EPOV

"Eric, I know you have to go check on Godric but I have to at least call Gran to make sure she's okay. Hey, do you think she'd be welcome if we pick her up? I feel so bad that she's been stuck in that hotel the whole time."

"Gran is here?" Jason asks.

"Yeah, we weren't going to leave her all alone while we traveled to Texas."

"And she's sitting in a shitty motel room all by herself?" The dimwit sounds like he's getting mad so I cut in.

"No, she's sitting in a four-bedroom suite in the best hotel Texas has to offer with two of her friends keeping her company, while they decide where we want to site see tomorrow."

"Oh. Good then." He stays quiet for a few seconds. "Well, you know, I was staying with Steve so you know, maybe it'd be okay if I take one of those bedrooms?"

"Obviously I'm not gonna make you sleep on the streets, Jason," Sookie responds. She freezes and looks at me because she just gave the okay even though it's technically my room to give. I quirk an eyebrow at her. Though I'd rather not be in close contact with her idiotic bigoted brother, I am happy she's finally feeling comfortable taking what I have to offer her. Even if it is only to help someone else.

"You may offer the invitation but be sure to let her know that the vampires of the area most likely set up some sort of celebration for Godric's safe return," I say, finally answering her question.

"Are you sure it's a good idea to have Gran at a vampire party?"

"That'll be up to her but Adele takes better to information about us than you do, lover. I do not think it'll be a problem."

"Hey, don't call my sister your lover!" The idiot looks sick at the thought of his sister being with anyone. It just proves that he is an idiot, she is the most delectable morsel I've ever come across. If he thought she was not going to get eaten up by someone, he's more a fool than I thought.

"Why not?" I ask.

"Because it's disrespectful!"

"I find that funny coming from you."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"My lover and I only met because you spend most of your free time sleeping with anyone you can get your hands on then disrespecting them by telling all your friends about it. One of whom, happened to be a murderer. Not to mention how disrespectful you were to Mrs. Newlin just minutes ago, talking to her husband nonetheless." The look of confusion on his face makes me call upon my centuries of control to stop myself from laughing in his face. "Though you have nothing to fear, I have nothing but respect for your sister. She means a lot to me."

"Oh, well, good then. I really wouldn't want to have to take you out back to teach you a lesson. We both know that'd just end up with me being a bloody heap and you learnin' nothin'. I'm glad we can skip that step." He nods his head as if he just made a really good point and he's reaffirming it to himself.

Though there is a lot that I don't like about him, most of which have to do with how he treats Sookie and Adele, I do find him decent entertainment. I look at Sookie and it looks like she's going to cry, I feel in the bond that she's happy though. So it's tears of joy? I have heard of such a thing but never witnessed them myself. What can she be so joyful about? I look at her again and see her looking at Jason. Was that half-assed attempt to protect her enough to make her cry? If so, the bar is set so very low for him, I must teach her that she deserves much better.

The rest of the ride is made in silence, other than Sookie's phone call to Adele, which is good because I have much to think about. Something is not right with Godric. There is no way those humans could have caught him and kept him there against his will, even with those weapons they have. No, Godric could have left anytime he wanted to, I have no doubt of that. That means, for some reason, he didn't want to leave. Did he not know the plan? Did he not know that they planned to burn him with the sun in just a few hours from now? He couldn't have, the alternative is just unthinkable. Godric is clearly going through something and has been for a while but he's not suicidal. I must speak to him.

"Eric, are you okay?"

I snap out of my thoughts and look at Sookie. "Yes, dear one, I am fine. Why do you ask?"

"Dude, we've been parked for a while and you've just been sitting there staring out the window." Jason cuts in. I realize with a shock that he's right.

"Hmm, so I have. Let's go in." I have no urge to tell him what I was thinking about. If it were just Sookie and I, it'd be a different story.

"Woo-ee this is where you guys have been staying? This vamp must be loaded!"

"Jason!" Sookie says and slaps his arm.

"What?"

"Don't be rude! We're not staying with Eric because of his money, you should know better than that! Gran and I aren't those types of people and you shouldn't be either."

"Alright, you're right, I'm sorry, Sook. It's just exciting, is all. I've never been somewhere so fancy."

"It's okay, Jace. Come on, Gran should be ready and waiting for us."

Sookie's right, when we enter the hotel room Adele is dressed up and so gitty she's almost jumping in her seat "Are you ready to go, Adele?" I ask with an indulgent smile.

