A/N: This chapter took some thinking, but I'm finally happy enough to update it for you guys to read. Reviews as always were amazing to read, so I would love to read your thoughts on chapter six as well.

Apologies for the wait; I know I promised it to you all much sooner but the internet went down so this chapter has been sitting here for a good few days while some smart men with machines fix whatever the problem is. But it's finally working so I hope it was worth the long wait.

I guarantee, as long as the connection holds up, that the next chapter is quickly on the way. If one good thing came out of this it's the fact it gave me the time to get chapter seven going.

Sorry ;)

Un-beta'd so any mistakes I apologise for.

Disclaimer: I do not own True blood; I just borrowed the characters for a bit of fun!

Chapter Six
Angry Confrontations

Awkward did not even begin to describe how Sookie felt as she was escorted to where she guessed the trouble makers were taken to. She had never been escorted anywhere before, at least not in this kind of manner. Any urge she had felt to read the Lisa's mind had been immediately dismissed upon the realisation that if the annoyed expression on her face was anything to go by, her thoughts would not be pleasing in the slightest.

She wasn't naïve enough as to think her low self-esteem could take another blow so soon.

Entering what was clearly the surveillance office towards the upper layers of the hotel; Sookie couldn't help but admire the security even in her current predicament.

Impressive didn't even begin to describe the high-tech computing system that surrounded her. It was no wonder vampires chose Hotel Carmilla as the perfect location to stay during travelling. Other than for the privacy of the rooms, CCTV was literally in every corner of the place, not to mention she could visibly see the sheer number of security personal patrolling 24/7 in every section of the Hotel.

But surely with all the surveillance they were aware she had stayed the night, that this entire situation was completely unnecessary, and not to mention kind of insulting?

She doubted they treated all of their guests in this manner.

"Hey Liam, got another fangbanger for ya" was Lisa's way of introducing her as Sookie quickly found herself manhandled into the office while simultaneously she couldn't help but refer to the woman as a cow in her head.

Shouldn't such a sensitive room be off limits?

The head of security clearly held the same impression. "Christ Lisa, you know not to bring them in here!"

"Whatever! She was caught trying to buy a drink in the hotel by the hostess, should I just chuck her out? She's like the fifth fang-banger we've had trying to sneak in here to either fuck a vamp or attempt to get into their pocket. It's disgusting."

Offended, Sookie gaped at the audacity of the women. Was this really how she conducted her job? Even if she was a fangbanger as Lisa had rudely assumed, she still would have expected more professionalism then what she was receiving.

They would be receiving a very low rating on their comment card that was for sure.

Liam's eyes widened as he took her in, Sookie barely resisting the urge to dip into his head. She hated how invasive it felt when she invaded other people's privacy, as if she was violating them somehow. Visibly younger than Lisa, Liam seemed to take his job seriously is his sharp suit and sharp eye was anything to go by. If anything, he seemed horrified rather than amused by his co-workers unprofessionalism.

"Miss Stackhouse?" Huh?

He knew her name?

"Uh…I don't really know what I've done wrong," she frowned, figuring he seemed the right bloke to try and get some answers out of. "If charging a bill to the room is this much of a security risk, I wouldn't have brought it up. Eric told me it was the preferable choice for most customers who stayed here?"

"Eric Northman?"

Confused at Liam's sudden pale exterior and stuttering question, Sookie nodded slowly. She doubted there were many vampires with the name of Eric Northman in the world, or at, least staying in the hotel.

"Yeah…" What was going on? "I came in with Godric's nest the other night."

Oh god…I'm going to die…oh god…oh god…

"Here let me get you a seat!" he rushed out, flustered, much to the shock of the hotel manager. "I sincerely apologise for the misunderstanding. Obviously your bill with be taken care of…"

The next thing Sookie knew she was perched on the edge of a soft velvet seat, had a glass of cranberry in her hand, all the while trying not to listen to Liam screeching at Lisa outside.

It was all very unnerving.

Still, it was the most delicious cranberry juice she had tasted. She couldn't fault that.

