AN: I hope you like this story. It's a departure from my normal light lemony goodness, but I felt compelled to write it. It's post-DAG and angst/drama. I understand that angst isn't for everyone, but I do promise that things will get better. Keep in mind thoug the old addage, it's always darkest before the dawn.

My thanks to Rox and FDM, whose beta skills and encouragement I could not have gotten this out!

--------------------------------------------------------------------

It had been six weeks since my kidnapping and living through the fairy civil war. I had been running on autopilot ever since I got back. There wasn't time to rest and I certainly wasn't going to give myself time to stop and think about things. There was simply too much to do.

The night Niall said goodbye, he kissed me on the forehead. At first I felt a general sense of wellbeing, but it didn't last. My great grandfather was saying goodbye forever. He was the only kin I had left, except for my brother. He had left the only remaining portal open for one month, and gave every fairy that remained here a choice to either settle their affairs and return to Faery or stay in this plane.

A week before the portal closed, both Niall and Claude came to see me. Niall wanted to say goodbye one last time. Claude had met some fairy at a Valentine's Day party and was returning back to Faery with him. Without Claudine by his side, he looked so lost. He was born a triplet, he lived as a twin, and now he was an only child. I hoped that whoever this guy was, he would love Claude as much as he needed.

The day the portal was closed for good, a package had arrived for me from some lawyer's office. Claude had put all his business stuff in order and turned it all over to me. It was a nice touch and I could use the extra money, but what the heck was I going to do with a strip club, let alone one that was in Monroe?

The note he left with it said that the place pretty much ran itself, and there was already a General Manager in place, Reed Davis. I popped over several times, once to introduce myself and then a few times to sign some paperwork and make sure everything was okay. However, this was so far removed from what I wanted to be doing; I was going to have to figure out what to do with it.

Amelia was a wreck before, during, and after Tray's funeral. Even Dr. Ludwig had to give her some tranquilizers to calm her down. Eventually, her father, Copley Carmichael, came and took her away for awhile. He decided that she needed a change of scenery, and knew a place where she could get some help and find some peace. He had offered to bring me along, but I declined.

I was content being alone and without anyone's scrutiny, it was pleasant, except I wasn't completely alone. Eric stayed at Bill's house during the day, and with me at night for the first few days after I got home, but it was getting on my nerves. Besides, he had his own businesses to run, and he was getting under foot. He did acquiesce and went back to Shreveport to tend to his own things, but he still came out to stay with me a few nights a week.

I wasn't sleeping much these days anyway. Whenever I did sleep, it was always fitful, especially when I was acutely aware of my nightmares. They always had the same theme – metal…always metal. Flashes of silver teeth and silver blades crossed my subconscious. I was surrounded by iron. Everything seemed to be made out of iron. I also saw images of people I loved who were gone or dead, and would try reaching out for them, only to have them vanish in a puff of smoke. I would feel the searing pain of having flesh gouged out or bitten into and would wake up in cold sweats. I refused to have anyone see me like that.

Bill was finally back at home, but I hadn't seen him since the hospital. According to Eric, he was slowly mending, and said it could be months before he was well again. Eric also tried explaining the healing process and was saying something about willing donors – both human and vampire – but I didn't want to hear it. It wasn't something I really wanted to know about. I had other things to deal with.

Speaking of dealing with other things, Jason and I were on slightly better speaking terms, but it was still going to take time to repair the damage he caused between us. He did seem to mature some after Crystal's murder. After all that happened, he was happy to be hanging around with his buddies again, even though Jason was a little distant with them.

I managed to talk Sam into letting me come back to work, although it took me begging and pleading with him. I still had a job at Merlotte's, but Sam was insisting I take as much time as I needed to heal. I didn't think I needed the time, and he needed the help. He just couldn't say no.

