A/N: Wow, It's that time again and it really sneaked up on me this week. Okay it's important that every body pay very close attention to details in this chapter, especially at the end. I will be making reference back to certain things from this chapter in the next one and since I confused my Beta I'm just giving everybody else a 'heads up'. Mental conversations are in 'italics'. Enjoy and I'll see you at the bottom.

Disclaimer: I own none of the characters or anything else here. I'm writing purely for shits and giggle purposes. Please don't sue.

One last thing, big shout out too my totally awesome Beta, slcurwin, for putting up with me. She laughs and all the right places and makes me feel so smart. Thanks!

Chapter 11

It was finally the night of Bill Compton's talk at the DGD meeting. Gran had been in and out of the house all week attending meetings to settle final details, or at least that's what she'd told Sookie. Gran had been acting strange all week and according to Tray, most of her meeting's began in Shreveport then she'd return for the afternoon to Bon Temp. This was very unusual because Gran almost never went all the way to Shreveport but most certainly never by herself. Though Tray had been assigned to shadow Gran when she went out and she knew he was there, she asked that he keep his distance to allow her privacy. This also prevented idle tongues from gossiping about Adele's mysterious company, especially since she was the one most visible in their small town. Ever since Sookie quit her job at Merlotte's, she'd only been seen about when shopping for groceries. Sarah very rarely made an appearance in town; since she had such a hard time controlling her shield's or mouth around most 'normal' people. Few people knew of her genetic connection to the Stackhouse's either. Even though she'd been officially adopted by Sookie, the 'official' rumor was she was dumped on their doorstep as an infant and many suspected she was Hadley's though she looked nothing like her. Despite his hound dog ways, Jason's paternity never crossed most people's minds and since he never was seen alone with her publicly, nobody ever made the connection. Besides, people saw what they wanted to see and most people in town saw Sarah as Sookie's attempt at the family everyone 'knew' she didn't have a chance having on her own because of how weird, and lately antisocial, she was.

So it wasn't that big of a surprise, to Sookie at least, when she arrived at the meeting with Sarah and Eric in tow, and the nattering tongues began to wag almost at vamp speed. Despite the obvious fact that she was there to support Gran's hard work, all anyone could think about was why she was there and who she was with. It made Sookie's head ache.

It appeared as if the entire town was in attendance since the word had gotten out that there was a real live (or undead as the case may be) vampire speaking. Some were there for the novelty, others were there for the spectacle, and a small few were there to take stock of what they saw as a growing threat. Sookie kept Eric silently informed of the latter's intentions, due to her new found ability of not only 'hearing' Eric but also making herself 'heard' to him. It took them the better part of the past week to work out how to do this reliably and what range they had. So far they had to be physically touching for Eric to hear Sookie and Eric had to 'let his guard down' in order for Sookie to hear him.

She had initially panicked when she thought she could 'hear' Eric's thoughts continuously, his memories were over whelming enough. However, they both soon realized Eric had his own kind of 'shield's' so to speak, and he could choose when to relax them and let her in or tighten them to keep her out. It was similar to how he controlled the Maker/chlide bond he had with Pam. He had yet to figure out how to manipulate his bond with Sookie but he wasn't really trying hard to. And to be honest, he didn't want to control her. He was in fact beginning to see her as more of an equal, which in and of itself was astonishing because he'd never felt that with anyone else before.

They saw Gran on the left side of the large meeting room, by a row of tables piled high with all kinds of treats and snacks, some of which Gran asked Sookie to help her make. They'd spent most of the afternoon baking cookies while Sarah 'helped', mostly by licking the spoons or bowls or other baking paraphernalia. Sookie had begun to notice some odd behavior with Gran, yet every time she attempted to talk to Gran or even 'listen' in, Gran found a way to avoid her. She'd left before dark saying that she needed to get to the meeting hall early to set up and she'd meet them there. Sookie didn't know what Gran was hiding but this had been going on for months and she was going to find out what it was.

Gran apparently had different ideas, from the minute she saw Sookie she 'put her to work'.