Deciding to glance around the room, even against her moral judgement, she couldn't resist observing the CCTV screens strategically positioned around the room. It was only when she caught sight of a few familiar faces that she looked towards the time print at the bottom right hand side of the screen only to be surprised at how late it had gotten.

Just how long did they plan on keeping her here for?

Hearing a manly squeak from the corridor, Sookie snapped her head towards the hallway only for her view to be blocked by the office door. Still, it didn't seem to be thick enough to efficiently muffle the conversation as another male seemed to make an appearance.

It was a vampire; her gift automatically informed her of that much.

"Would you care to inform me as to why you are not on your station?"

"S-sir…"

"I am not paying you to take unscheduled breaks, nor am I paying for a restaurant manager who seems to be floors away from her designated position. You have no reason to be here."

"But…"

"Nor are you meant to allow unauthorized personal in what should be the most restricted department of the building! Do you have any idea of the security breach you have created?" he snarled.

Sookie cringed sympathetically. She was relieved Sam would never even think of speaking to her in such a tone. There were times he had lost his temper with Tara, but never had he raised his voice to such a harsh and scolding tone.

She really did not belong here.

"It was Lisa's fault!"

Knowing it would be rude to eavesdrop any longer, Sookie kept her eyes on the screen after noticing a familiar tall Viking striding through the halls. Her lips curved as she took in his tall stature, wondering how it was possible for a man with such an impressive height to move so gracefully.

It also made her question where Godric was.

Concerned for his well-being, she quickly drained the rest of her drink before heading towards the door. Even if she was for some reason not allowed to leave, she could at least ask how long they were planning on keeping her and whether she could make a call. They were scheduled to leave for the airport this evening.

She opened the door with a nervous smile, "excuse me-"

Pausing, she stared at who had to be the owner of the building. Dressed in a sharp tailored suit, his tall stature was only a few inches off Eric's impressive form. It was his lightly tanned complexion which made her wonder his ethnicity before he was turned. She would never be rude enough to ask, she had been taught manners and respect after all, but it wasn't as common to see a vampire with a complexion that wasn't completely pale or white.

"Apologises for the inconvenience, ma'am." the owners French accent coming through, his expression charming rather than threatening. She was pleasantly surprised by his manners, though she was momentarily confused as to why he was treating her so kindly. "I assure you, this is not how we usually conduct business here at Hotel Carmilla. My name is Charles, you must be Miss Stackhouse."

"Urm…"

She was hardly well known around the vampire community. It made her wonder as to how so many people knew her by name, and whether it was exactly safe that word was apparently getting around.

"You are Mr Compton's companion, yes?"

"Uh…"

"Sookie!"

Able to recognise that bellow anywhere, Sookie jumped in surprise as she caught sight of a furious Eric approaching from the right hallway. To say he was pissed would be an understatement. He looked as if he was out for blood.

Attempting to ignore the sudden flush to her cheeks, Sookie tried to come up with a reasonable explanation as to why Eric seemed as pissed as he was. Yes her being taken away by security was a large inconvenience after the drama that was last night, but Eric looked as if he genuinely wanted to slaughter everyone in the room.

She cringed at the fact he had probably considered it multiple times already.

Fighting against the urge to instantly ask about Godric's well-being, knowing that it was probably not a conversation he would be willing to share in the present company, she didn't resist when he came to stand by her side.

Cool fingers gently brushed against the nape of her neck. "What's going on here?"

Since when did Eric's gestures towards her turn soft?

Visibly, Charles's confidence faltered. The owner looked as if he was going to be sick before he managed to rid his features of any emotion. It was too late, if it was slow enough for her to notice than she had no doubt Eric had already picked up on the weakness.

It made her nervous when she realised just how much she knew about Eric's habits.

She doubted it was a good thing.

Sookie wasn't surprised at the faltering of the Frenchman's confidence; even the boldest vampires would probably feel unsettled in Eric's presence. It was clear Eric intended on intimidating the staff involved, however, she couldn't just stand by if he decided to turn to violence. She had enough trouble accepting his violent nature as it was without seeing it in front of him.

She figured this whole situation had simply been a misunderstanding.

