AN: As always big thanks for taking a time to write a review. It really means a lot :)

Thanks to keiman and kei for beta reading.

Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own the characters.

Chapter 5

Deep Inside

SPOV

What the hell was that?!

I was trembling watching sheriff Eric Northman aka Mister Arrogant Douche-Bag walking from my office. Against my better judgment, my eyes lowered to take a peek at his backside. Yup, I haven't seen nicer in my life and trust me, that's the part of men's anatomy my eyes always were seeking.

When he disappeared from my sight, my first instinct was to grab a phone and call Ben to rat the sheriff out. I wanted to stomp my foot and demand from Daddy to sort out the issue with this big-headed intrusive asshole. I wanted to hear that Warlow will turn him to ashes and Eric Northman will never again bother me by his presence.

And yet something made me drop this idea.

When I walked into my office, I almost tripped when I saw Northman sitting in front of my desk. I had briefly wondered if something between him and Ben had gone wrong and he was here to snap my neck. However, when I realized that he was trying to pretend that he's a human, I decided to pretend that I was an ignorant human and listen. I could feel his hungry eyes on me and I wasn't blind – Eric Northman was an exceptionally handsome man - so I added some flirt into our conversation. If there was something I was good at, it was flirting. I was part fae and sometimes an urge to seduce someone was getting the better of me. It didn't matter that I haven't been given a chance to consummate the effects of my seduction yet…

I knew I could drive men crazy and there were a few proofs of my skills – Sam Merlotte being one of them. He had been my test subject for a few years, but Ben made me give up my experiment a little over a year ago. I couldn't understand why my guardian was mad at me but he was -I guess he was just unhappy that he had to glamor Sam into dropping the idea of marrying me.

I didn't have to try hard to make a man want me and I saw the way that Eric Northman was watching me – he had already wanted me. I was perfectly aware that his end game was to get to Ben, but he couldn't have known that I am planning to use him the same way that he was about to use me.

I planned to be in control, but the second that he moved closer to me, I couldn't come up with something seductive to say. My heart was beating in my chest furiously, his scent was almost overwhelming me and I panicked. Instead of playing him cool, I got nervous of what I felt – never had I experienced my body to react this way to a male and I did what I always do when I am anxious – I used Warlow as my shield.

When Northman just ignored my threat, I got angry with him. No one should underestimate my guardian! Later, when the sheriff dismissed Ben's claim over me, I felt a fear enveloping me. Not only because he had accused me of being a sham and pretty much announced that I am free for the taking, but because I saw something in his eyes. I saw it vividly – his eyes were telling me that I am going to be claimed and he will be the one doing the claiming.

For the first time in my life, I understood how a prey has to feel when a predator's approaching.

"Miss Stackhouse?"

I turned to the door, growling when I noticed Willa watching me with furrowed eyebrows. I cursed when I realized that I still had a hand firmly pressed to my chest and my heart was still galloping.

"What do you want?" I hissed at her.

God, please make it the last meeting. I can't stand this bitch anymore today… I wanna go home and I wanna call this sexy Swede. There is nothing wrong if I took his number from a file, right? I saw how he was watching me…

"Ma'am I wonder if I can leave and…"

"By all means go, I have seen enough of you today," I interrupted, turning back and sitting at my desk.

I cursed the day that I had come up with idea of approaching Willa Burrell. Her father was a sure candidate for a governor, there was literally no one else who could beat him in the upcoming elections. Both me and Warlow knew of his sanctimonious beliefs and it was as sure as Hell that he will be the first one to condemn vampires after the Great Reveal. We couldn't have that, now could we?

So I decided that a good old-fashioned blackmail was in order. Burrell was, unfortunately, unbelievably boring - he had had no affairs and he seemed to love his wife genuinely nor was he fancied in BDSM clubs. We couldn't find anyone bribed by Burrell or anyone who had bribed him. His daughter was a weak link though…

I met Willa at one of the parties that her father had organized in his residence. Me and Claude were attending as the reps of 'Sky Enterprise' and just one minute spent in the girl's presence revealed everything that I needed to know about her. Willa felt suffocated by her zealot father and she wanted to go on the wild side. She was turning dreamy eyes on my cousin all night and since Claude wasn't against a little play time, we made sure that she had her wild time. Oh, she had plenty of wild time with Claude and a few nights later with Preston. A few weeks afterwards, she had some wild time with both of them. We also made sure that her adventures were captured on tape - the videos of her sexcapades almost sent her poor father into an epileptic episode.

