avalon into two factions. Sky and Sea Niall of the sky, and Brendan of the Sea. They war with each other quite often."

The more he told me the more I was failing to grasp. So in essence a fairy slept with a member of my family according to this information. But who? It was too surreal to get a handle on the situation. I believe it is time to talk to Gran. She would know more. At least I hope.

"Sam thanks for explaining. I really need to be going. Tomorrow is going to be busy. Thanks again and I will stop in sometime and have a burger."

I didn't wait for him to respond. I walked from the office leaving the same way I came in. I sat in my car and let the information sink in. What happened to my life. It was calm and peaceful. And at every turn there is some kind of upheaval. Feeling the sting of tears prickle the corners of my eyes I started the car. I drove my mind blank. I fully believe that we have auto pilot. I pulled to a stop in the driveway not remembering any of the five minute drive.

*~ };- ~*

Stackhouse Farm – Bon Temps, Louisiana 2:10 p.m.

Walking into the kitchen that had fed me my entire life the smells assaulted me healing me. Bacon grease, apples, fresh cut flowers, and home. I was happy to be HOME. I hugged Gran from behind she was working on latticeworking an apple pie.

"Child what a wonderful surprise. I was wondering if I would see you before tomorrow. How are things in Shreveport?"

"Great! I just need to talk to you Gran. A lot has happened in the last week. It seems like a year since I left here."

"My, My help me finish with the pies and we will have a nice chat. See if we can get to the bottom of whatever it is troubling you dear."

I forgot my worries as we worked side by side as we had for so long. I mixed together the ingredients as she rolled out pie crust after pie crust. The only sounds were the spoon scraping the bowl and the pat pat of gran kneading dough. I watched as she made the dough the perfect thickness. She could roll it out in no time flat in almost a perfect circle. It always amazed me to watch her work. She fluted the edges of the crust in the pie plates and I poured the sweet potato mix into each shell. I walked the pies into the oven for her.

She poured us glasses of sweet tea and sat at the table. Patiently waiting on me to begin the conversation. I was hesitant as I sat across from her. I was unsure were to even begin. Thinking the best thing to deal with first was Eric.

"Gran I met an amazing man. But he is different from anyone that I have ever known. He likes me for me like you do, but he is dead set (haha) on giving me things. I am not sure how to handle it. You always taught me that I should work for the things I have. Money is of no consequence to him. Seriously I do not know what to do."

"Oh, sugar a man. Tell me about him we will get to the other things in a minute. I want to know everything."

Figures she has always wanted me to settle down and find a good man. I hope she still feels that way in a few moments.

"Well his name is Eric. He is a vampire. He is over 1000 years old and he is very sweet to me."

"Oh, Heavens! He sounds like a charmer."

"Yes, Gran he is very charming. He was a viking during his human life."

"Fascinating. Have you asked him much of his history?"

"No, but he knows everything that there is to know about me Gran. Even the stuff about Uncle Bartlett"

"This is serious then. I can't imagine you telling a stranger about all that. So, he dotes on you then?"

"Yes, the car was from him. He has given me other things as well. I just feel so wrong about taking them from him. It seems to go against everything that I was taught."

"Sookie honey, everything isn't black and white. There are many shades of gray between right and wrong. Try to see things from his perspective. Ask yourself what makes him buy you these items. You know in your heart he isn't doing it to make you feel cheep. And I know that's how you are feeling its written on your face plain as day. I would wager my pension that it is far deeper than that."

See Gran has insight. I don't know how she does it but she does. I was feeling better about it the more she spoke.

"Gran I understand. They don't feel as we do. I do not know why I did not see this before. When he buys me things he is expressing the emotions that he no longer has. I wonder if he sees it that way."

"See. You do understand. Although don't be too sure that he doesn't have those emotions. Maybe it's more like he can not vocalize them. I was reading an article in "Fangs" that vampire magazine and it says that vampires retain the things they value when they are turned. Your Eric was a viking. They plundered and decimated villages looking for wealth. The wealth that they amassed was for the good of the village. Men during those times protected and warred."