"Oh good you're finally here. Sookie dear I need your help with a few more details. Eric, why don't you and Sarah find some seats before they're all taken? I think it's going to be a full house tonight!" Gran gushed. She seemed so happy at that moment Sookie couldn't find the strength to argue. For the next ten minutes Sookie helped Gran bring out more chairs, refill the punch bowl and was sent in search of the missing microphone. "Good Lord! It was just here this afternoon. I know it didn't just sprout legs and wonder off. Sookie, dear, would you go see if Mayor Norris might have taken it to the back room by mistake?"

"Sure Gran." Sookie took a quick look at Eric who was sitting with Sarah, Lafayette and Bull, and ducked into the back storage room in search of the wayward mic.

"Oh! Mr. Compton! I'm sorry to intrude; I didn't realize you were back here. I was just looking for the…" she smiled as he held up the misplaced instrument. "Yes, the microphone. It's important that everybody hears you, it's a packed house tonight." As she took the mic from him she asked, "If you don't mind my asking, are you ok? You look a little pale…well paler than normal vampire pale…I mean you look nervous." She quickly shut her rambling mouth, which is what she did when she was nervous.

"I must admit, I am feeling a bit anxious. I have never been asked to give a speech before, let alone about a period I would much rather forget."

"Yes, I can't imagine war to be very pleasant, but I'm sure whatever you say they'll eat with a spoon. They're just curious about what life was like back then." She smiled trying to make the butterflies in her stomach settle down.

"Life was hard. Death was frequent. There were few occasions to celebrate. It's much better today. I don't understand why there is such a fascination for what turned out to be a complete waste of life."

She laughed, "Well don't tell them that. These people may be simple but they're not stupid. A lot of them have lived through their own wars and they know the brutality involved. They are simply nostalgic for a time they see as uncomplicated. Just be as honest as you can, they'll appreciate whatever you decide to share. I know you have a fan in my Gran already. The way she talks you'd think you hung the moon just for her."

"Adele is a delightful woman. She reminds me a bit of my late wife Caroline. She's very compassionate, thoughtful and caring. She's the opposite of most of her contemporaries with being so accepting of vampires. I make most people uneasy, and rightly so. We are a dangerous race. If you don't mind my saying so, your Master is one of the most dangerous I've ever heard of. Sheriff Northman has somewhat the reputation." Neither of them had moved during the brief exchange but it seemed to Sookie as if the room was getting smaller.

She decided to pay dumb in order to get out of the room faster as well as avoid an argument with a much stronger vampire. "Really? He's been nothing but kind to me and my family and he's treated with nothing but respect by the vampires in his area."

"Yes, well fear can be an excellent motivator; the others must be kept in line somehow. And I suspect that one as young as you, have not had enough experience with the world to recognize the hazard of your situation. The older a vampire becomes the harder it is to temper their urges and desires."

'Liar, Liar, pants on fire', Sookie thought.

"Did you know that his reputation involves the exploit of countless girls through the centuries for no more than…well, a handy meal is the most polite way to describe it? It seems a shame that is to be your fate." He hoped he was sowing the seeds of doubt in her mind. He believed he knew why Northman was so eager to keep this one for himself. Her scent was alluring enough to almost be a distraction. Bill had never smelled anyone like her before but he was still very young. He figured that once he got her to the palace, Andre, the queen's favorite childe, could tell the origin of the scent. He had been teaching Bill how to distinguish between different species, daemon from demons or elves from others of the Fae, and Bill was sure Sookie was a type of Fae of some sort. Not fairy because she wasn't sweet enough, but she must be another offshoot, and if so it could explain the Sheriff's determination to keep her.

Sookie raised both eyebrows in mock surprise. She wasn't buying what he was selling but it might be useful to see what his intentions were. "But he told me I was safe, that my family was safe, with him. And he's given me an amazing job. I've never seen him with anyone else while I was working but he does spend a lot of time in his office." She bit her lip, and gave him the same look she used on Eric and Gran when she really wanted something. "He's never shared me with others except…...but that was just the once and he said it was because …...I trust him." She said the last with a shaky voice. "How could I trust you?" She leaned forward a little and whispered, "He's really old and powerful, if I left…"she faked a shudder, "he'd find me. I can't run. What about my family?"

