Okay, here is another chapter. It's a bit fluffy. I've been under a massive amount of stress with a ton of drama. Some of this story is finally coming together and I have some of the future parts out lined. I'm having a few issues since the show charters and book characters are blending together in my head. It will eventually come together.

I appreciate any reviews or suggestions. Hopefully I can get back to updating regularly if I can find a little luck, a little less stress, and some inspiration.

I was on the move from the time I rolled out of bed. I went to some classes and starting typing a paper. I grabbed some lunch and made a few phone calls – both business and personal. I went home and changed into my uniform for work.

I walked in and had Danielle weave past me calling out along the way,

"Hey Dina, can you get more ketchup bottles our on tables 2,5, and 7? Thanks."

I was happy it wouldn't be a slow or boring night. I saw Terry moving around in the kitchen, Tara pouring drinks, and the other waitresses (Danielle, Arlene, and some floater – Jenny, Jenna, Jaime?) carrying trays and bouncing table to table. The floater could leave now since I was here. I didn't interrupt her while she was at her table. I swooped into on tables 2,5, and 7, grabbing their (near) empty bottles and power walking to the back.

I started filling them and Sam came up behind me.

"Dina, I wanted to ask you something." He paused. "About the …bite marks."

I turned to him.

"Sam, I'm sorry. I have to keep them uncovered ; for my protection."

He looked at me. A few emotions crossed his face – pensive, suspicious, angry, calm…

"You think those vampires are going to be back?"

I hesitated. "No."

I decided not to tell him that they'd never bother anyone again. That 3 of them were finally dead and were probably hurt worse than anything they would have done to me. Sam didn't need to know that Eric was not only protecting me, but had taken care of the threat to me and his area.

"You know you are gaining a whole new set of enemies. Some of those Fellowship guys are in here tonight, they won't be happy with seeing those."

I curled my lip in disdain.

"I just have to keep them uncovered until Eric tells me otherwise. I trust his judgment in these matters."

The Fellowship would hate me anyway – I supported the AVL, I was bisexual, pro-choice, a feminist…being with a vamp only added to what was already there.

Sam opened his mouth and closed it. He kept his eyes on me as he struggled to find words that wouldn't offend me.

"Eric knows a lot of vampire politics. But d you trust him? With your safety?"

I started to answer, to tell him 'yes'. That Eric was my best bet for being safe and that I did trust him. Sam continued before I could reply.

"He might keep you safe from others. But are you safe from him. I know…I know he can be, sadistic."

He said trying to be mild.

Like when he tortures people to death. Or when we have rough sex and I'm covered in bite marks and bruises, I thought to myself.

"Eric is also very loyal." Sam looked incredulous.

"Do you think that loyalty extends to you?"

This was a good question. I was he always going to be less loyal since I was human? Was I more his Happy Meal than anything else?

When Sam saw my hesitation, he shook his head and touched my should kindly before walking away. I mutter a nice f-bomb under my breathe and went back to work.

I took a few orders. I imagined how Sookie much feel having to hear people's thoughts or use most of her energy to block them out. I read the body language and saw the distain for over my fang marks. I dealt with it as best I could, but it was Arlene who finally set me off.

You know that feeling when someone is talking about you behind your back? I had it all night. I watched her lean close to a few people at the bar and look at my face for the briefed second.

My tables were mostly cared for and I walked to the bar.

"Hi Arlene? What cha talking about?" I smiled in a fake friendly manner.

"Oh nothing…just a little of this. Little of that." She let out a small social laugh.

I decided to just let it all out.

"Ah, its so nice to just chit chat. I don't know how your dating life is going, but I'm so happy!" I gushed.

She looked disgusted.

"oh...that's great."

"Ya know, its so great to have someone be so attentive. We see each other every night." I leaned in close. "and the sex is a-maze-ing!"

I was pushing all her buttons.

"And you know what? I've heard some people murmuring about him. Its so silly. If anyone has any questions, I'm right here." An expression of guilt crossed her face. "I know my friends would always come to me and not engage in …. Uncivilized bar-talk."

I gave her a fluffy smile and walked away.

I walked past my tables and asked if anyone needed anything. Everyone was fine so I pulled out my phone and texted Eric to see what time he'd see me. I took a quick bathroom break and was feeling very good about myself now.

