A/N: Yes, I'm still alive. Thanks for all the love you guys have been showing this story. And for those who guessed after last chapter, some of you got the car right – it's the make and model that our favourite (single!) Swedish doctor drives.

Some of you have made comments about how different Sophie Anne seems in this story compared to the SVM books. I actually never found her to be bad in the books. Sookie actually seemed to like her, and Eric respected her, so I don't see her as being all that different here, except for the whole Bill aspect (which QSA kind of apologized for, in her own way, in the 6th book).

Anyways, hope you enjoy this one, and hopefully it won't be quite as long until the next one. Thanks for sticking with me!

Shortly after Mr. Cataliades had left, there was another knock on the door.

I opened the door to reveal a rather pale and stern looking man. Since it was my new job, I allowed my shields to drop and listened in to his thoughts.

'Must have no gag reflex or have some crazy skill the other fangbangers don't. Don't know why else Master Eric would buy her a car. Living in a rundown shack. Maybe her pussy...'

I tuned out then. I didn't need to know what skills I apparently had, or what skills the fangbangers Eric played with did.

Despite the thoughts he had about me, he spoke in a professional manner. "Miss Stackhouse?"

"Yes, that's me," I replied.

"My name is Bobby Burnham and I am Mr. Northman's daytime representative. I have come to deliver your new car."

I looked out past Bobby and saw my new Audi sitting in the driveway. It was even more gorgeous than I expected.

I must have had a look of awe on my face because Bobby's thoughts came through again. 'Dumb hick. Nowhere near worthy of Master's attentions. Don't know why the car when a mule would probably do for her. She's probably fucking him for his money and power. Fucking better not screw him over. Nice tits, though.'

I could kind of see where the jerk was coming from with his thoughts, as much as I hated to admit it to myself. Eric obviously didn't tell him that I was a telepath, so why else would he be buying me a car? I must therefore be a 'pet.' And his thoughts had a tenor of protection to them – it was good to know that he was quite faithful and trustworthy to Eric, even if I wanted to smack him upside the head.

I shook my head slightly to snap myself out of the daze I was in with regards to Bobby's thoughts and my shiny new car and realized that my manners had evaded me. "I'm so sorry Mr. Burnham; would you like to come in? We have a fresh jug of lemonade if you'd like some."

"No thank you, Miss Stackhouse. I'm just here to drop off the car and take your old one. Would I be able to see some identification to verify that you are who you say you are before I leave you with the vehicle?" 'Wouldn't put it past a small town whore to pretend to be someone else just to get a $125,000 car. She does fit Master Eric's description of blonde, blue-eyed and beautiful with outstanding breasts.'

"Yes, of course," I said, turning to grab my purse and trying to hide my blush. Eric said those things about me?

After checking and verifying my identification, Bobby and I headed outside so that I could empty my old car of any items it held. Bobby then handed me my new car keys and I reluctantly forfeited my old ones. Though I could fully admit that my old car was a piece of crap, it was MY piece of crap. I had saved up and bought it myself, and it had been mine for a while now.

"Have a good afternoon, Miss Stackhouse, and enjoy your new vehicle."

"Thank you, Mr. Burnham. Enjoy the rest of your day." We nodded to each other and he slid into my old car and drove it away.

As reluctant as I had initially been to be given a new car, especially one so expensive, I had to admit that it was beautiful. And when I drove it to work, I'll admit I took a 'scenic route' to keep driving longer. It was absolutely spectacular. But the longer drive was also to put off going to work. I was not looking forward to telling Sam about the changes to my schedule, let alone my life!

I arrived about 30 minutes early so that we could discuss everything. I knew he'd want to know all about my discussion with the vampires, but I don't think he'd expect the outcome. And I was right.

"You mean to tell me that you're now working for those bloodsuckers? Dammit Sook, you should have let me be there when you spoke to them!" He ran his hand through his messy hair in frustration.

"What difference would it have made, Sam? I didn't have much of a choice in the matter. At least this way things are sort of being done on my own terms. And Sophie-Anne doesn't seem too bad. Neither do Eric or Pam." I made sure not to use their titles when mentioning the vampires, as humans (aside from me) weren't to know about their politics.

"You have no idea what you've gotten yourself into! They'll take over your life. They're already making you leave town every month. And now you're going to have to spend time at that damn fangbanger bar in Shreveport? You're going to be turned into some sort of blood whore! Fuck, Sookie, you can't trust them."

"I also can't hear them," I said, which pulled him up short. Sam knew, and accepted that I was 'different' and what a struggle it could be for me when I was surrounded by thoughts. "Sam, it's done," I said, continued. I was actually becoming happy with the fact that I was going to help out by using my telepathy. It had always been a curse to me, so it was sort of a relief to think that it could be used for good. "I'm excited to start working for them, and I'm quite protected through my contract."

He shook his head in begrudging acceptance and pulled me into a hug. "I just worry about you, cher. I just don't want you to get hurt." 'Love you. Lose virginity... Eric. Bastard. Could be mine.' I got one of my few brief unwanted glimpses into Sam's mind. I knew he had feelings for me, but he never acted on them. And he thought I'd have sex with Eric?