Bingo! He had her! God, some humans were just too gullible for their own good. "My dear, I am too young to stand up to the Viking but I have…friends that are older than he is and more powerful politically. If you came with me, we could find refuge with her….erm, them. You'd be safe." He was hoping the purposeful pronoun flub would help easy her worries. He knew women were more comfortable in the company of their own sex, if she suspected he was taking her to a woman she may be more inclined to agree.

Sookie resisted the urge to roll her eyes. It didn't seem to matter if they were vampire, human, daemon or were's, men were all the same. Young innocent female must equal stupid and gullible. Man must protect. She half expected him to thump his chest with his fist and growl a la Tim Allen style. In her best damsel in distress voice, "Where would we go? When? How? What about my Gran and Sarah? He said if I left him he would…and they would…." Cue the fake tears, the hyperventilating, and add floppy hands, damn she should get an Oscar for this.

He stepped forward to comfort the weeping woman. The women of this town hadn't changed much since his day after all. "Shhhh, if we left now…"

Her eyes got big as saucers, "No we can't he's out there with Sarah, a-a-and Gran would be so disappointed….."

"Calm down." He said just a little too sharply, then immediately changed his tone. "No, now would not be good. After the meeting tonight just before dawn. I'll give you directions you can drive, while I take refuge from the sun in the trunk. By the time dusk falls we'll be in New Orleans and he won't be able to get to you. Bring Sarah; your Gran should be fine here. She mostly hu…older, I doubt he'll harm her before my friend can order him to release you."

She sniffled and nodded. "I can do that. He lets me stay with my family on the nights I'm not working. Thank You! God I feel so relieved. I didn't know who to trust. Um, I better get back; they'll be looking for me and this," she held up the microphone that had almost been forgotten, "and you. They'll be starting soon." She backed up to the door. "Good luck." As she left the room he couldn't help but chuckle at his abilities. He could deliver the girl and her niece would be enough of a bonus that the queen should let him go permanently. Of course he couldn't come back here, pity. He liked the quaint old town, but there were too many memories. Maybe he could find a nice quiet island for a few decades. He'd heard Hawaii was nice.

When Sookie returned to Eric she had a smile on her face that guaranteed she was up to no good. As soon as she sat down she took Eric's hand.

'You've been into mischief, I see. Is it anything I'm going to need to kill or torture?' He thought toward her.

'Ha! Keep up that positive attitude, my Viking. I just had a very useful conversation with our guest speaker. You were right, he was sent by the queen. He tried to convince me of your evil womanizing ways. Seriously? That reputation needs to end. I don't like the thought of you with anyone else.' She pouted and gave him 'the eyes'.

He kissed her forehead. 'It serves its purpose, Lover. You and I know you are the only one to have ever conquered my heart. That's all that matters. Now, fill me in on the plan I know you've got brewing.'

As the meeting began she filled Eric in on the fuckery afoot. Apparently, Bill wasn't the only other vampire in attendance. Since they'd arrived she counted at least three others appearance outside along with six werewolves. All she could get from the wolves minds was fear and greed and a mental mantra most were chanting in their head. 'Don't piss her off, she's crazy.' They knew Bill was working alone but they weren't sure if the queen had sent others. Sookie was able to get some mental pictures of the other vampires and 'show' them too Eric. He wasn't pleased.

While Bill droned on about his pathetic days as a soldier, Eric was texting orders from his phone like a teenager high on Red Bull. Sookie filled Bull in telepathically on what was going on and the plan they'd been working on, and just in case, the backup plan. Lafayette was let in on the possible danger and given orders as far as Sarah and Gran was concerned. He didn't get specifics because of Sarah. He was fine with that.