"Gran how did you get so smart? I feel much better about this now. He is using his wealth to relay his feelings to me. And it is so engrained in him that he can not think of a better way to do it. I have invited him to meet you. Afterward you can tell me what you have gleaned from him. I met his maker he is 2000! He told me some interesting things about my genetics."

Gran tensed under her apron. If I had not taken Eric's blood I am sure that I never would have noticed it.

"What did he tell you?"

"He said that I am part fairy. Royal fairy. Although that isn't where my telepathy comes from."

"Gracious, I was hoping that I would never have to tell another living soul about this. It shames me. Sookie what I have to tell you may shock you and even hurt you. That was never my intention."

"Gran I have had a lot of shocks over the past week nothing you can say will top any of them I am positive."

Gran got a far away look in her eye as she spoke. I was wondering what deep buried memory she had dug from the corners of her mind. I have always thought that it was rude for me to read their minds so I try my damnedest to stay out.

"I met your Grandfather Mitchel when I was 17. It was love at first sight. We were inseparable. We had a very short engagement by the standards of the time. Six months and we were married. It was a grand affair. Everyone in town attended the wedding. When we returned from our honeymoon we moved into this very house. When I was growing up every spare thought I had was of having children. I even had their names picked out."

I smiled at this, she had known my fathers name for years before she gave birth. I can relate before I realized that I would never have children with a man I was the same as she. She continued on as I was thinking these thoughts.

"I was 22 when we found out that Mitchel could not have children. We had tried for years and I was devastated. One summer day I was hangin' the washin' on the line out back. The most beautiful man stepped from the woods and talked to me. He told me all kinds of things about himself. He came back every day for a week. On that Friday I told him about my desire to have children. And that we were unable. He told me that he could give them to me. I was shocked at the insinuation and the offer. He calmed me and suggested that I talk it over with your Grandfather. That night laying in bed I told him about meeting with the fairy. Your grandfather was a giving man and was always down on himself for not being able to give me what I wanted most in life. He told me that if I really wanted them to do what had to be done. He was so understanding. Seven months later your father was born. Mitchel loved him as his own. Fintan came to visit Corbett often and loved the child very much. On one visit Linda was conceived. Your grandfather was ecstatic at the news. Anyway Fintan told Mitchel and me that his father was very powerful and that the children were descendants of Royalty. After Linda turned three he stopped coming and visiting. We did not see him again until you were born. Your mother was furious. Fintan told her that you were telepathic and needed special guidance. He wanted to send you a tutor she would not hear of it and sent her away. That is why I have always looked after you the way I did I felt horrible that I could not do more. After your parents died I tried contacting Fintan to find out that he had passed. I never will forgive myself for not getting you the help you so desperately needed."

I was reeling. My grandmother slept with a fairy and my grandfather allowed it twice! However, the incident occurred without it I wouldn't be here. This changes nothing. I am not sure what I would do in her position but she made her choices. I am glad for it. I stood up and hugged her for a long time.

"Gran", I whispered, "Thank you for telling me the truth. I am not sure how I feel about it but in all honesty I am not sure what I would have done in your position. And I can't judge you. Papaw knew what was going on. If he didn't mind I am sure that I have no right to."

"Thank you baby girl. I always figured that someone would look down on me for this. I have been ashamed for decades.", she said wiping her eyes.

"Gran don't feel that way. Please. Enough sadness and tears. Will you meet Eric?"

"Oh, heavens yes I am excited I would love to meet him. I have so many questions."

I laughed, "I told him that you would he will be prepared. Make a list I am sure you will forget some if you don't. It will have to be a Monday night. The club is closed then."

"Fine, fine I am looking forward to it. Are you hungry you are skinny as a rail."

"Yes, I am famished. I haven't eaten my stomach was in knots and I had a lot to find out. Before I came here I had a talk with Sam for about an hour."

"Give me a minute I will whip you something up in a flash."

She was out of her chair flitting around the kitchen. She hummed as she pulled ingredients for chicken salad out of the refrigerator. She popped a few pieces of bread into the toaster and set to work chopping chicken, grapes, walnuts, onion, and celery. She threw it all in a bowl and added mayo mixing it in quick stirs. The toast popped and she spooned the mixture out and placed the other slice on top. Cutting it diagonally she put it on a plate and placed it before me. She swiped up my glass and refilled it. Placing it on the table she sat and watch me eat every bite.

