Sookie's POV:

I had never felt so distraught in my life. How could anyone be so cruel to someone that they had never met? I skim through more comments underneath the articles that were circulating on the internet about me, Eric, and Alcide.

I put my phone face down on the floor and hang my head as I lean against the wall in the luxurious bathroom of the hotel suite. I didn't have anyone else to blame but myself for this uncompromising position I found myself in. I wish I had never looked through the internet on my cell for more gossip about us. But I had to know what they were saying.

"I hope Gran doesn't find out about this," I whisper to myself. "What a mess!"

"Sookie?" Alcide asks as he peeks behind the door. "Are you okay?"

I let out a deep sigh. "I'm fine."

He comes and squats down beside me. "You don't look fine."

"I can't believe this is happening. I'm being called such awful names on the internet. Like truly awful names! I mean I know that I should expect this. I've been mentally preparing myself for this kind of onslaught when we became engaged, but seeing it happen for real is truly awful," I reply glumly.

"I have some good news and some bad news," Alcide says as he pats my shoulder. "Come with me to the living room."

He helps me off the floor.

"So, what's the news?" I ask.

"The good news is, my publicists and management have drawn up a plan to help kill this story with Eric's management," he says as he sits on the sofa.

"Oh, I guess that's a relief," I say in a confused tone. I wasn't sure what the plan was, but the tone in his voice wasn't positive.

"The bad news is, we have to put on a show, for the media," he says. He picks up a few papers off the coffee table and piles them neatly.

"Okay…." I answer uneasily. "What do we have to do?"

"We have to show the world that there isn't anything going on between you and Eric. We'll be spending time with him and his girlfriend," he answers.

"Does he have a girlfriend?" I ask sounding confused.

"No, not yet. But by tomorrow, he will be in a serious relationship with someone his agency has set him up with," he says.

I sit on the opposite couch. We stay silent for a moment.

"And Eric has agreed to this?" I ask in astonishment.

"Apparently," Alcide replies.

I sit silently and ponder the situation even further. I knew that the work of publicists and managers were a huge cost for not only actors, but for other performers as well. I could only imagine how much money Alcide, not to mention Eric, had put towards my blunders. I'd only been in L.A. for a week and I was already making costly mistakes, not to mention putting unnecessary pressure on Alcide. Maybe this life wasn't meant for me. Alcide didn't deserve this and he deserved someone who wouldn't cause trouble for him.

Silent tears fall down my cheeks and I wipe them away quickly.

"Oh Alcide, I am so sorry for all of this," I sob.

He comes to sit beside me, "Sookie, this wasn't your fault. I could kill Quinn for what he did to you."

I sniffle. "I will be honest with you. I don't think I can handle this. I'm a simple girl from Louisiana. I've only ever had to worry about was putting food on the table and taking care of my Gran. Now, I've got strangers threatening me on the internet, people publishing articles about me, I'm sure they will be trying to call Gran, if they haven't already. I don't know Alcide. Maybe I should go home, let all this die down on its own."

"Sookie, I love you. I want you here with me," Alcide says.

"Then come back home with me," I plead.

"I would, but all this would still be here and I have huge commitments," Alcide says. "I owe it to all the people who worked hard on the movie and the studio who put money on the film to try my best to help the movie win awards this season. I can't just walk away."

I take a deep breath and lean back. "You're right. You're absolutely right. A lot of people depend on you."

"And besides, I called your brother to make sure that the press isn't harassing your Gran," Alcide says as he rubs my hand. "He gave her a brief summary of what happened and told her not to answer the telephone."

"Well I guess that's some good news too. I really hope Jason will take care of Gran," I say.

"We have a group date with Eric and his girlfriend tomorrow night," Alcide says.

"Okay," I respond.

I wasn't sure how to feel about that. I loved Alcide, but I didn't want to spend any more time with Eric. The more time I spent with him, the more I was reminded of the reasons why I had fallen hard for him when I was younger.

"Over here Alcide! Over here Sookie!" the photographers yell as Alcide and I make our way into the restaurant.

"That kind of attention is something I will never get used to," I say quietly as I follow Alcide to our table in the restaurant. But I had to get used to it, if I wanted to be with Alcide.

"Would you like anything to drink?" our server asks us.

"I'll take a sparkling water," I say, while Alcide orders a raspberry lemonade.

"They should be here soon," Alcide says as he checks his phone before putting it away.

"I can't wait," I say with feigned enthusiasm.

"Sorry we are late," Eric says as he and his date arrive.