So that's where I was...stuck on autopilot, going to work, coming home, running errands and generally trying to stay busy. Everything I did had familiar undertones to it, yet it was different. I was going through the motions without any of the feeling behind it. It was as if something inside of me shut off or shut down. In a way, it was good to be numb, like having a constant extra skin to shield me from everything. Unfortunately, that extra skin weighed heavily on me. Not only did it prevent anything from getting in, it also prevented anything from getting out. However, I didn't see it, or maybe I didn't want to see it.

This evening I was at Merlotte's, but the way things were going I probably should have left, or at least Sam should have sent me home. Nothing was going right and I was spilling, dropping or breaking things. On top of it all, I wasn't doing a very good job at keeping my shields up.

It was a Sunday evening and Merlotte's was open because of a basketball game. Sam had installed a large screen TV and opened on Sunday for occasions like this. It was full of guys whooping and hollering at the screen and getting their drink on.

One guy was apparently getting his drink on a little too much and grabbed my ass. I poured his beer on his lap, and in my signature move, brought my tray down over his head. That's when Sam finally had it.

"Sookie, can I see you in my office for a minute?" He turned and walked away before I could discern the expression on his face.

I sighed and set my tray down, walking away from the noisy crowd. Standing in front of the office door, I took a deep breath and entered. I had a feeling this wasn't going to be pretty.

"Sam, before you say anything, he had it coming. He grabbed my butt. What was I supposed to do? Let him manhandle me?" So much for the 'I'm sorry' approach.

"Sookie, calm down. I saw what he did, and I'll deal with the jerk. But Sookie, you can't go around hitting people over the head like that. We could get sued."

Aww, I was so touched by his concern for my safety. My eyes narrowed. "Well, if you're worried about getting sued, then maybe I shouldn't be working here. After all, I'm such a huge liability, right?"

He was taken aback by my words. "Cher, that's not what I meant. I'm just saying…"

I cut him off before he could finish his sentence, my voice raised in anger. "Don't bother. I'll save you the trouble. I quit!"

I ripped off my apron and threw it on the ground in front of me. Sam rounded his desk, but before he could reach for me, I picked up my purse and stormed out the office, not stopping until I reached my car. Thankfully, the engine roared to life and my tires spun gravel as I screeched out of there. I only glanced in my rearview mirror once and saw Sam standing there with a worrisome look on his face.

I was fuming as I drove down Hummingbird Lane, but where was all this anger coming from? I decided the last thing I wanted was to be home alone, or at least where anyone could find me. I stopped the car in front of my driveway and thought about where I could go. That's when it hit me, and I did a U-turn and took off again.

The parking lot was empty when I arrived. Hooligan's was closed on Sundays, so I knew no one would be here. I fiddled with my keys until I found the right one and unlocked the employee entrance. I almost set off the alarm because I forgot for a moment what the code was, but it popped into my head. I was going to have to change that to something I'd remember more easily.

I walked past the employee lounge and dressing room and padded across the main floor to the bar. I hopped up on a swivel stool and threw my purse behind the bar. I propped my elbows on the bar and rested my head in my hands. I was slowly running out of steam, and it was only a matter of time before I stopped all together. Heaven help that day.

--------------------------------------------------------

ERIC

Sookie was driving me slowly insane. My wife, and that is exactly what I thought of her as, was shutting everyone out, including me. She was also closed off emotionally, and that wasn't good for either of us. Our bond was very strong, and for me not to feel her as much as I normally do, was very painful. It was as if someone had ripped a hole into my chest, and no amount of healing would close it.

I tried giving her the space she needed, but was always close by. I would never leave her again, no matter what. I knew having Sookie present the dagger in front of Victor would nullify any control Felipe thought he had over her. He now had to go through me to utilize her services. I just never thought he would go as far as to rein me in and not let me help her during the fairy civil war. Felipe's jealousy was rearing its ugly head, which for a vampire of his age and authority was not good.

Felipe was no fool though, which is why he allowed Bill to go with Niall to rescue Sookie. He was showing me that he had the power and the control over everyone under him. His fatal mistake though was telling me in front of witnesses that he did not want vampires to get mixed up in fairy matters. Yet, when it came down to it, he sent some of his best assets right into the thick of things.