"Yum. Thanks gran that was fabulous," I said as I took a sip of tea.

"You are very welcome. What time are you getting here tomorrow child?"

"I have to work tomorrow night so I was thinking that I could spend the afternoon here. Get here about 1:30ish and leave around 6:30p.m."

"That sounds alright. Turkey will be finished at about five I rekon."

"Goodness", I said looking at my watch, "the day is speeding along. I have to be to work at 8:00p.m. I better be headin' out Gran. Thanks for the sandwich and talk. I will see you tomorrow afternoon. Here is my number call if you need anything from the store before I leave town."

"Bye sugar, drive safe see you tomorrow."

I scooped up my dishes and put them in the sink. I pushed in my chair and kissed her on the cheek as I walked out the back door and piled into the SUV. As I pulled out onto Hummingbird Lane the sun was sinking into the horizon. I made it home faster than I should have. I was speeding a bit. I needed to get home and do a few things before work.

I parked in my numbered space and hopped out. Pushing the lock/alarm function on the keys the alarm chirped into the night air. I jogged up the steps to my door and put the key in the lock. I traversed through the apartment gathering laundry and placing it in the hamper. When It was full I went into the guest bathroom and started the load of laundry that had been piling up. Feeling light and airy I skipped around straightening things. The brush was still on the coffee table so I scooped it into my hand and carried it with me to the bathroom. I used the facilities while debating on taking another shower.

Thinking that I didn't do much since my shower except sit I decided against it. I was looking in the closet when the doorbell buzzed. I scooted to the front door and looked in the peep-hole. There was a messenger on my doorstep. I scanned his mind and found that he came from Fangtasia so I opened the door to him. He handed me the tablet and I signed for the package and he took off as if he were in a hurry.

I sat on the couch with the box on my lap. I removed the tape from the sides and flipped the lid off laying it on the coffee table. The contents were covered in tissue paper but there was a note staring me in the face with Sookie on it in Eric's delicious handwriting and stationary. I opened the envelope carefully. I took out the paper and held it in both hands as I read:

Lover,

I am very excited to see you tonight. It would please me if you would wear this.

~E

I pealed back the tissue paper and found the most fabulous red cocktail dress. It had a sequined bust with an empire waist and fell just below my knee. The skirt was billowy and pleated. Under the dress was a boned corset and thong died the same color as the dress. There shoes were to die for Jimmy Choo four inch heals the clasp was metal chain. There was a beautiful chandelier with pear shaped crystals that went from ankle and rested on the top of my foot. They were breathtaking. I stripped off my clothes and had some difficulty managing the corset. It was hard to clasp alone. But I figured it out start with it facing the wrong direction and do the top first and then spin it around and clasp the lower eye hooks. It was harder than it seemed, but well worth the effect. I slipped on the matching panties and shimmied into the dress. Once I had the shoes on to complete the outfit I felt like a celebrity.

I figured that I should leave my hair down. It had dried naturally in my ponytail so it fell to my shoulders in curly waves. I slapped on some neutral eyeshadow and maskera and a bit of lip gloss and I was ready. I used some of the perfume that Eric bought putting it in all the crevasses so that my body heat would diffuse the scent. I looked, felt, and smelled like a million dollars.

It was almost 7:30 by the time I left. I have never made the drive from here to the club. Eric drives like a speed demon so I figured a few minutes early is better than 10 minutes late. The traffic was grotesque. By the time I reached the club I was cussing holidays. I pulled into a space with three minutes to spare.

I stepped out careful not to bust my ass in the super high heels. In concentrating in staying vertical my shields slipped and I was bombarded with the thoughts of the people around me.

'Look at that hawt chick I'd motorboat those titties all night.'

'I hope I get laid tonight. I have my sights set on that tall hunka blonde vampire.'

'Why is she so special that she gets to cut in line.'

I slammed up my shields and walked through the door with a wink from Pam. Eric was on his throne looking bored for all the world to see. I tried not to gawk at him as I made my way to the bar.

"Hey Longshadow. Can I get a club soda. I am on the clock tonight."