I take a double take at the woman standing beside him. She was absolutely stunning. She was at least five or six inches taller than me. Her hair was longer than mine and she had the most beautiful caramel eyes I had ever seen. She had the facial features of one of those Greek statues. She smiles and nods towards me with a set of shiny, pearly white teeth in her mouth. She was definitely thinner that I was. Her slender fame was covered with a skin-tight black dress that had a very low v-neck in the front that barely covered her bosom. The bottom of her dress also barely covered her small but round behind.

"Alcide, Sookie, this is Freyda, Freyda Larsen," Eric says as he presents his 'girlfriend'.

"Howdy, it's nice to meet you," I smile as I stand to shake her hand.

"Hello," she says very elegantly. "It's good to meet two of Eric's friends."

I smile back at her.

Alcide politely greets her as well and afterwards we all sit down. I sit beside Alcide while Eric and Freyda sit together on the other side of the table.

"I guess we should order, did you two order some appetizers already?" Eric asks.

"No, we decided to wait for you," Alcide responds.

"Okay, I think the mussels and oysters are pretty good here," Eric says.

The server takes our orders. I sip on my water and stare across towards the other patrons in the restaurant.

"That's a pretty big crowd outside," Alcide says.

"Yeah, I think Pam kind of overdid it on who she called to get our photos," Eric replies.

"Yes, well, I think the more pics and coverage we get, the faster this story should die," Alcide says quickly.

We all sort of glance at each other uncomfortably for a few seconds, unable to think of what to say next. We were supposed to be acting like the best of friends, this plan wasn't going to work if we didn't try. I was about to say something but Freyda speaks.

"So, Sookie, Eric says you are from Bon Temps, Louisiana. What do you do there?" Freyda asks me.

"Oh, I work at a restaurant. I'm an assistant manager," I responded. Well, an unofficial assistant manager, only if Sam would finally give me that official title. I had busted my ass off for five years helping him grow his business. I doubt he would have been as successful without my help.

"So, you're not in the business? You could have fooled me Sookie. I thought that you might have been a model or actress. You are so beautiful, more beautiful than Eric described," she says.

"Oh, uh, thanks," I say as I start blushing.

We all have smooth and polite conversation throughout dinner for the next two hours. Freyda seemed nice, but at times, it didn't feel genuine. Like as though, she was trying to sell herself and merely tolerating my presence. She seemed to like Alcide and responded to him in a vague flirtatious manner, which Alcide and Eric seemed oblivious of. She also seemed to really like Eric. She would put her hand on his arm or thigh and would lean heavily close to him throughout dinner which Eric didn't mind at all.

"Hahaha, so I said you cannot expect me to wear stiletto heels on the beach," Freyda says as she tells us all another story about her perfect life.

The guys laugh as though she told the funniest joke on the planet, while I smile and force out a small laugh. It was annoying how she liked to talk about herself, all the time.

"Oh, Sookie, I like your dress, it so simple and pretty. Where did you find a navy coloured dress like that here in L.A.?" she asks.

"Um, I bought this from my friend's store in Bon Temps, called Tara's Togs," I reply. I was wearing a navy-coloured maxi dress that had white flower outlines all over. It also had a slit on one side.

She laughs lightly again. "I just can't get over your accent, it's so cute and quaint."

I force out a polite smile.

I was beginning to despise this woman.

"Should we head out to our next destination?" Eric says as he looks at Alcide, before he finally looks at me. It was the first time this whole evening that we locked eyes. Though we were both sitting at the same table, Eric and I didn't really interact at all during dinner. I think it was mainly because of Alcide. Though Alcide said that he was fine with what happened the previous night, I could tell that he wasn't completely over it. Not that I blamed him. If he went for a late-night car ride and coffee talk with his ex, then I would definitely have a problem with that. I was glad that Alcide was a very understanding man. Sometimes, I didn't know if I deserved him.

"Yes, I love to dance!" Freyda comments enthusiastically.

I feign another smile as we head out. Our next scheduled outing was a popular nightclub that most of the L.A.'s famous celebrities and rich people flocked to. I look down at my attire and wondered if my dress was the right choice for a posh club. I knew that I would get in because of Alcide and Eric, but I wondered if I would not meet the clubs' standards for attire. Freyda was certainly dressed for a night of clubbing.

I take a large gulp. Oh well, it was too late to change my clothes now.

"I think you too should go first, then we will be right after you," Eric says as we reach the door of the restaurant. I could hear the paparazzi talking amongst themselves outside.

"Ready Sookie?" Alcide asks me as he puts his arm around me. I squeeze his hand and smile at him.