Sookie was a powder keg and the flame was growing nearer. It was only a matter of time before she exploded. When she shut down internally, what she didn't realize was that I experienced the backlash from it. It was especially noticeable when she was in the throes of a nightmare, which happened frequently. She wasn't getting enough sleep, and I had my suspicions as to why. One night, while she lay in bed tossing restlessly, I searched her medicine cabinet and found a bottle of Sleep-Be-Gone pills. I shook my head as I put them back in place. This couldn't continue. I had to think of something. She was sinking fast and pulling me along with her.

Tonight was no exception. My lover was extremely upset about something. If it weren't for the fact that I was stuck behind this damn desk rifling through Area reports, I would have already been in that backwater town of hers, trying to comfort her. She had a hard time letting me in, letting me be there for her. I was patient. I had waited for her this long and I could wait a little longer. We never fully finished our talk about what the bond meant between us. I knew she did not trust her feelings, nor would she allow me to express how I felt about her. Soon…very soon it will all come to light. She will see.

A knock at the door brought my focus back to the pile of papers on my desk. "Enter."

"Master, there is a phone call for you. Shall I take a message?" Pam entered and bowed slightly. She was wearing her typical Sunday night outfit, which consisted of black leather pants, a red and black corset with neck choker, and her hair pulled up in a tight bun in the back. A smile curled at the corner of my lips as I remembered fondly of our time together behind the door of the locked room in my house.

"Master?" She once again pulled my focus back from my memories.

"Who is it?" Yes, who would dare disturb me in my momentary reverie?

"It's the shifter boss. He says he needs to talk to you about your…" She was hesitant to complete the sentence.

I raised an eyebrow. "My what, Pamela?"

"…your wife." The word tumbled from her mouth sarcastically as if silver had burned her tongue. I braced my arms on the desk and rose from my chair. "The shifter's tone, not mine Master. You know I would never disrespect your bonded. I actually like her."

Instead of chastising her, I held out my hand for the phone and waved her away with the other.

I clicked on the hold button. "What? Calling to ask me another favor? You still owe me from the first one."

He snorted, "Yeah, and look how well that turned out. Innocent people got killed, not to mention Sookie was almost killed, again."

I chose to ignore the remark about Charles. So much has happened since then. "So if it is not a favor, then why are you disturbing me?"

"Sookie quit."

"I beg your pardon?" Did he just say that my lover finally quit that job of servitude that was completely beneath her?

"She blew up at a customer, at me, and quit her job before speeding out of here. I tried going to her house to talk to her, but she didn't go home. I don't know where she is."

His concern, I knew, was genuine. "What made her blow up at the customer?"

"Uh, well, he grabbed her bottom. But that's not the point. She should have handled it better, or called me or Terry over. As it is, she's been late a lot and either in a robot-like state, or snippy to customers. She's also been pretty clumsy lately, like her mind is elsewhere. I didn't want her to quit."

It sounded like the flame was getting closer to that keg of powder. My lover, where have you gone to? I knew it was only a matter of time. "I can't say that I am displeased that she has quit that depressing place you call a bar."

His temper flared at my obviously snide comment. "Look, I was just trying to be polite and tell you what happened tonight, okay? I care about her and don't want to see her like this. You're supposed to be her husband, aren't you? Why aren't you caring for her like you should? Why aren't you out there finding her right now? How come I had to be the one to call you and tell you your wife was missing?"

"Calm your temper shifter, or I'll have you fixed. Firstly, I did not know she was missing. Secondly, I appreciate you calling and telling me what happened tonight. Lastly, if she quit that backwater saloon of yours, I can't say that I'm upset about it. It was a job beneath her talents."

I hung up not waiting for a response. Sookie was missing and this blasted paperwork would have to wait. I couldn't have her running around all over town unprotected, especially since there was a real possibility that Dermot was still out there. I picked up my car keys and motioned to Pam to lock up as I exited through the back.