When I had hoped to see the last of Fake Miss Proper, Claude started to push us to hire her. He had justified his decision by saying that having her so close can be a constant warning for her father. I knew that Claude's reasons were purely selfish though – he just wanted to have an easy willing fuck around.

And this is how I ended with her as my own and Claude's assistant. Theoretically, she was glamored into wanting to work with us, but I knew that my guardian hadn't glamored her into liking it. Willa Burrell was lazy, spoiled, irresponsible and on top of this - rude. Her thoughts informed me that she thought me to be 'just plain white trash who knew when to open her legs for powerful people'. It was rich hearing it from someone whose only job around my cousin was giving him a head during lunch breaks. Despite what some people may think, Ben hasn't served me anything on a silver platter. I had to work hard to prove myself worthy of running his company and helping him with his business. I used my own savings to open my restaurant and I spent months earning the loyalty of the Hot Shot pack. I wasn't Daddy's girl when it came to business and seeing the total opposite of me (in the form of Willa Burrell) has been making me angry. Especially when she showed me no respect whatsoever.

For the last four months we have been playing a little game – her mean thoughts versus my mean words. Last month, she crossed a line by messing up my meetings on purpose. She could offend me in her mind, but jeopardizing my money? There was no excuse for that. That same night her apartment was burgled and I made sure that every bit of her possessions was torn to shreds. I also made sure that she knew that it had been my doing and the next thing that's gonna end up in pieces will be her fat poodle mongrel. I could say that we have established a relative balance

"And Willa," I stopped her when the girl turned to leave. "Try to call Leif Erikson and I will make you regret it. Are we clear?" I smirked. Willa gulped audibly and hurried away.

I pondered what to do. At one point, I reached again for a phone to call Ben and inform him about the sheriff's visit, but something stopped me. This man, this vampire wasn't afraid of my guardian. Fine, maybe Northman was cautious, but he had balls big enough to approach me behind Ben's back. And he wanted me…

It was a complicated situation… I could be in danger; Eric Northman was a vicious vampire after all. He could rape me, drain me and throw me at Warlow's feet. Well, then he and everyone with his blood will die, but I won't be around to marvel in his misery. It is possible that he just wants to use me and then rub it in Ben's face. Yes, this scenario was quite possible. No doubt Ben will be mad, but at whom? At me? Sure, but he won't kill me. The only person who will be seriously hurt will be Northman.

I sat up straight when something else occurred to me.

Eric Northman can be someone I need… He holds some power over Warlow (even if said power is only theoretical) and well… I could definitely spend some nice time with him. I could use him the same way that he wants to use me and I just have to make sure of one thing – that he will not tell Warlow about it.

I stood up and started to pace. I knew that what I am about to do will be against all of the rules. I once tried to outsmart my ancient vampire and it had ended badly… But did I care if Eric Northman will end up hurt in the end? No, I answered immediately. I did not care about him in the slightest.

So, I needed two things for my plan to work out – Northman's discretion and Ben's unawareness. And I had an idea of how to assure myself of them both.

WPOV (the same night at Fangtasia)

I was whistling while shining a glass when I sensed Pamela approaching me. As always, I haven't acknowledged her and I remained focused on my job.

You can't kill her. Sookie likes it here. You like it here… Think of nice things. I told myself.

I gritted my teeth when I heard the sound that started to work on me like a red rag on a bull – the foot stamping mixed with a click of her ridiculously high heels.

When the noise become almost unbearable, I put down the glass and turned to her.

"Did you develop some neurotic tick? Maybe you should consult Ludwig?" I asked, pointing at her foot. Pamela rolled her eyes, but thankfully, she stopped.

"We are sweeping tonight so help Ginger and Melissa with the floor," she ordered. She actually ordered me. I made a show of peeking behind her back.