Lafayette was one of the many things Eric and Sookie had discussed the night they found out Sookie could hear Eric. They'd offered him a position the next evening as cook/housekeeper/manny for Sarah. They're reasoning to Gran and Lafayette was that they needed someone to help Sookie with Sarah that could be there when she needed to work or during other emergencies such as what happened at the mall. It would also help free up time not only for Sookie but Gran as well. They expected at the least an argument from Gran, but instead were met with willing acceptance. This by itself told Sookie something was up with Gran. She normally tried to do everything herself and for Sookie to suggest that they hire someone to help with the cooking and housework, even if it was just LaLa, the conversation should have ended in a battle of wills. Unfortunately, there had been no time in the past six days or nights for them to have a heart to heart. It would need to happen soon.

Sarah was yet another discussion they'd had. They spent the rest of that night debating the pros and cons and even called Ludwig for her professional opinion. Currently, Sookie was very relieved that they'd given Sarah some of Eric's blood. They reasoned that Eric needed a way to track the tike other than by scent should they have another scare. Considering they knew the queen was out to get Sookie and by extension Sarah, well, better safe than sorry Sookie figured. They weren't sure of Sarah's 'enhancements' or if there would even be any, but this was yet another reason for Laf. If in doubt he was to run and hide with Sarah until Sookie or Eric contacted him. Again Sookie figured better safe than sorry.

As far as Sarah was concerned she had to drink a glass of 'special' tomato juice (they'd mixed the blood into it) and got to see her LaLa more often. Nothing much else changed as far as she knew. Except they played a lot of hide-n-seek, which after the first game she got very good at winning, only Eric could find her now and he admitted to having to work at it.

As Bill answered questions about old acquaintances and comrades that never made it home, Sookie felt a void enter the building. When she turned to look, she saw a short woman with dark brown hair and blue eyes. She looked to be about thirty and was pleasantly rounded. Absolutely nothing about this vampire said she posed a threat but the way she was staring at Bill told Sookie they had history.

Bill didn't seem to notice her as the meeting ended and everyone began to mingle. Bill was standing by the stage with the mayor, Gran and other members of the DGD. Eric and Sookie were making their way toward the stage with Bull, Laf and a sleepy Sarah in his arms. Looked like the sugar from all the cookies that day had finally passed through her system. She wasn't completely out just quiet. Before they could make their way to Gran, a smiling Jessie Compton entered Sookie's field of vision.

Jessie wasn't much taller than Bill and the resemblance between the two men made it obvious they were related, but that's where the similarities end. Jessie was Bill's complete opposite in personality. Where Bill was silent and brooding, Jessie was boisterous and jovial.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't my two favorite blond neighbors!" He walked over to Sarah and gave her a tickle of her ribs and a kiss to her cheek while giving Laf a friendly slap on the back. He then grabbed Sookie in a bear hug which was impressive for a man his age. When Eric growled a warning he merely laughed it off. "Relax big guy, I'm no competition to you. Although, if I were fifty years younger I'd definitely 'tap that'," he gave Sookie an eyebrow waggle that rivaled Eric's.

Sookie laughed heartily and slapped Jessie on his chest lightly, "Jessie you are such a dirty old man!"

"I. Am. Not!" He exclaimed in mock protest. "I, young lady, am a 'sexy senior citizen' and if I could just get your delicious Gran to agree I would defiantly 'tap that' as often as I could."

"Oh, good lord," Sookie mumbled into her hands as she turned pink with embarrassment and hid in Eric's chest.

Eric couldn't help the rumbled laughter as it escaped his lips, nor the smile that ended up there. He gave the virile old man an appraising eyebrow, "You are related to Bill? How is it then you are so much more…"

"Alive," he offered.

"Personable, friendly, pleasant, likable, charming, affable, amiable, pick a synonym," Eric said with a wink.

Jessie chuckled and looked at Sookie, "I approve. This young man is perfect for you. Just the right amount of friendly, protective and charming. Couldn't have done better if I picked him myself, now if I could just get your Gran to see that I'm the man for her, we could go out on a double date!" It always amazed Sookie how often people mistook Eric as a human. Despite his imposing size and pale complexion unless he bared his teeth, nobody seemed to notice anything else. This of course, just confirmed her belief that most people saw what they wanted to see.