My first stop was to her house. The lights were off, except for the porch lights, and her car wasn't in the driveway. I pinpointed that she must have stormed out at the same time I felt her anger rise. However, that was a couple of hours ago. Why the hell did the shifter wait, so long before calling me? I could have probably tracked her by now.

I closed my eyes and tried to concentrate on her, trying to sense which direction to go, but she felt far from here. Plus with her closed off, it was harder for me to track her. My fists clenched as I realized I was helpless in this situation. The only thing I could do was wait and hope she showed up before daybreak.

-----------------------------------------------------

SOOKIE

I poured yet another gin and tonic for myself as I sat there, contemplating my actions of earlier this evening…hell, my actions over the past couple of years. I wanted my life back. I wanted what was stolen from me…all of it, not just what Neave and Lochlan took, but going all the way back to when I first met Bill. Bill stole my innocence and trust, not because he truly loved me, but because he was ordered to.

I may have forgiven him, but deep down, I resented it, resented the hell out of it. Because of him insinuating himself into my life, I'd been shot, stabbed, staked, raped, mauled, hunted like an animal, and tortured.

He wasn't the only one. I'd been used so many times by so many people, that I felt like an old, dirty dishrag that should have been discarded long ago. Alcide, Quinn, Eric…they all used me.

Eric was the worst though, I thought as I drank down the remaining drops in my glass. He tricked me into giving him that dagger, and now we were supposedly married. I never did let him finish his admissions that night he tended to my wounds. I knew what he wanted to say. Maybe I didn't want to hear it right then. I couldn't even trust that what I was feeling was me or him coming through the bond. Again, not something I wanted to deal with right now.

On top of that, he didn't even come to rescue me. He sent Bill, and look where that got Bill. Eric tried explaining to me about Felipe's orders and such, but since when did Eric take orders that threatened his property and assets? This rounded my thoughts back to the feeling of being used, a pawn to be tossed around from player to player. Well, no more. My last thought before my head hit the bar was that this pawn is not up for grabs any longer.

-----------------------------------

I think I tried to pour myself another gin and tonic, but I must have missed the glass because when I awoke, it was still dark out, and tonic water had pooled on the counter. I stumbled off the stool and managed to clean it up and replace the bottles in their correct spots.

I wasn't exactly drunk, but I was definitely tired and more than a little buzzed. It was so wrong of me to get behind the wheel, but a new Sookie had been born tonight. This was someone who didn't care any longer about anything or anyone. No one was going to put me first in their lives, so I was going to put me first.

Somehow I managed to make it all the way to Hummingbird Lane without crashing, and pulled up behind the house. Before I could remove my seatbelt, my door swung open and I saw a pair of long legs and a waist standing there.

"Eric, what are you doing here?" I was in no mood to deal with him.

"I have been waiting for you lover." He leaned down and his concerned look was endearing…not.

He jerked his head back at the odor of alcohol lingering around me. "Let me help you inside."

I swatted his hands away. "I can make it inside my house on my own two feet, thanks."

Stumbling out of the car, I steadied myself on the hood as I made my way to the steps. Even if I had to crawl on my hands and knees, I'd make it on my own. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see him following at a safe, but close enough distance. Once I was on the porch, I rummaged around in my purse and pulled out my house keys.

As I stepped into the kitchen, Eric was lingering in the doorway, still looking at me with pity and concern. Not tonight, not ever, did I want to see that look from anyone ever again.

He stepped into the kitchen and was about to open his mouth, when I firmly shut it with words I didn't think I'd ever say again. "Eric, I rescind your invitation."

I left him standing on the porch looking stunned, as I ran for the bathroom and heaved into the toilet. After I cleaned myself up and got ready for bed, I practically crawled on top of the bed and curled into a fetal position.