"Nah, it seems like they are doing fine." I turned away from her and reached for the next glass.

You can't kill her. You will speak with the witch later. This kind of revenge is sweeter…

"I was not asking your opinion," the bitch hissed and I heard a distant growl on our left. Looking there, I noticed Thalia watching the sheriff's child with distain. I smiled at the tiny woman and nodded to her. It was good to know that I am not the only one hating this spoiled bitch.

When Thalia had approached me on my first night at Fangtasia, I hadn't recognized her. Shameful as it is, my memory isn't immaculate; I had survived over five thousand years and passed countless faces.

Flashback

"You do not remember me," she whispered in Greek when I kept ignoring her. I glanced at the woman, feeling an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. She was old; did she know me?

"Sorry, doesn't ring a bell," I admitted carefully. She nodded and said one word that brought back memories.

Filon.

As for the name whose meaning is 'loving', that particular vampire was in no way loving. I had stayed in his nest in Greece for a few months, but I had enjoyed neither his company nor his habits. It was a long time ago, almost two millennia…

"My name is Thalia, the daughter of Antioch. You were there when my maker had brought me over."

Looking at the sneering lady in front of me, I couldn't stop the shock from being visible on my face. This is Thalia? That Thalia?!

I couldn't believe it. I remembered vaguely the time of her turning- when Filion had brought her- smeared in soil and sobbing- to the nest. I had quite good memories of her as a human though. She was a delightful and cheerful girl. Her father, Antioch, was a noble man keeping a few vampire friends around him. The girl kept us company, but staying unaware of our true nature. In my opinion, it was a mistake of her father's - I was able to reckon her naïve behavior and lack of self preservation. She was kind and beautiful, so no one was surprised when Filion decided that he wanted her.

Now, standing in front of me was a miserable vampire with hollow eyes. Clearly her maker was able to sniff the light within the girl.

"Yes, I remember now." I answered, risking a look at Sheriff Northman. He was sitting at the edge of the throne, trying to hear us.

"I won't tell him about you," she said softly. "I know who you are. My maker was scared of you." Her eyes were shining with glee when she had shared this piece of information.

"Was he?"

"Yes and he became really cruel after you had left."

"I'm sorry that you had to experience…" I started, but she shook her head.

"That's life," she shrugged. "He is no more and I am. Welcome to Area 5, by the way. Be respectful to the sheriff and you'll be happy."

I smirked at her. "Thank you." I bowed officially and watched Thalia walking away.

End of flashback

I didn't change my bored expression while Pam was getting more and more agitated. I really had no idea where this hatred toward me was coming from. Was she really so offended that I disrespected her maker?

"Child, don't push it," I warned her, taking another piece of glassware and focused my eyes back on my work.

"My maker told me to not provoke you…" Pam smirked and I internally rolled my eyes. Let me guess – she wasn't going to listen. Northman was smart and cautious and, as much as I tried to be neutral, I had to admit that he was a fair sheriff. Why he had picked such a fool as his child was beyond me. "But honestly, what are you going to do?" Pam continued. "It's pretty obvious that you are used to being a butt boy."

I took a deep breath. I was making sure to not breathe while at Fangtasia even though my fairy part sometimes demanded oxygen from me. The need was usually greater during the daytime, most often after I have ingested human food. Now, I took it to calm myself.

"I won't deny that there was a time when I have been someone's 'butt boy', as you so eloquently put it," I told her quietly. "But bear it in mind that I am very close to showing you how far away those days are behind me. I am giving you one last chance to walk away and leave me alone." I turned to Pam and glared at her. "Your maker isn't here tonight and we both know that without him, you're just a former slag without any authority."

Her eyes widened in shock and I smirked at her. Oh yeah, I was aware of her past. Personally, I was a fan of prostitutes and truly held most of them in the highest regards. It was clear that Pamela Swynford de Beaufort wasn't proud of her past occupation though. Everything was screaming that she doesn't wish to be associated with her human life – starting from her false domineering and emotionless acts to tones of the overpriced clothes that she was wearing. She wanted to dominant everyone and be feared – I have seen such behavior more times than I could count.