"Jessie Compton you old flirt, leave the poor girl alone, she's already the color of a tomato." Gran scolded as she came over to their group, Bill following silently behind with a disapproving glare on his face towards Jessie. "And I know for a fact nothing embarrasses Eric so just stop your foolishness. What is it I heard the other day, oh yes, 'act your age not your shoe size'!"

While the men, that is Eric, Laf and Bull, were laughing hard enough to cause tears, Sookie rolled her eyes at Gran and Jessie's foolishness, while Bill stood in unspoken censure.

"Sookie, why don't y'all head back to the house, I think I'm going to take Jessie up on his offer for dinner." Jessie wasn't the only one to look stunned.

But he recovered the fastest, "Well Hot Diggidy Dog! I knew I'd convince you eventually; let me just go get my coat!" He walked as quickly as his cane and arthritic legs would allow.

"Gran, can we talk for a moment….," she all but pulled Adele off to the side. "What gives, Gran? You've been rejecting his flirtatious proposals for nearly twenty years, why are you suddenly taking him up on his offer? In fact you've been doing a lot of weird stuff lately and I'd like to know what's going on. You're beginning to worry me." Sookie said in the lowest whisper possible, though fully aware the supes could still hear their conversation perfectly, despite the noise in the room.

"Sweetheart, I can't explain it now but you're right. You do deserve an explanation which you will get later tonight, I promise. For now however, I think it's best if the old folks get out of harm's way. Don't worry, I know Trey is outside waiting and if it'll make you feel better, I'll let him drive us to the restaurant. You take care of Sarah now, ok? I'll see you later tonight." She gently kissed Sookie on the cheek and did the same for Sarah, Laf, and Eric.

Then she took Jessie's waiting arm as he stood there like a preening peacock as he crowed out, "Y'all don't wait up! Hey now hot stuff, where's my kiss?" It didn't occur to Sookie until after Gran was out the door that Gran knew trouble was coming.

Sookie was so engrossed in watching Gran and Jessie leave and then following their mental signature to make sure the wolves and now four vamps outside left them alone, that she almost missed the timid looking vampire approaching Bill.

"Hello, Bill."

Bill's eyes widened slightly but otherwise there was no other reaction, "Judith, what brings you here?"

She eyed the small group he was with suspiciously, "I got a call from Lorena. She sent me to tell you it was time to leave. She's waiting outside."

Sookie saw fear, hatred, and despair pass through his eyes, though none of it read on his face. After a lifetime of reading minds she found it easy to recognize different emotion in people's eyes. She looked up at Eric who almost looked bored, and thought, 'We need to help him. I'm sure he doesn't want to go with her.'

'There is nothing we can do, Lover. I believe this Lorena is his Maker and if that is the case I literally cannot interfere. The bond between Maker and Childe is sacred. For another to interfere, well there needs to be an extreme circumstance.'

During Sookie and Eric's private talk, Bill responded to Judith, "I am still under the employ of the queen; I am not hers to command anymore."

Judith sighed in exasperation, "You and I both know that the only reason she agreed to that in the first place was because she had a stake at her heart. Please Bill;" she actually whined a little, "she gave me a time limit. If we don't go out there she's going to come in here." She looked around her at the remaining human's milling about in the hall. "Please don't make a scene Bill; you know how much she enjoys that."

Bill looked over at Eric, "My apologies Sheriff, it appears as if my Maker has come to….renew our acquaintance. Would you please inform Her Majesty of my departure?"

Before Eric could respond there was a sudden bang as the main entrance was loudly opened then quickly closed and bared. A tacky looking woman with obviously dyed red hair (seriously her blond roots were showing), blood red finger nails, and a red dress that was so tight she seemed to be poured into it and not in a good way either, strutted into the room on heels so high they could almost be considered stilts.

"My William, it's been so long. You've been a very naughty boy for not coming back to me sooner. And look at this," she spun around with her arms out in gesture of them room, "you're having a party and didn't invite me." She actually pouted at that comment and slinked closer toward the group. "I suppose with all these delicious smelling meals walking about I can forgive you this time. Let's eat, shall we?" Her fangs came down with a loud click. "We can catch up while we dine. It'll be like old times. It's been ages since I've had a child," she said voraciously while staring straight at Sarah, "she smells amazing too."