"Damn straight I am, let's get this show on the road!" She turns to Jason. "And don't think you're out of the doghouse, mister. What were you thinking about joining a group like that? I taught you better than that!"

"Sorry, Gran. I don't know what happened. At first, I thought you'd be proud of me for taking an active role in church. Then things kinda just got away from me. By the time I knew what I was doing was wrong, I was too far in. I even tried saving that kid vamp but he said he didn't need my help. Cool dude though." I cringe at Godric being called a kid and that bad feeling I have turns to dread. I knew in my head that he didn't need help to get free but hearing it out loud that he turned it down cements it for me, he wanted to be there.

"Jason Stackhouse, you know that hate of any kind is not what our family stands for. Don't let yourself get in that situation again, you hear?"

Jason let his head sag in disappointment "I hear ya, Gran. And I'm sorry" he turns and looks at me, "I really am, I mean it."

"Good, now go. We have a party to get to."

He puts his hand behind his head and he rubs it in an 'aww shucks' motion, looking like the lovable idiot he tries to be. I have to work hard not to laugh when he says the words to go along with it. "Aww shucks, Gran, I'm not sure if I'd be welcomed after everything I've done."

"Now you stop it right there Jason Stackhouse. Did I raise you to run away from your problems?"

"No ma'am."

"Then you get your butt downstairs so we can go to that party and you apologize to anyone and everyone you have to until you're welcomed."

I want to tell him that's not necessary and that most probably won't even know he was at the fellowship but decide against it. It'll be much more enjoyable for me if I stay quiet.

"What are you up to? The only way I can describe what you're feeling in the bond is mischief."

I just wink at her. "Okay, everyone ready? Good, let's go."

It doesn't take long to get downstairs and to the car. The drive is peaceful for me, it's just Sookie and Adele theorizing what the party will be like with occasional input from Jason. We make it to the nest and when we enter things are much the same as they were the last time we were here. It's more lively and people seem to be in much higher spirits though.

Godric is sitting on his normal seat. It isn't quite the thrown I have at Fangtasia but it's clearly the most eye-catching part of the room and meant for the leader. There is a long line leading up to him of people who are waiting to kiss his ass. If we were alone, Godric and I would laugh at all these people. He sees me and nods his head to call me over.

I put my hand on Sookie's lower back and hold my arm out to Adele in a gentlemanly fashion. She wraps her arm around it and we make our way to Godric.

"Hello, Childe. Sookie, it is good to see you again and safe. Much better than the circumstances of which we first met."

Adele shoots Sookie a sharp look. I can tell she's angry that we haven't told her how Sookie was in danger earlier but there hasn't been much time. Plus, I'm starting to understand why Sookie doesn't want to worry Adele, just hearing that Sookie was in danger has her heart racing and her face pailing. Not too much, a human wouldn't be able to tell but with my eyesight, I can see her skin a few shades lighter than it should be. Sookie ignores Adele's look and curtsies at Godric. I am proud of her, she might not be highly educated and I'm sure she hasn't been taught the ways of high society but she never disappoints me.

"I could say the same about you, Godric. I wasn't the one being held prisoner."

Godric laughs "Yes, you do have a point, Miss Stackhouse. And who is this lovely lady?"

Adele steps forward and holds her hand out. I cannot blame her, I should have taught her more about vampires on the way here. "Adele Stackhouse, a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I'm sure glad you're safe, Godric. Our Eric here was mighty worried about you."

I have a feeling I'd blush if I could right now. Godric knows it too, I can tell by the smirk he's giving me with the twinkle in his eye. "Worried, were you my child? You should know by now that I can take care of myself."

I want to point out that I know he can it just seems that he hasn't been. Now is not the time though, we are in public. "I know you can, sire. No one had heard from you though, so I was worried. All is well now though, I suppose."

I watch him waiting to see if there are any tells because I know that all is not well with him. As always though, he gives nothing away that he does not want to and I'm just as in the dark as I have been since I got here.

Isabel slams the door open walking in holding Hugo by the back of the collar of his shirt. He's obviously already been questioned and found lacking. His eye is black and blue and there's a big bruise covering almost the whole other half of his face, plus there's a pretty deep cut from his mouth to his chin. She throws him at Godric's feet. Isabel has dried up bloody tears on her cheeks. I see both Sookie and Adele cringe, I feel disgust coming from Sookie. She does not like seeing this side of being involved with vampires.