Before I had finished my insult, the young vampire was upon me and I barked a laugh when she curled a hand around my throat. We collapsed onto the floor only because I allowed it, but the next second I had her in a choke-hold and ran outside where I threw her across the parking lot. Pam groaned when she hit a car – nothing less than her own minivan – and slipped onto the ground. I had to admit that she had spirit though. It took her a few seconds before she collected herself and charged at me once more. I stopped her with a mere slap on the cheek. She fell at my left side, but before I could even blink, she stood up and tried to kick me. Really, it was getting annoying – she was like a stubborn fly and I was a giant fly swatter. On the other hand, it was somehow refreshing. I couldn't remember the last time when someone was attacking me so many times. Granted, no one did because they usually ended up dead after one strike, but it was still quite amusing.

"Okay, that's enough!" I roared finally when Pam's heel missed my balls by a mere inch. She screamed when I grabbed her by the hair on the back of her head and easily yanked her away from me. I didn't drop nor throw her though. I just kept holding her and raised her in the air for everyone standing in the line to the club to see. She hissed and tried to turn around to kick me, but her attempts were futile. I could feel the handful of her blonde locks staying in my grasp and I smirked. Even better – my witch will need it later.

"Let go of me, you maggot!"

Thanks to her screams, more and more patrons started to turn their heads in our direction. I've noticed that a couple of them were holding cell phones, no doubt trying to tape the fighting vamps.

"Stop it, doll… If you won't shut up, you gonna be the newest YouTube attraction!" It seemed to bring her back to reality. "Can I drop you now?" Pam hissed, but nodded her head. Just like I had promised – I dropped her. She fell onto the ground with a groan and gave me a dirty look. As a male, I had to admire the way that her leather dress had ridden up to expose her tights…

"Fucker…" she hissed.

I only rolled my eyes at her insult. "Really? Why can't you just act civil with me? It has to occur to you that I can snap you like twig. Why poke a bear?"

"You're no bear, more like a fucking pussy!" was her snarky remark.

"Peachy…" I sighed. "A friendly warning for the future – next time I'm gonna drag you and put you over my knee in front of all of your patrons," I said calmly. Pam snorted.

"In your dreams, you ass. My maker…"

"Your maker has to administer a punishment to you. Doll, you've just attacked me in front of all of your customers."

It clearly hit home because Pam's eyes widened a little. "Just because I… might have delayed my registration, I will not push for it now. But mind you – I have an idea for a perfect punishment for the way that you have been treating me." I smiled at her, earning myself another hiss.

"Fuck you!"

"And for this. Such profanities are unbecoming for a lady…"

"You just called me a whore a minute ago so clearly I am no lady!" I tilted my head, watching her for a moment. Under all of this anger that Pam was showing, I saw something that made me feel like an a-hole. I noticed shame.

"I'm sorry that I announced in front…"

"Oh shut up. You are a fucking vampire; we do not apologize!" Pam hissed and turned back with the intention to head back inside, but I vamped in front of her, cutting off her escape.

"I am still sorry. It didn't occur to me that part of your past can still be hurtful or…"

I got slapped and because I had deserved it, I didn't try to avoid the blow. "Which part of shut up don't you get?"

"Okay… No more talking about your past occupation although I had to ask." I raised a hand when Pam opened her mouth to curse me again.

"What?!"

"Did you learn a lot of tricks? Because I'm just curious about…"

"Fucker!" Pam passed me, giving me a glare and I gave her my best shit-eating grin.

"Oh come on, doll! Just a joke… But did you?!"

Pam vamped inside and I was hot on her heels. "Leave me alone…" she warned me, walking into the office.

"Okay… So maybe a different question. Have you ever had a customer who carried a venereal disease?" Pam closed the door in my face and I roared with laughter when I heard her quiet "Motherfucker!"

Delightful. If I knew that all I had to do to get rid of this bitch was to joke around about her prostitute career, I would have been free of her last week.

Still laughing, I came back behind the bar and went back to shining glasses. I decided that I really have to visit Marnie – something has to be done about this nasty language of Pam's.

AN: So, what do you think? Please, leave a review.