It serves me right for drinking my problems away. Serves him right for thinking he could just show up unannounced and be so high-handed with me. I shouted to the bedroom ceiling, "You may have 1,000 years on me, but you don't always know what's best for me!"

--------------------------------

It was definitely daylight when I woke up. I threw the covers over my head and drowned out the sunlight. Ugh, even that made my head hurt. Drifting in and out of a hangover induced sleep, I finally rolled out of bed and looked at my alarm clock. It was already two o'clock. Oh my god, I was going to be late for work! I jumped up and ran to the shower, but stopped short of turning on the water. I stood there and groaned, realizing I had quit last night. Well, I meant what I said. I wasn't going back to that place, and not for the first time, did I feel my life spiraling downward and out of control.

I looked out the door and over to my bed. I could just sleep away the day, but something told me I needed to keep moving. I peeled off my clothes and turned on the water. While the steam permeated the room, I grabbed a couple of aspirin and downed them with some water.

After about twenty minutes in the shower, the alcoholic fog began to lift from my brain. I dried off and changed into some jeans and a comfy sweater and headed to the kitchen. Food. I needed to nourish my body after all the toxins I poured down my throat last night.

As much as making eggs and sausage made me want to vomit again, I managed to stave it off until I was done cooking. I poured myself a glass of orange juice and headed out to the front porch to eat. Eric's car was no longer out front, which hopefully meant he was in Shreveport. I can't believe I actually rescinded his invitation last night. What was I thinking?

Half way through my meal, I threw on a pair of flip flops and made my way down to the mailbox. Bill, bill, junk mail, bill, junk mail… envelope, junk mail. Wait, envelope? I took it back to the porch and scanned the outside for the sender. It was a plain white envelope with just Sookie scrawled across the front.

I wasn't prepared for what was inside, but I read it anyway.

Sookie,

It is my wish that you find your inner light again. The turmoil brewing inside of you is but a drop of the maelstrom which awaits you if you do not open up again. Last night, I only wished to comfort you, to help you in your healing process. Do not shut me out. Know that I will always be nearby if you need anything. I am but a whisper away. You never let me finish telling you that night how I felt about you, and soon I want to tell you aloud and in person. But for now, know that I do love you.

E.

A whisper away? Just how far did he go? Crap, did he just say he loves me? Why did he have to write something like that? Eric was not usually a touchy feely kind of vampire, so for him to write this, I must have really shaken him last night when I forced him to leave.

I fought against the tears that threatened to spill out. I didn't cry for any of the losses, and I certainly didn't cry for myself. I was not going to let this note be the one thing that finally broke me. Trying to enjoy what remained of the day, I wandered around the yard to keep my mind off of things. It was February, now and that meant temperatures were on the rise already in Louisiana. Many on the east coast were feeling the effects of winter, but here, in our little part of the world, it was spring-like weather during the day and cool at night.

I didn't like gardening all that much, but maybe I'd try planting a few flowers or vegetables this year. I wandered closer to the cemetery and noticed that one of the trees had a branch that was bending at a very odd angle, almost as if it had snapped and was dangling there. Upon further inspection, I realized it was bent, but not broken. I gave a little chuckle, at how much that branch reflected my own life.

After spending the remainder of the day on the couch watching movies and sleeping off my headache, I was itching to get out. Since I didn't have a job to go back to, and was ignoring phone calls from friends, I thought about the one place that no one would recognize me and that I could escape to.

Scouring my closet for just the right thing to wear, I came up with a skin tight pair of black pants and a low-cut button down blue blouse. The blouse was a little tight, and it pushed my breasts up and out, but it was very appropriate. I finished getting ready and then drove over to the club just as it got dark out. This was my place now, my sanctuary away from everyone.

I entered through the back and made my way through the semi crowded room of onlookers. One of the dancers was up on stage performing to a sensual beat. Spotting Reed at the corner of the bar, I walked up to him and greeted him.

"So, how's it going tonight?"