"Here is the one who betrayed us."

"He's your human, is he not?" Godric asks.

"Yes, he is."

"Do you love him?"

She stutters for a few seconds. "I-I thought I did." She tries not to but she can't help but cry.

"It appears you love him still."

"I do, I'm sorry." she all but whimpers. "But you are my sheriff, do with him as you please."

Though I find it short-sided and idiotic that she fell in love with a human and dedicated herself to him, I do feel bad for her. What is Sookie doing to me? Before I met her, I'd be looking just as disgusted as Stan does, She is bringing out so many feelings in me and now I'm starting to feel things like sympathy for beings that I don't even care about, or I shouldn't care about anyway. I must be careful, this could be a slippery slope and emotions are one of the top things that can make me act rashly, or miss something important. That is just not something that can happen, especially with Sophie Ann after Sookie. I need to be at the top of my game.

Godric distracts me from my thoughts when he looks at Hugo and says, "You're free to go."

I hear murmers of discontent with the ruling and I agree with them though I'd never say anything against my maker. At least, not unless we were alone, and even then, I'd raise my opinion and leave it at that.

"Huh?" The human looks just as surprised as everyone else.

"What?" Stan steps up angrily. I almost want him to step out of line, I could use a good fight right now. Then again, Stan is barely 600, and good is a relative term.

"The human is free to go," Godric says with authority. He looks back at the traitor. "And do not return, I fear it is not safe for you here."

I look at Adele to gauge how she is taking all this and she doesn't look bothered at all. She looks as if she's taking every single thing in and memorizing it. That is part of the reason I enjoy her, she is nonjudgmental and she is always open to learning something new.

"This is a travesty." Stan cuts in again.

"This is my verdict," Godric says with finality. "Eric, escort him out, make sure he leaves unharmed. I will watch your Sookie and make sure she's safe."

"Yes, Godric."

I squeeze Sookie's hip which I'm holding before letting go and grabbing the human by the back of the shirt and lifting him to his feet. I not so softly drag him out the door as I hear Isabel thanking Godric for letting him live. I make quick work of glamouring him never to come back and putting him in a cab before making my way back inside. When I do, I see that Adele, Sookie, and Godric are talking. Sookie sees me and quickly makes her way over.

"Is everything okay? Where is Hugo going to go?"

"Sookie, do not tell me you care what happens to that garbage. If he got what he wanted, you could have died." I growl just thinking of what could have happened to her.

"No, not really. I mean, I can't help but feel bad for him. No, it's not even that, I feel for Isabel, she loves him, so if he hurts, she hurts."

I'm not able to stop myself from sighing this time, Gods, she is so kind and pure, what is she doing with a being such as I? I suppose it doesn't matter, now that I have her, there's no way I'll be giving her up. I pull her close and kiss the top of her head. I don't allow the affection to last long though, there are too many eyes here to see. I cannot allow them to think me weak, it's safer this way.

"Uh, Mr. Northman, can I talk to you?"

I turn to see it's Sookie's halfwit of a brother. I feel that Sookie is equal parts annoyed, worried, and curious. I can admit I am curious as well. Sookie answers before I have a chance to respond. "Jason, can this wait?"

"No Sook, if I don't get this out now, I never will."

"Well then, Stackhouse, let us go outback."

Sookie gives me a look that's a mix of her warning me to be nice and apologizing in advance for whatever her brother is planning to say to me. When we make it outside he looks extremely uncomfortable and like he has no idea what to say. I cross my arms and then stand still in the way only a vampire can, I've been told it's quite the intimidating stance, and from the stench of uneasiness and fear coming off him, I'd say it's true. I know Sookie would scold me right now for making this, whatever this is, more difficult for him but I have to take my enjoyment where I can.

Eventually, he spits out. "I need you to forgive me."

"What?" I hope I don't sound as confused as I am. It's his sister that he should be asking forgiveness from.

"Uh, you love my sister, and uh, there Ain't no reason you shouldn't be able to. I've been letting my own stupid ignorance stand in the way. I shouldn't have joined that church. I shouldn'a said all those nasty things about you around town, and I definitely shouldn'a made my sister feel bad for lovin' who she wants to love. Lord knows she deserves it after all she's been through."