Immediately we are met by a bombardment of flashing lights and photographers asking questions and asking us to smile towards their lens. Alcide gives them a small wave and smile and I follow his lead.

We get into an SUV. His manager had hired a driver to take us places for the night. Eric and Freyda had jumped into a different vehicle.

We arrive at the nightclub where we are greeted by more photographers. All of a sudden, Freyda grabs my hand and squeezes.

"Smile," she says in a low tone. We look towards the photographers. I give them a half-smile as we make our way into the club.

As soon as the cameras are out of range, she lets go of my hand and rushes to Eric's side. She whispers something into his ear and squeezes his arm. He laughs and puts his arm around her.

"Are you okay Sookie?" Alcide asks me.

"I'm fine," I say in a somewhat flippant tone. I was tired of Alcide asking me if I was 'okay'.

The club was full and the music was loud. The dance floor was packed with a crowd of energetic, young, and attractive people. We settle into a small table in the VIP section that overlooked the dance floor. I scan the room and notice a few familiar faces from TV and movies as wells as models and 'influencers'.

The waitress comes to take our drink orders and I order a gin and tonic.

I watch the crowd dance and gyrate to the hip-hop music. I glance toward my right to see Eric and Freyda practically in their own bubble. They were smiling and whispering into each other's ears, brushing against one another's' cheeks. The way Eric looked at her was making me feel uneasy. He was looking at her like she was the only woman in the world. He was looking at her the way he used to look at me.

I turn to stare despondently at the crowd.

"Did you want to go back to the hotel?" Alcide says into my ear which causes me to break the spell I was under.

"Oh, uh, not yet. Sorry, I was kind of hypnotized by the lights," I lie to Alcide. I take another swig of my drink and order another.

"I love this song! Madonna is so retro. Did you want to dance Sookie? I'm sure the boys would love to watch us," Freyda utters in a flirtatious tone as she eyes Eric, then Alcide.

"Sure," I answer with little enthusiasm in my tone.

Again, she takes my hand as she leads me to the dancefloor. The crowd gives us space as we begin to dance to the song. She moves her hips and chest in a seductive and smooth manner. She keeps her eyes on me as I dance along with her, trying to enjoy the song and atmosphere. A crowd begins forming around as they cheer for us. I up my dancing moves to keep up with Freyda, but to no avail. It was then that I realize that the crowd was cheering her on, and not me. Though there was no official contest, she was winning the dance-off by a landslide.

I sway my body rather stiffly waiting for the song to end. After the song is over, Freyda goes back to our table, I have to walk faster in order to keep up with her.

"Eric, would you like to dance with me?" Freyda asks loudly as she bends over Eric's shoulder. She was leaning down so steeply that I was pretty sure Eric saw her boobs.

"I would like that," Eric beams.

I sit back down next to Alcide as I watch the two of them walk to the dance floor and dance closely that they were practically dry-humping each other.

"I'm going to the men's room," Alcide says quickly that causes me to break from another trance. It was then that I realize that I was glaring at Eric and Freyda.

I take a deep breath and lean my head back. What the hell was I doing? Was I really acting like some crazy jealous woman over a man that I had no right to, while I was with my fiancé? I must be going crazy.

I had to stop this. My behavior wasn't fair to Alcide, Eric, or me. Alcide was the one that I loved and the one that I was marrying in a few months.

I take another sip of my drink and get up from the table, with the intention of looking for Alcide to apologize.

I make my way towards the hallway where the restrooms were. As I get closer, I run into someone that I was not expecting, someone that I did not wish to see ever again.

"Hey babe," Quinn says to me loudly in a gross, swarmy tone. His left cheek looked a little swollen, but there were no marks on his face, but I could tell that he was wearing layers and layers of makeup. "I didn't know that you would be here tonight. Did you want to get that dance in now or would you like me to buy you a drink?"

"No thanks," I say in a harsh tone.

"Awww babe why you gotta be like that?" he pouts in a sarcastic way.

"Look buster, leave me alone!" I say angrily as I point my finger at him.

"Quinn, you got a lot of nerve," Alcide says in a grave tone behind Quinn.

Quinn spins around quickly. "Hey Alcide! I was just asking your girlfriend if the two of you wanted to join me at my private booth."

"She's my fiancé," Alcide says in a fierce tone. "You are lucky that my future wife is here or else you'd be lying face down on the floor in a pool of your own blood. If I ever see you near my woman again, I will tear your hide to pieces!"

I walk around Quinn and stand by Alcide's side. Quinn trembles slightly, before jeering at Alcide.