That comment just pissed Sookie off and set her maternal instincts in motion. She stepped between Sarah and Lorena obscuring her line of sight, "Bitch, if you take one more step toward my child I will light you up and use your ashes as fertilizer!"

"Well if it isn't the little tart trying to steal my William. I'm going to enjoy ripping you apart one appendage at a time. Perhaps I'll bathe in your blood or save it as a rare vintage for special guests." She took a deep breath of the air around Sookie. "Hmmm, you do smell very sweet, I bet you taste divine, perhaps that's what my William sees in you but he's mine, not yours."

Sookie gave Lorena a look that said exactly what she thought of her but just in case it wasn't enough she told her. "You are NUTS! Completely, totally and 100% certifiable for the loony bin. Just to make things crystal clear, I BELONG WITH ERIC NORTHMAN, you raving psychotic! I don't know where, when, what, why or how you got the impression that I was after your boy toy, but it doesn't matter." Sookie's rage was building, her fingers began to twitch, and she was taking closer and closer steps toward a clearly equally enraged, mentally disturbed, lethal vampire. She seemed completely focused, she seemed totally oblivious to the world around her as she and the logic impaired prostitute traded insults and witty retorts. "You have just pissed off the wrong 'human'," she said complete with air quotes. "It was bound to happen eventually what with you rockin' the crazy. In fact I am surprised another vampire hasn't taken you out by now, I'm amazed that you've lasted however long as you have, yet no one has bothered to put you down like the rabid dog that you are!"

Lorena shrieked in her rage and raised a clawed hand over her head, "I. AM. NOT. CRAZY! BITCH!" With that statement she swung her hand straight towards Sookie's throat. As it struck flesh and her hand came away bloodied, she gained a moment of gleeful triumph. It didn't last. She suddenly found herself dangling in the air by her ankles as her hands were snatched behind her back and secured in silver chains. She then found her arms being secured to her body with another chain around her middle and then that chain was connected to another that had been wrapped around her throat…like a leash. It was then that she noticed her surroundings and how screwed she was. Every wolf that she'd brought with her that night was dead in pieces around the room or begging for their end. The other three vampires she'd recruited were also out of action. The youngest of Malcolm's nest, the large bald tattooed freak called Liam was nothing more than a pile of dust on the floor. Diane and Malcolm himself were not as fortunate. Both of Diane's arm's were gone and she was also sporting a silver leash as well as a silver gag. The aroma of burnt flesh and blood coming from her, made even Lorena want to hurl. Malcolm was completely unharmed but lying on the floor as if in his day death, and it wasn't half past ten in the evening.

Lorena's crazed eyes scanned for her children as she attempted a Maker's command. Nothing happened. Then she saw Judith lying on the ground just like Malcolm and next to her was her William. Still hanging in the air a small single lucid thought ran through her head. She was most defiantly and utterly screwed this time.

A/N: Few quick things. 1. I decided to elaborate on Jessie Compton's character because he's only ever mentioned briefly in the books and since this is all supposed to be happening about a year and a half prior to the start of the books that would mean Jessie's still alive and kickin'. Flirting with Gran too. I thought it'd be a good idea to show how different from Bill Jessie is so I modeled his personality after a high school friend's father. He was one of the sweetest men I'd ever known but a terrible old flirt! I'd told him exactly the same thing Sookie does once and what Jessie says was his response (minus the part about Gran). Thank you L.H. may you rest in peace and flirt with every angel in heaven.

2. I seem to be collecting 'bad guys' in the basement of Fangtasia. First the Were at the mall, now these guys, anybody else? Hmmm, maybe. I promise that you'll get to see what's going to be their punishment soon. Hehehehe...little hint? Anybody remember Ludwig's suggestion?

3. Lastly but never least...Thank you for all who read, review, and favorite me! WOW! Yep that's all I got on that. However, if you ever have any questions about what the hell's going on in my weird brain, or what the hecks up with a character, feel free to ask, drop a PM, or review your question. I may not answer them all but I definitely read them. They make my day, night, week. I giggle like a kid every time I get a good one. Thanks so much!