For now, I ignore the love part of his speech, I still have not had the time to come to terms with that little realization from a few nights ago. Instead, I focus on the rest. "It is just good that you realized the error of your ways, just in time too. I owe you much for saving Sookie tonight."

"After everything I did to fuck everything up it's the least I could do." He sounds to be getting emotional. Pam is right, these humans weep too much for my liking. "I'm just so sorry it took me so long t-to make up for it."

Gods, he's stuttering to keep back his tears now. I'm starting to feel uncomfortable, which is a foreign sensation for me. At least, it has been for centuries. "Well you did, in time to save your sister, that's what matters." To me, anyway. Though I would have figured something out to save her, I was damning myself for letting my anger get the best of me and going after the wife. Wait, am I trying to comfort him? What am I doing?

Jason is looking at me with what I can only imagine the term 'big puppy dog eyes' originated from. I go from vaguely uncomfortable to shocked and almost horrified when he takes three deep breaths then lunges at me with his arms wide open and hugs me. I stand completely still as I don't know how to handle the situation. No one has had the audacity or balls to touch me so familiarly without permission. Well, except Sookie, is it a family thing? Eventually, after I realize he's not planning on stopping any time soon, I pat him on the back a few times. Then I become disgusted with myself, what am I turning into? And push him away. Surprisingly, the shove did not discourage him, he still has a goofy smile on his face. I decide to let him know how I feel about how he treats his sister.

"I hope you know, you were apologizing to the wrong person, Stackhouse. It's your sister that you've been hurting. I don't give a fuck about you one way or the other. You can say whatever you want about me but if you hurt her again, we're going to have problems. You don't want to have problems with me, do you, Jason?"

"Uh, no, no sir, I don't"

"Good, I'm glad we understand each other. I'd hate to have to explain to Sookie and Adele why you suddenly went missing." Once he looks sufficiently scared I smile and pat his back. "Good, let's get back inside, we don't want to leave the ladies alone too long, do we?"

When we get inside, I see Sookie waiting by the door and she has a big smile on her face. I should have guessed she'd be watching, the whole wall facing the backyard is just windows. It's not as if it'd be hard for her to see plus I felt her worry in the bond. I ignore the fact that anyone had seen that unwelcomed display of affection. I tell her that I will be back soon and go to set up a donor for Godric, it is becoming clear that he is not going to do it for himself, and it is not as if he had been given anything decent to feed off of during his time with the Fellowship.

As soon as I make it to the corner where the donors are waiting to be picked, two women sway up to me in a way that I would have found enticing before I met Sookie. One drapes her arms around me and the other goes to rub up against me. I take a step back, let my fangs down, and growl at them.

"What have you donors been taught here in Dallas, you don't choose us, we choose you. You don't touch me unless I permit you." I'm surprised by the disgust I feel at just the thought of touching them. When I agreed with this monogamy, I had just done it because it was something that I'd never done before and because Sookie intrigued me. I did not think it would last more than a few weeks at most, once I've had her and gotten her out of my system. When did it change? When did it go from not fucking anyone else because of the agreement we made, to not fucking anyone else because the thought disgusted me?

"We're sorry, master. We had seen you with the human earlier and we thought you'd have had enough of her innocent act and was coming here for something better."

I want to scoff at the absurdity of either of these fang bangers tasting better than my Sookie but I don't because it is better not to draw any attention to my Sookie. "I am not here for me, you sheriff must be in need of a meal, I shall bring you to him. What blood type do you have?"

The one who's practically naked and was trying to rub her pussy on me a few seconds ago almost yells "AB Negative." I guess she knows by now that her blood is uncommon and tastes better than most. Though nothing's better than my Sookie.

"You shall do. Come." I walk away and don't have to look back, I know she's following. When I enter the room Sookie smiles at me then her face falls when she sees the fangbanger behind me. Oh well, it'll be cleared up in a second. I turn to the donor. "Stay here, I will call for you when it's time."

She nods and bats her eyes at me, still hoping to get me to take a taste. I ignore her and walk over to Godric. Sookie, Adele, and Jason are all around him so they can clearly hear us. I bend down so I'm at eye level with Godric who is still sitting on his chair.

"The traitor is safe and on his way out of town. I've arranged a donor for you, AB negative, very rare."

I see Sookie's shoulders sag in relief but I don't comment on it, my attention is on Godric.

"Thank you, though I'm not hungry."