He looked a little puzzled. "Not bad, a little slow, but that's to be expected on a Monday night. It might pick up a little later. So what are you doing here?"

"I thought I'd hang out in the office tonight, get used to being here. I've decided to take a more active roll in the club. I hope you don't mind."

"Not at all, but what about your other job? Aren't you working at Merlotte's?"

I shook my head. "Not anymore. I quit. Besides, I can pull in more money with this place than I ever could have there. Don't worry; I'm not going to step on anyone's toes, especially yours. You're doing a great job Reed. I just want to take on more of an owner's roll."

He was very nice about the whole thing. "I think that's good. If I can help you with anything, you know, learning the ropes and such, I'll be happy to help."

"Well that's just great. I'll be back in my office for now. Do me a favor though, if anyone comes here looking for me, you haven't seen me okay?"

He smiled and saluted me. "Aye aye boss."

For the first time in a long time I laughed as I walked back to the office and began rifling through the drawers and papers. If I was going to own this place, I might as well learn all I could about it.

Maybe what I needed to do was reinvent myself. I already felt empty inside, like some part of me was damaged beyond repair. There was such a hollow feeling growing, like a deep abyss that was consuming me from the inside out. Maybe this was a way to fill that void, to shed my old self and create a new self…one that wasn't in pieces. That night I spent most of my time in the office, but occasionally came out to watch some of the dancers.

They moved so fluidly and sensually to the music, it was amazing. I considered myself a good dancer, but you could tell some of these girls really worked out to be able to control their movements, especially if they were working with props or the pole. It kind of made me wish I could dance like that.

I stayed past closing to help Reed count up the daily receipts and enter everything into the computer. He made out the deposit for me to take to the bank the next day, before taking off for the night. I was the last one out, but I thought I'd poke around for awhile instead of leaving right away.

The dressing room was neat and tidy and all the costumes were hung on the rack. I looked through them to see what the dancers wore and spotted an outfit that didn't have anyone's name on it. It was a pair Daisy Dukes and a cropped red checkered blouse. It looked like just the sort of thing a sexy country girl would wear.

I stood, staring at the outfit for a good five minutes before checking the size. It would be a perfect fit for me. Was I really going to do this? Heck, why not? I owned the place and no one was here.

Once I had the outfit on, sans bra, I sashayed onto the stage. I closed my eyes and pretended to hear a song playing in the background and began swaying to it. Remembering the dancer's moves from earlier, I mimicked some of them. A couple of times I even grabbed the pole and swung around it. Wow, it was the most natural feeling ever.

The music grew louder and I seductively unbuttoned my blouse. I didn't expose my breasts, but I teased my pretend audience, showing as much skin as I dared. I could even hear someone whistling at me and clapping. It was only then that I realized the music wasn't in my head, but really coming from the sound system. I looked around and saw a figure moving into the light.

I was just about to scream, when I saw who it was. "Reed, you scared the heck out of me. I thought you left." I buttoned up my blouse quickly.

"Sorry boss, I forgot something and had to come all the way back. You know, you're really good up there. You should dance for the audience some time."

"Who me? No, I could never do that."

"I'm just saying…if you ever wanted to, you'd be a natural. At least ask one of the girls to teach you a few moves. I'm sure they'd love to. Well, I have to get going. See you tomorrow night."

As Reed was leaving, I ran back to the dressing room and quickly changed. Before I knew it, I was back home in the semi comfort of my own house. Exhausted, I washed up and threw myself into bed.

For the next week, this was my life. Sleeping in late, getting to Hooligan's before dark and getting home as close to sunrise as I could manage. I also got in some practice after closing, which is how I was able to make it home so close to morning.

After Reed mentioned how natural I was on the stage, I had decided to stay after closing every night and work on a routine a little. Even on Sunday, one of the dancers, Daphne, came in and worked with me on movements and using props, like the pole or feathers. I was never going to do this in public, but it was fun to learn, and it was giving me some good exercise.