He nodded in my direction and placed the drink on the bar. I took the lemon from the rim of the glass and left it on a napkin and sauntered up to the dais. Eric was surrounded. The women throwing themselves at him were getting my panties in a twist (not that there was much fabric to speak of). With a flick of his wrist a chair appeared to his left. He held out his hand to me as I walked up the short three steps onto the stage. I unceremoniously sat in the chair.

"Lover, you look good enough to eat. How was your day?"

"Thank you for the outfit. Eventful I have some information to share with you."

"Soon, my vermin need enthralling. In about half an hour we will go to the office and you may share whatever you like."

He emphasized share and my panties were instantly wet. I was embarrassed with myself at how just his language seemed to get me all hot and bothered. Why oh why does he effect me like this?

"Alright. How has your night fared Darling?"

"Much the same as it is now. Incepid humans dieing for my attentions that are well occupied."

"You are not a piece of meat. Why do you subject yourself to this nonsense?"

"Oh, Lover, curiosity kills, literally. I am just an outlet."

I sipped my drink pondering his statement and wondered if I should laugh or cry. It was funny as hell yet sick as fuck. Eric snapped his fingers and Pam appeared from now where. I am never going to get used to vampire speed. I jumped a little and she laughed at me.

"So nice to see you again Sookie."

"Likewise Pam."

"I lost my bet", she pouted.

"Pamela what are you talking about?"

"Thalia and I had a bet. She said that you would have Sookie in your bed before the week was out. I disagreed. I lost."

Eric roared with laughter, "Tell her to give it back I have never had Miss Stackhouse in my bed. Hers on the other-hand I have been there. Tell her to clarify."

Pam sneered an evil smirk and sashayed off to collect her money. I was beet red. Damn Vampires!

"Eric you can't be serious. They were betting on our sex life."

"Lover, they are undead and live far too long let them have their fun. Do you not enjoy our sex life?"

"That isn't the point", I huffed quietly.

"Vampires view sexuality different than humans, and far different than your Southern sensibilities. The same with nudity."

"I understand but that doesn't mean I have to like it."

"My financial advisers should be arriving soon let us go to the office. You can tell me your news while we wait on them."

I gathered my drink and he took my hand and led me to the office. The second the door shut he was kissing my lips. I was startled for a second at the abruptness of it. Then I let go and his lust washed over me. Unable to help myself I wound my fingers in his hair and pressed him to me. He broke the kiss and placed a chaste one on my forehead.

"I have been wanting to do that since you walked in the doors lover. I could not stop myself any longer."

He gathered me in his arms and sat on the couch.

"Tell me your news."

"I was no longer interested in talk. I wanted him. But this is important. So, I swallowed my lust.

"I talked with Sam today. He said that he knew you long before the reveal. He told me that he was a shifter. I was furious how could he hide that from me?"

"Yes, I knew him since he relocated here. Being Sheriff all supe business is my business, even if I don't get involved I have to know for the safety of myself and my subjects. I suspect he didn't tell you for fear of rejection. Most likely the same reason that he didn't notify me of you as well. Supes live by a different code lover. Take what you want and damn the consequences. He was afraid I would spirit you out of his reach. And he managed just fine on his own."

"I have never had a romantic interest in him. Ever. He was my friend and my boss. Today he was trying to poison you against me. Spouting nonsense when he realized that we have a relationship. I blew him off and shot him down so fast his head was spinning."

"Well, Lover, I am proud of you for standing up for me however unnecessary it is. The shifter means nothing to me. Let him say what he wishes unless of course it was offending you."

"Boy was it ever. Its alright now though. Anyway after I talked to him I had an even longer talk with Gran. She is excited to meet you and I am honestly warning you now she has a list of questions longer than your arm."

He guffawed, "That long? Damn maybe we won't go visit. In all seriousness I am excited to meet her as well I imagine her as an older version of yourself. What all did you talk about?"

"You mostly. She made me understand somethings that I was just not getting. Also she made me want to study your culture. Just to grasp you better."

"Hmm..What did this wise woman impart? Or should I be afraid to ask?"

"No, although I am not sure I want to tell you. Can we just leave it as it was helpful and that I see things clearer?"