Even so, she couldn't resist asking "good night?" even if she knew he was unconscious for the majority of it.

Sparing her a glance he quirked a brow. "I was disappointed to find our bed missing an occupant when I arose for the night."

Flustering, Sookie kept her lips sealed. They had an audience; the last thing she wanted was for Eric to imply they had slept together when she had literally passed out on his bed still dressed in the clothes she currently wore.

She was not that kind of lady!

"Shut up!" Gently slapping his arm she scowled, ignoring the surprised looks she was instantly on the receiving end of. "What ya doin' here?"

"I arose only to receive a phone call from an associate of mine informing me that my…guest," his mouth twitched, "was witnessed being escorted by security."

And the anger was back.

Sookie shook her head, blonde curls swishing. "I'm sure this is a whole misunderstanding, Eric. Clearly they thought I was some kind of gold-digging fang-banger, which-"

"What!" he hissed, eyes blazing.

"Oh hush. Apparently they have a common issue of-EEP!"

The next thing she was aware of Eric had the owner by the throat, hissing.

"Eric!" Sookie cried. "What are you doing!"

Desperately trying to get him to let go she ignored the screams of the restaurant manager, fighting the urge to tell the silly woman to hush up. She wasn't one for rudeness, but she must have seen some vamp on vamp violence in her line of work.

"Let go!"

Pale fingers clenched around an equally pale throat. "Now is not the time, älskare."

"Don't you give me that!" she would have placed her hands on her hips was she not desperately trying to pull a rock solid Viking off a French vampire. "Charles was nothing but a gentleman so you let him go right now!"

Clearly taken aback, Eric slammed Charles against the wall one more time before releasing him. Sookie watched apolitically as the owner desperately tried to stay in control, going as far as to straight his tie and clearing his throat.

"I am so sorry for that," Sookie couldn't help but apologise. "That was completely unnecessary," she glared at Eric.

Charles's response surprised her. "Nonsense, ma'am. He is fully within his right, my staff will be punished-"

"Why?" she demanded.

The last thing she wanted was for someone to lose their job – or worse – because of her. She knew her conscience wouldn't be able to take it.

"Sookie," Eric warned. She ignored him.

"No," she replied stubbornly. "Liam has been a sweetheart, he shouldn't be punished when he clearly did what he thought best considering the situation."

Eric raised a brow. "A sweetheart?" if anything he seemed amused.

Lips pursed. "Yes, which is more than I can say for you. You didn't have to come rushing in here, I'm perfectly safe" she poked him in the cheat. "Not to mention scaring poor Liam who not only scolded Lisa for bringing me here, but was kind enough to fetch me a drink while everything got sorted out."

Still, Eric didn't look impressed.

"This situation shouldn't have a arose in the first place!" Dark eyes narrowed in Charles direction. "Sookie is very valuable to me."

Bowing, he was quick to attempt to defuse the matter much to Sookie's relief. Still, Eric speaking of her as if she wasn't standing right next to him wasn't amusing in the slightest. He knew her well enough to understand that she didn't like to be spoken off as if she wasn't present.

It was rude, not to mention completely unnecessary.

"Clearly I need to reassess my staff. I sincerely apologise for the inconvenience, and I can assure you it will not be happening again," Charles stared at Lisa with an expression of unnerving disappointment and barely restrained anger. She gulped. "She should know better than to break the policies the hotel has set in stone."

Eric nodded. "See that it will be, I would dislike for our business relationship to come to an abrupt end."

Rolling her eyes, Sookie shook her head at the hilarity of the situation before making her way back towards her hotel room. Momentarily confused as to why Bill hadn't come to find her once he had arisen only to find her not present, she discovered she barely cared either way.

Bill was in a constant bad mood it seemed as of late.

Something wasn't right with the Civil War vampire, Sookie just couldn't seem to work out what it was exactly.

So, what's your impression of Charles Bristowe? The name took some thinking but I think it suits the hotel owner, especially since I couldn't find the actual founder of Hotel Carmilla anyway. Is there actually one?

Reviews = me loving you (lol)

xxx