Thankfully, no more notes were left for me on my door, and no phone calls came my way. Maybe people finally got the hint and left me alone. So how come when I got to the club Monday night, I knew that things were going to end differently?

________________________________

ERIC

Driving back to Shreveport I still couldn't believe that she rescinded my invitation just like that. No explanation, no nothing. That was not like her at all, but then again, she hadn't been acting like herself ever since she came home. Perhaps it was the alcoholic state she was in that made her do it. It wasn't like her to be intoxicated like that. I should have chastised her for disregarding her safety and climbing behind the wheel in her condition, but I fear it would have fallen on deaf ears. Instead, I left her the note in the hopes that she would feel differently and then I spent the night at Bill's.

He was looking less pale than the last time I saw him, which was good. I could at least report to Felipe that his best moneymaker was on the mend. When it was safe for me to venture out for the evening, I made my way over to Sookie's house, but she was already gone for parts unknown. I have a plethora of resources at my fingertips. Surely someone can tell me where she's going. I wasn't giving up on her. She was mine, and one way or another I would show her that I only wanted to comfort her, protect her, and love her.

Sitting behind my desk once again, I had to compartmentalize my feelings for my lover so I could concentrate on the paperwork that had grown larger since I was last here. I made a quick phone call and then plowed into the stack in front of me.

By the time my guest had arrived, I was already through any Area business and reports, and onto Fangtasia business. I had just finished payroll when Pam knocked on my door.

"Enter Pam." There was no need to pretend I didn't know who it was. I felt her approaching.

"Master, Bobby is here to see you." She bowed slightly and left Bobby standing in my doorway.

"Come in and sit down." I dispensed with the niceties and was speaking with a gruff tone.

"Yes, Master. How may I help you tonight?" Technically he was supposed to be off the clock, but he was to be available to me whenever I needed him.

"I need you to find Sookie for me. She seems to have taken it upon herself to evade everyone, and I want to know where she is going. Since you are able to move about during the day and evening, I want you to follow her and tell me where she is going."

The look on is face was one of disdain. His attitude toward Sookie was wearing thin, and it was going to stop now. "I have no idea what your problem is with her, but you will do well to temper your anger towards her. I told you before that I will not release you, nor will I tolerate any ill will toward my lover. You will carry out my order and it will be done willingly, or you will find yourself in very unfortunate circumstances. Do..?"

He was trembling as he nodded and left my office. Good. Perhaps I should have released him when he had asked, but part of me liked screwing with him and keeping him under foot. He would do well to follow my orders though. Any other Sheriff he tried to serve would not be so tolerant of his attitude.

Once that was over, I finished the books and moved out to the front. My boredom was palpable and all I wanted to do was drive back to her house, but no. I would wait for Burnham's report first. I loved her, but I refused to chase after her like some lovesick puppy.

It took several days for Burnham to report back to me. I had issued his task on Tuesday night and it was now Sunday night. He had checked in with me once and said he had a lead, but that was Thursday. As I sat in my booth, I waited for him to arrive and he was already late. He had kept me waiting for almost an hour, and I did not wait patiently.

When I did see him come in, I motioned him toward my office and followed behind. As soon as I shut the door, I grabbed him by the neck and slammed up against the wall.

I was snarling as my fangs ran down. "Do you enjoy your life Robert Burnham? If you EVER keep me waiting like that again, you won't have to worry about enjoying anything ever again!"

I dropped him, and he choked and gasped for air. I sat down behind the desk and leaned forward, speaking in more of a business tone. "Now, tell me what you found out."

He rubbed his neck and cautiously sat down in front of me. "As you know the fairies have returned to their plane, including a… Claude Crane." He looked down at his paperwork to make sure the name was correct.

I knew about the fairies, but did not know that Claude returned as well. "Yes, I am aware of that. What does that have to do with Sookie?"

"Apparently, he turned over ownership of a place called Hooligan's to her. It's a strip club in Monroe."