"Sookie, dear one I am not comfortable with that. But I can see you digging in your heels. How about you tell me when you feel more at ease with whatever it is? You should never be unable to tell me anything, but I will wait."

"I can live with that. I also found out some other stuff about my genes. Remember how Godric said I was fairy Royalty? She said that my real Grandfather is Fintan. A fairy. So that is where that comes from."

Eric was shaken by the news, "Sookie your great-Grandfather is Niall Brigant?"

"Apparently. I still haven't come to terms with this either. I am glad to see that I am not the only one that was shocked by the revelation."

"Dear one before this goes much further I need to contact him with my intentions. He is not going to be happy that you are with me or any vampire for that matter."

"Eric, you can't Gran seemed awful scared about Niall finding out about me. And Godric said they would take me away. I do not want to leave."

"Lover, this is serious. Your great-Grandfather is 6000 years old and very powerful. If he finds out about us knowing about him and we do not do something about notifying him he will harm me or anyone else that he feels has wronged him. If you would like I will speak to Godric before I do anything and get his advice."

"I like that better. I am sorry, but she had the fear of God on her face every time she spoke his name."

"Don't fret dear one it will be alright I am sure of it. I can't promise but I can be sure. Is that everything?"

"Yes, Darling. I am sorry if it has made things harder. How much longer until these suits get here? I am getting tired. It has been a stressful day."

"About five minutes. You take your place behind the desk there are only five of them. I will speak to Godric of this development while you are working."

"OK. It should take me about 30 minutes or so. Do you have a list of questions or do you just want me to play it by ear?"

"There is a print out on the desk. Just usher them out when you are done leave notes and I will take care of the problems tomorrow."

He kissed me sweetly as I stood and walked across the room. I sat behind the desk and picked up the page. The questions were simple and straight forward. I got a pen from the cup and the steno pad from the drawer and was ready for the interviews.

1. How long have you been in the business dealings with Mr. Northman?
2. What services do you provide?
3. What do you think makes a good financial adviser?
4. What licenses and certification do you have?
5. Have you ever been disciplined by the National Association of Securities and Dealers (NASD) or other regulatory agencies?
6. Do you mind having a vampire for a client?
7. How much money of Mr. Northman's do you manage?
8. How frequent will any written statements be sent to Mr. Northman?

I was pleasantly surprised that they were all on the up and up. Although Doug Dumas Fangtasia's accountant said that over the past few weeks there has been a shortage of money and the books won't balance. Overall there is a $50,000.00 shortage that he can't account for. That is a lot of money to just up and vanish. I bet Eric already knows this as he does the books before the accountant ever gets them.

My brain was fried. I left the steno pad on the desk and reclined in Eric's chair just to rest my eyes. I was sincerely hoping that tomorrow would be a better day. I am tired of this emotional roller coaster that I have been trapped on for a week. It has a sadistic operator and that bastard should be fired from the carnival.

Suddenly I had the urge to curl up on the couch and watch a retarded movie until I fell asleep. Anything mindless and numbing. Dumb and Dumber. That would do. Jim Carey will help me zone out. I was really ready to go home.

I took out my blackberry and texed Eric.

Sookie: Darling I am tired. Do you need me anymore? I am ready to go home.

Eric: No, Lover I am busy out here. If you can wait 30 minutes I can take you home.

Sookie: I drove here I can drive home.

Eric: Alright Lover leave the french door open and I will come see you when I am done.

Sookie: OK darling. I am leaving out the back door I will see you soon.

I picked up my stuff and headed out the employee door. I sauntered across the parking lot got in the SUV and drove home. The late hour had thinned the streets considerably I was thankful. When I maneuvered into my numbered space I let out a sigh of relief. I trudged up the stairs and stuck my key in the lock. As soon as the door was securely locked behind he I was ready to pass out.

I rushed to my room and stripped. I hung up my dress on the door knob and took off the corset its easier to get off than to put it on. I rummaged in the dresser and found my rattiest sleep shirt and slipped it over my head. As I was leaving the bedroom I flipped off the light. Once I made it down the hall I turned on the TV popped in the DVD and barely made it to the menu before I passed out on the couch.

*~ };- ~*