"You have to feed eventually, I doubt the fellowship had anything to offer."

When he doesn't respond I ask something that I normally wouldn't in front of people, humans no less but these are my humans, so I trust that they will not tell anyone. Well, I might have to glamour Jason. Although I don't know how many glamourings that man can take, Ginger is proof enough that it affects the mind poorly, and Jason doesn't have many brain cells to lose.

"Why did you not leave with us until Sookie guilted you into it?"

"They did not treat me badly. You'd be shocked at how ordinary most of them are."

"I agree with you to an extent, Godric." Adele cuts in. My initial reaction is to get angry at someone interrupting us but since it's her, I stop myself. "Especially in the South, it is not unusual to see hatred against a being that is different from yourself. Most prominently, white people being racist against black people. Just because it is ordinary doesn't mean it is right or good. Even more than that, a lot of people have that hatred down here, hell, I was raised with it before I made the conscious decision to not think that way and to not raise the next generation that way. What's not ordinary about those people is dressing that hatred up as religion and being completely fine with murdering the people you're prejudiced about. I can name 30 people in my town that dislike Sookie's friend Lafayette simply because he's black and a homosexual but not one of them would think it's ordinary to tie him up and murder him, inviting all their friends to watch."

Godric looks at Adele and knowing him as I do, I know he had not thought of it that way before. Sometimes what seems ordinary on the outside isn't so. "You have a point, Adele. Though I will stand by my opinion that there were those there that aren't bad people."

"I don't doubt you there, sure, some people are just there because their family made them go, some were peer pressured into going, and some, like my dear sweet simple grandson, just don't know when they're being had."

"Yeah, I'm ashamed to admit that's not the first time I've gotten myself in a bad situation because I don't always know what the truth is or understand what's going on." At least he knows he's a half-wit.

"Exactly, and to allow Stan to go in there like he wanted to, like he still wants to, would just cause more hate. I feel that some of what the Fellowship thinks about us isn't wrong. We are night walkers and have been known to do evil. I understand their opinions of us."

"I disagree, I don't think a species as a total can be evil. I think it goes down to each individual. Yes, you need blood to survive but you don't need to kill the person you're drinking from. It all comes down to the choices that an individual makes. If a vampire wants to be, he or she could be good. Just like there are humans that lie, rape, and murder. It's also never too late to change your ways. You could do evil most of your life then one day want to do better, there's nothing stopping someone from changing. It's all down to what the individual wants to do." Sookie says.

Godric looks at Sookie weighingly. Gods, right now, I wish I was the telepath so I could know what he's thinking. There's something going on with him, he's not okay. It's not too noticeable, but I know him better than any other and I know something is wrong. "We are frightening to them, and they have reason to be scared. After thousands of years we haven't evolved, we've only become more brutal, more predatory. There's no way the hate for our kind is going to lesson unless we as a species change, and treat humans as equals. The only reason the Fellowship of the Sun arose is because we never did so."

"Is that why you didn't fight when they took you?" I ask.

"I could have killed every last one of them in moments. What would have that proven?"

"There's a difference between killing everyone and subduing them to get safe. I think that would have proved more than just going with them." Adele speaks up again.

"Why do you think that?"

"By just going with them, for all you know, they could think that you weren't strong enough to take them and their weapons. It didn't teach them anything, it just let them win and made them think that their plans for taking your kind out are possible. By subduing them and not hurting them, proves that you could have killed them, if you were an evil thing of the devil like they think you are, you would have. Instead, you would have shown that not all your kind live to kill even if you have the ability to do so."

I agree with Adele and again Godric has that look on his face that shows he didn't think of it that way. Sookie stands up with her cup in her hand and grabs Adele's too. "I'm going to get a refill. Godric, since you don't want a donor, I saw that there's a fountain over there that has True Blood in it, would you like that?"

I want to chuckle because it's not True Blood that's flowing in that fountain but don't because it's probably for the best that she keeps believing it to be synthetic blood. I can tell that my maker wants to say no again for some reason, and it has me very worried. Fortunately, he doesn't reject my Sookie's offer. "Yes, thank you little one."

She gives him one of her bright smiles that is actually real and walks away. I do not like leaving her to walk around here by herself. I already have noticed people enjoying her scent and spending too much time looking at her, in my opinion, anyway. So, even though I do not stop her from going, most of my attention is on her as she walks away and through the house. I notice both Godric and Adele looking at me with a twinkle in their eye as if they know what I'm doing. Is my worry that obvious? Godric, I understand, he can feel my emotions, but Adele? Godric turns his attention back to Adele.