It didn't last. A table in my section filled up with FotS members. I could tell by the shirt on the first guy who took his seat in the booth. People like them generally can't be around people who aren't members of this cult. I grimaced, straightened my outfit, and walked over to the table. Time to go to work, no matter who I'm working with.

I walked over with four menus in my hand. I decided to play it cool and put them on in the middle of the table. I could imagine them refusing to take them from me or even being brash enough to rip them from my grip.

"Can I start you off with any drinks?" I smiled.

Their faces showed the tell tale signs of disgust and rage. I kept mine somewhere between content and impassive as this little face off went on. It was probably less than a minute, but it felt like an hour.

"We'd like a new waitress."

Okay that wasn't the worst thing that could happen by any means.

I still wasn't happy though.

"Fine. Move to a different section." I smiled and walked away.

I heard Terry yell "Order Up!" and I walked over to grab the food for one of my tables.

As my hands grabbed the plates, Terry's hand was placed next to mine.

"Don't let them bother you." He looked thoughtful and strained, the way he always looked on the rare occasions when he talked with people. "People with no lives make a life out of judging and messing with others."

Before I could reply he turned and went back to cooking. I was very surprised and touched that he'd say this to me.

I dropped the plates at the table and walked to the wall near the bar. I checked my phone. Eric had sent me a text saying he'd be late, probably after midnight. I sighed. My shift was almost over and I was feeling burnt out. I decided I was too lazy to cook and would eat here before I left.

I handled the last of my tables and placed an order with Terry for myself. I parked at the bar which was all but empty. Jane, of course, was here still. She had no interest in bothering me as I ate.

I took my plate back to the kitchen and grabbed my coat to leave. Sam caught me before I reached the door and pulled me into a hug. He sighed against the side of my head, like he was stopping himself from saying something he wanted to express to me before I took off. I pulled away.

"Bye, Sam."

I drove home and settled on the couch in my jams. I watched a movie and snacked. I drank some coffee when my eyes got heavy. I wanted to stay awake until he got here. If I went to sleep now, he might have a hard time waking me and I'd be so groggy.

I felt my self dosing off and bolted up. I paced back and forth through the house for a few to stay awake.

About ten minutes later, near 1:30, Eric walked in.

Without any introduction, he hung his coat up and kicked his shoes off.

"I was getting tired. Almost fell asleep." I said to his back.

"I told you I'd be late." He said flatly.

I was taken back. I couldn't place my finger on it, but he was colder than usual. Detached. Annoyed. Very dispassionate.

'I know." I said raising my eye brow.

He sat on the couch next to me. I didn't move and watched his nose flare. He came closer to me, his face pressed by my carotid artery, and he smelled me.

"You smell like shifter." He said with distain.

"I'm around shifter at work." I said evenly.

He looked at me with his eyes narrowed, before turning his head away from me. I was getting worried about his mood. Why was he acting like this?

"So…what are we doing tonight?"

He turned and extended his fangs. "I haven't fed all night."

He closed in to get at my throat. I pulled away.

"Maybe I don't want to be a happy meal tonight." I decided to try something new.

He looked at me with a perplexing look on my face. "Why don't I get you a Tru Blood?"

"You expect me to drink that stuff, when you are here?" he asked incredulously, his fangs retracted.

I fought from smiling and stood up. "Yeah. Why not? It's just as good."

His disbelieving look didn't change. I decided to let my smile peek out.

"I've only got A-, that okay?" This was my blood type. I wonder if it was perverse for me to buy my own type just in case Eric ever needed more than I could give?

I began to wonder if anyone ever teased Eric. Pam could probably get a way with it and she did have a sense of humor. But judging by his expression, he had no idea what to make of this.

"I came here for you, not that bottled substitute."

"No." I said coyly.

"No?" he asked, his right eyebrow raised.

I shook my head and turned to run down the hall. I hoped this would show him what I was planning.

He followed me. I think he finally caught on to this little game I started.

I neared my room. Suddenly I was grabbed from behind, pushed into my room, and tossed on my bed. Before I could react I had a Viking on top of me, grabbing my face to turn my head, and heard the familiar sound of a hungry vamp getting ready to feed.

I let out a muffled scream when he bit me. It was painful. But slightly exciting.

I was getting very aroused.

He finished and looked down at me and smiled.

I couldn't help but smile back. He wasn't however-in-the-hell he was before and I was so glad for it.

"I want something now."

He had a cocky look on his face. He pressed his hips into mine and I felt his erection. I pursed my lips to smother my moan.

"No problem lover."