"Now get the fuck out of my sight!" Alcide says angrily.

Quinn sneers at the both of us before walking away slowly.

"Let's get out of here," Alcide says.

I nod my head and take Alcide's hand. The ride back to the hotel is quiet. Alcide takes his leather jacket off and puts it on a chair. I put my purse down on a counter and walk up behind Alcide and wrap my arms around his waist, leaning my head against his back.

I take a deep breath as I listen to his breathing. "I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry for this horrible night."

"What are you sorry for?" he answers back.

I let go of him and he turns around to face me.

"For the way I was acting. I was being rude. Not just to you, but also to Eric and his date. I don't know what came over me, I know it shouldn't have bothered me, but it did. I wasn't jealous of them, I think I was envious at how easy it is for her. Handling the pressures of fame and all that attention. Freyda handled it all like a pro, not to mention how gorgeous she is and how thin she is….." my voice starts getting smaller. "I know I will never be as skinny as her, and I'm fine with that. It's just hard when strangers on the internet judge you by your waistline."

From my internet research yesterday, I was being called a 'whale' by hundreds of strangers in all the forums and they were all wondering why Alcide and Eric were spending time with me. I knew I wasn't slim, but I wasn't fat either. I had curves everywhere, even on my stomach.

"Sookie…" Alcide says as he breathes deeply. "You are the one that I want. You're everything that I've ever wanted and I've told you that ever since I met you. Yes, it did bother me with how you were behaving tonight. I was starting to think that you still wanted to be with Eric, from the way you were staring daggers at Freyda."

I go to stand close to him and put my hands on his arms. "I don't. I really don't want to be with him that way. But I was definitely jealous of her and how 'perfect' she is."

I let out a small chuckle. "And we still have to go on a few more group dates, not to mention the holiday in a couple weeks."

"You want me to cancel all of it?" Alcide says with a serious look on his face.

"Uhhh no. Too many people put a lot of effort to organize all of this," I tell him. "Time for bed?"

He gives me a smirk before he nods his head.

Alcide helps me out of my clothes by unbuttoning my dress from the back. He kisses the skin on the back of my neck as he does so. The dress falls off my body and he unclasps my bra. He puts his large hands on my breasts and begins massaging them, pinching my nipples at the same time. I reach back behind me to try and unbuckle his black slacks. He helps me by unbuttoning his pants, then he goes back to kneading my breasts as I lower his underwear. Immediately, I could feel his erection poking my back. His hands leave my breasts and move to the lower region of my body. He pushes my panties down and cups my sex, gently massaging my clit. He glides two of his fingers into my wet core which causes me to moan out loud at the sensation. After stroking his fingers inside me, I turn around and pull him into a kiss.

I was still new to the pleasures of sex and had only performed oral sex on him a few times. During those few times, he would direct me on how to pleasure him with my mouth. I push him towards our hotel suite bedroom and he takes off his shirt at the same time. I kiss his neck, then his chest, then make my way down to his hard cock. I run my tongue over his shaft and to his balls, before sucking on the tip. I swirl my tongue around him. My head bobs back and forth. He closes his eyes and breathes heavily. The look on his face was a positive indication that he was enjoying it. I was glad to be doing something right tonight.

I make my way back up to his face and push him down on the bed, then I climb on top of him and lower myself down onto his erection. We both moan in pleasure after he's fully sheathed inside me. I begin moving my hips, arching my back, just enjoying the warmth and feeling as his member continues to hit my g-spot. I lean down to kiss him sensually, still moving my hips. He puts his hands on my hips to help guide my rhythm and movements. I could feel my legs turning into jelly as I continue to straddle Alcide and ride him faster till I reach my first orgasm. I let myself enjoy the sensations briefly until I continue my efforts to make him cum. I lean forward again and bite his nipple which helps to unravel him as he finally climaxes inside me.

I slowly rock against him as he comes down from his orgasm. Afterwards I kiss his hot and sweaty chest as I lay on top of him.

"That was amazing," Alcide pants as he runs his hand along my back.

"Yes, I don't want to move," I reply back as I try to catch my breath.

"I don't you to either," he grins with a lazy smile on his face.

Eventually, I do. We clean up and lay back in our bed, holding each other.

"Alcide, I think I can do this," I say to him in a sleepy tone. "The whole charade, I mean. It's only a few weeks. I love you, and I want to do everything I can to not let anything come between us."

"I love you too Sookie," ALcide responds.

I could handle spending a couple more outings with Eric and Freyda, as well as a one week holiday, couldn't I?