He glanced at me with the hopes that he had given me exactly what I needed. "Leave the report with me. You're dismissed."

He stood, but hesitated to leave. My eyes narrowed, "What is it?"

"I…just…"

"Quit stammering and spit it out."

He slid back down in the chair. "I just thought you should know that I wasn't the only one following her."

"Explain what you mean by that?" I was out of my seat and hovering over him now.

"I…uh… on a couple of occasions there was an unmarked black car following her. I don't know who they were, but if you ask me, they looked like they were undercover cops or on a stakeout. Oh, and some guy seemed awfully interested in her, and was watching her from a distance a couple of times at the club. At first I thought it was that stupid brother of hers, but there was something different about him."

Leaning back against the desk, I crossed my arms over my chest. "You may leave now."

I never saw him scurry out of my office so fast. So the FBI was still keeping tabs on her, as well as Dermot. I had an inkling that he had not returned to Faery when the portal closed. Now, he was probably stalking her for revenge for Breandan's death.

I flipped through the financials contained in the dossier Bobby left. Hmm…my lover owns a strip club now. This was an interesting development. I found the phone number for the club among the papers and dialed. The voice message said they were closed on Sundays. I would wait. Now that I knew where she was spending her time, I would go to her. She could not ignore me any longer.

------------------------------------

The place was not that crowded as I stepped inside on Monday night. Of course, I got there about an hour before closing. I watched a dancer shaking her body all over the stage and prancing about. She definitely had talent and assets to lure the men. Given the right amount of marketing, this place could do very well.

I scanned the place and it wasn't as bad as I imagined it to be. The interior could use some painting and it was in need of some new decoration, but other than that, it was certainly not one of those sleazy backwater joints you never want to walk into. Give the fairy credit…he had good taste.

As the last dancer exited the stage and people began filtering out, I hid in the shadows. I hadn't seen her yet, but I could sense her. She was here. It was only a matter of time before she showed herself.

Once the last employee left, a young man placed a stereo on the stage and called out. "Hey Sookie, I got it set up for you. I'll see you tomorrow night, hon."

I clenched my fists. What right did he have to call her that? I relaxed my fists and watched as a blond figure stepped out onto the stage. She pressed a button on the stereo and music began playing a sultry tune.

"You've been a bad bad boy, I'm gonna take my time so enjoy…"

I watched in amazement as she swayed her body seductively across the stage, and I was instantly hard. She had on low cut jean shorts. I recognized them once from a magazine of Pam's. She had called them Daisy Dukes I think. She was also wearing a cropped, pink checked shirt that was tied at the bottom and only had a couple buttons.

"I got you breaking into a sweat. Got you hot, bothered, and wet you nasty boy."

My eyes widened as she grabbed the pole to the left of the stage and wrapped her leg around it, swinging herself around several times. On the last swing, she lowered herself into a split and crawled toward the front of the stage.

"Now you better give me a little taste. Put your icing on my cake you nasty boy."

She teased her pretend audience as she slowly removed her top and shorts. She worked the stage and the pole through most of the song wearing only a thong, and I was mesmerized by her movements. My fangs descended and I was growing impossibly harder. I took a few steps forward and shook my head to clear it. Focus damn it. This isn't the time.

"Now that you're ready, give it to me. Just give me that hot, sweet, sexy loving."

She never noticed me approaching the stage and I pulled up a chair to sit down, my prominent erection displayed through my jeans. When the song ended, she was panting a little from her "workout".

"Your late night practicing has certainly paid off, lover," I called out, and she whirled around, surprised to see me there.

---------------------------------------------

AN: So, before you pick up your pitchforks and torches, let me assuage a burning question you may have…. No I am not planning on making Sookie a stripper – unless at some point she wants to give Eric a private show LOL.

Also, you may be upset that she rescinded Eric's invitation, but realize that she's not herself right now. Bare with her, though… she's been through a lot.

For those wondering about the song, it's Nasty Naughty Boy by Christina Aguilera.