"I know you do not agree with the Fellowship of the Sun and what it stands for, I also know you are upset with your grandson because he joined it but you should be proud of him. He was the only one in there to show me kindness and try to get to know me. He even offered to get me out of there a few times." He looks at Jason, "I thank you for that."

"No problem, little man. I couldn't just leave you there all by yourself."

Little man? He is lucky that he is my lover's brother, I have killed men for less disrespect. I can tell that Godric is amused by Stackhouse though. His grandmother smacks his leg. "Jason Stackhouse, don't call him that, you should know by now that vampires are not as young as they look. Godric is many years older than you. You should respect him as you respect me or any other elder."

"Aww come on Gran, I know that. He doesn't mind when I call him that, do ya, Godric?" Jason says with a laugh.

"No, I suppose I don't. "

What is it about this family that gets supes to accept and like them so much? It can't be the fairy in them because Adele has the same ability. I'll have to think more about this later because there has to be something more to them.

I notice him as soon as he walks in. For some Gods forsaken reason, Bill Compton is here. Before immediately vamping over to him and forcing him to stay away from Sookie, like I really want to do, I make myself sit still and wait to see what will happen. Going up to him will just bring too much attention to us and on Sookie. Also, as of now, he hasn't shown any actual interest in her, the only thing he has done was knock on a neighbor's door once. As I have already been keeping all my attention on Sookie, I know she is speaking to a fang banger at the fountain and they seem to be getting along, that is what is keeping her. I notice that Adele stiffens up when she sees Bill. Since Bill is new to the area, he is supposed to come right up to Godric and introduce himself and ask for entrance, but he is not. Right now, it seems he is looking for someone, and if I were a betting man, I'd put a lot of money on that someone being Sookie.

"Vem är den där vampyren du ägnar så mycket uppmärksamhet åt?" (Who is that vampire you are paying so much attention to?) He asks in my native language.

"Min drottnings upphandlare, hon är ute efter min Sookie." (My queen's procurer, she is after my Sookie.)

"Jag förstår. Det är en slump att se honom här då, eller hur?" (I see. It's quite a coincidence seeing him here then, no?) He says with a slight chuckle.

"Js." (Yes) I say with the same amusement.

"Oroa dig inte, mitt barn, vi ska hålla henne säker och med dig. Din drottning börjar bli för stor för sina brittor, vi ska göra något för att få henne till rätta." (Worry not, my childe, we shall keep her safe and with you. Your queen is getting too big for her britches, we shall do something to set her straight.)

I nod at him. I notice Sookie is just starting to make her way to me when Bill spots her. He quickly makes his way over to her before she can get to me. With my enhanced hearing and their proximity, even with the sound of the party, I can clearly hear their conversation. I also feel Sookie's apprehension and slight fear in the bond when she's stopped by him.

"Good evening Sookie. It's good to see you again."

"Um, hello, do I know you?" She sounds confused. I can't help but smirk, I know she remembers who he is, she's just making it seem like their interaction had no lasting effect on her like he must have hoped it would have. His congenial smile falls off his face. "Oh, now I remember. Mr. Compton, right? You must forgive me, I'm usually better at remembering faces."

It doesn't take long for Compton to shake off his surprise and indignation. "Yes, that's me but please, call me Bill. It's quite alright, it was a quick meeting."

"Yes, it was. I also did not expect to see anyone from Bon Temps here in Dallas. What are you doing in this neck of the woods?"

"I'm actually here because I have to talk to you, it's important. Please, follow me outside, there are too many ears here."

"I'm sorry, Mr. Compton but I'm not in the habit of going places with men I don't know and I'm not about to start tonight. Plus, I'm here with my family and my master, I'm sure he wouldn't appreciate me going off with another vampire. I'm sure whatever you have to say, you can say to me here."

I can tell by the way he's looking at her and the tone of his voice that he's trying to glamour her. "Sookie, I'm sure it'll be fine if you come outside just for a few minutes, it is quite important."

"Again, Mr. Compton I do not want to go outside, so as I said, if you really have something important to tell me, you can tell me right here or I'll just have to be getting back to my family."

Again he's surprised. This time it must be because his glamour did not work on her. I was hoping to keep that little talent of hers to ourselves but I suppose that was wishful thinking. "As I said, Sookie, please call me Bill. If you're sure you cannot come outside with me then I have no choice but to tell you inside but not here."

He grabs her arm and drags her into the hall. I'm about to vamp over to them and not only separate the two, but separate his head from his body but Godric puts his hand on my now tense arm.

"Hon är nära, han kommer inte att kunna skada henne. Det är bättre att vänta och se vad han har att säga till henne. Jag har lärt dig bättre än så här, Eric. Du låter dina känslor komma i vägen, gör bättre." (She is close, he will not be able to harm her. It is better to wait and see what he has to say to her. I've taught you better than this, Eric. You're letting your emotions get in the way, do better. )

I feel his disappointment in me and that hurts more than realizing he is correct. Gods, what is this woman doing to me?

"Mr. Compton, I'll tell you to kindly take your hands off of me. You're hurting me and I don't appreciate it. In case you didn't get the message, I'm Eric's and he doesn't take kindly to anyone hurting someone that's his."

I can tell he's getting annoyed that she won't use his first name. He knows as well as I that she's maintaining a distance between them. I can tell he is not enjoying that fact as much as I am. "I'm sorry, Sookie, didn't mean to hurt you, I'm just anxious, what or rather who I've come to talk to you is about Eric. Sookie, you can't trust him, he is one of the most dangerous vampires to be around, he's going to use you, then throw you away, or worse, leave you in a body bag. He's never cared about anything or anyone other than himself, and he won't start now, you have to get away from him before you end up dead. Don't worry though, I'm here to help you. Come with me and I'll get you safe. I have a place that no one knows about, not even the queen of the state, I can keep you there until things blow over."

"I'm sorry, Mr Compton but…"

"No, wait, I'm not done, and there's not much time, Eric is probably already wondering where you are, just listen. You have more to worry about than Just Eric, I'm sure Eric didn't tell you this because he'd never trust a human with this knowledge, but remember what I was just saying about a queen? Vampires have our own hierarchy, they have queens or kings of each state. Ours is Sophie Ann, I'm sorry, I know this must be shocking for you. The thing is, Sophie Ann wants you, more than that, Eric knows it. He's going to give you to her. I know you're not going to want to believe me but it's true. Please, come with me, I'll make sure no one will be able to take you against your will and control you." The audacity of this vampire, I'm going to enjoy ripping him apart piece by piece. What is his goal here? Is he trying to trick her and once she leaves, bring her to Sophie Ann? Or is he just lying and has all intentions of going against his queen to keep Sookie for himself?

"Now, I'm just going to have to stop you right there. I assure you, I am quite content with Eric. I also know who you are, or rather what you are, a procurer, isn't that what Eric called you when you introduced yourself to me that night? Well, I was just so curious I looked that word up and I think it paints a pretty clear picture of what you do for the queen. So, it's either you're lying to me or you plan on disobeying your queen. Which one is it, Bill?" She says his name with such contempt.

I can't help but feel proud of her. Bill really backed himself into a corner. Which is usually when people are their most dangerous so I decide now is the time to make myself known. I give Godric a quick look and he nods, I know he'll make sure nothing happens to the other Stackhouses while I'm away.

"Bill, fancy seeing you here. The queen didn't tell me I should expect you in Dallas."

"Oh, it was a last-minute thing. My maker called to me, so I had to come, you know how it is."

Fuck, Loraina is here too? Billy Boy must be up to something. I could end her with one hand tied behind my back in a normal fight but she's batshit crazy, it's hard to anticipate her moves and she rarely fights fair.

"Hmm. Well, if you'll excuse us, we're in the middle of something. Come, lover."

I can feel Sookie's relief because I came to get her but I also feel her uneasiness, she has good instincts. We're going to have to figure out what's going on with Bill and now we're also going to have to be even more on the lookout for someone trying to take my Sookie from me. I was hoping to be able to enjoy a few days here and show them the town now that Godric has been found and brought home safely. Unfortunately, other people keep getting in the way of my plans.

A/N: Sorry for the super long chapter, I just couldn't end Eric's POV, i hope you don't mind. It seems Sookie being with Eric, therefore closer to Godric, and Adele being there at all are changing Godric's views on things. Hopefully, they'll change his view enough that he realizes he'll do more being here and doing good rather than taking himself out of the equation all together.