"Sam, I'll be fine. I promise I'll do whatever I can to stay safe. And people like me are hard to find. Do you really think they'll let anything happen to me?

I knew that Sam still hadn't really accepted things, but he had no say in the matter, unless it affected my work performance. And since it gave the other waitresses extra shifts, he couldn't complain about my scheduled days of working with the vampires. And Eric had promised to provide waitress from Fangtasia if needed on my unscheduled ones.

After our discussion, I headed out for my shift, which passed as normal, save for the sad, longing glances that Sam sporadically shot my way.

After performing my closing duties, I pulled out my new cell phone to call Fangtasia as I headed out to my car.

"Fangtasia. Blood, bites, blah blah blah," camethe droll voice over the phone. I couldn't hold back a laugh. "Hi Pam. It's Sookie."

"Sookie!" She perked up, "How fares my new favourite breather?"

"I'm doing well, my favourite snarky vampire," I replied with a smile. I really did like what I had seen so far of Pam. "I need to speak to your high handed maker for a minute, but I had a favour to ask of you."

I could hear the noise level lowering, so I knew she was heading towards Eric's office. "You wish for me to be the one to initiate you into the world of sex? Very well, I accept." I heard a faint growl in the background.

I knew that I started blushing, but was also smiling. "Pam, if I ever find myself interested in women, you'll be my first pick."

"Vampires have sensational memories, Sookie. Know that I'll hold you to that. And tight to my spectacular body." Again with the growl. Either Fangtasia had gotten a dog, or she was teasing Eric. I couldn't help but laugh again.

"What is this favour you need of me?" She asked.

"I have to go to New Orleans this weekend and have my first night at Fangtasia next week, and I kind of figure that my sundresses, bikinis and Merlotte's uniforms won't quite be considered appropriate attire. I know I've only seen you looking like a dominatrix, but I figure you don't look like that outside of work, and you'd know what I should buy and was hoping you'd be willing to go shopping with me some night this week. If it's convenient, get off work early tomorrow and have the next day off."

"I'm in, assuming Eric lets me have the night off." I could picture her raising her eyebrow at him. I heard a grunt before Pam continued, "tomorrow night. Though I don't think anyone would be disappointed seeing you in a bikini. Or naked. Or in my dominatrix gear."

I smiled and ignored her goading. "Pick you up at Fangtasia at 9 in my new car? Assuming it survives running over your maker repeatedly at high speeds."

She laughed as she agreed and handed the phone to Eric.

"Sookie, my lover. Do you not appreciate my gift?"

"Flowers are gifts. Chocolates and teddy bears are gifts. A $125,000 car is... I don't know what word fits that. It's too much, Eric. And I am not your lover."

"Sookie, I have explained this to you. Your old car would not survive the year given the amount of travelling you'll be doing to and from Shreveport, let alone New Orleans. And you are not my lover yet."

I ignored his last statement. "You could have gotten me another used car. Or something small and cheaper. Or just let me save up to get my own..."

"Vampires are the reason you need a new car right now, so they should be the reason you have one. Besides, I wouldn't be caught finally dead in that death trap of yours, and I may need to travel with you on occasion."

"But why not something cheaper? You seriously..."

He cut me off, "Sookie, you will come to learn that I never do anything half-assed. Anything worth doing is worth doing well, and that includes cars. And sex, of course. I only give the best, and you deserve a reliable vehicle. Besides. I have had over 1000 years to save money. Do not concern yourself with cost."

I gulped. That's a hell of a lot of money.

"Eric..." I paused.

"I believe the words you are looking for are 'Thank you for the kind gesture, my sex god. I greatly appreciate the car and its roomy backseat in which I plan to someday fuck you.'."

I had to laugh. "Thank you for the car, Eric. It really is spectacular. And thanks for giving Pam the night off tomorrow."

I heard a faint knock in the background before Eric called for them to enter. I heard a feminine voice, though her words were muffled.

"Sookie," Eric said abruptly, "I must be going." And he hung up the phone.

I stared at my phone in shock at his sudden departure for a few moments before I realized that the voice I had heard was his meal for the night.

I ignored the twinge I felt in my chest. 'Slutty. Gorgeous but slutty. And your boss.'

I made it through the next day at work with only a few yearning looks from Sam. But even that couldn't bring me down from the good mood I felt at knowing I would be spending the night getting to know Pam, and shopping with her.

Gran had always made sure that Jason and I never wanted for anything important, but we never had the money to buy anything more than the necessities. I now had a credit card with an insane limit just to buy miscellaneous things for my new job, plus an expense account set up at a few stores both in Shreveport and New Orleans, where Sophie-Anne, Eric and Pam thought I would find suitable attire, and which had night-time hours. It was a little overwhelming actually.

I headed home after my shift to shower and change for my shopping excursion. Even though I had already done so that morning, I washed my hair again before making sure my legs, underarms and bikini area were smooth. I remembered reading somewhere that you should try to look your best when shopping so you could accurately judge how you would look in the clothes you'd be walking out with. So I blow dried my hair and put on a slight bit of make-up (just some mascara and gloss), and a comfortable sundress that was quick and easy to pull on and off.

After enjoying dinner with Gran, I headed out at about 8:00, since it took almost an hour to get to Fangtasia from home. Earlier in the day I had figured out how to work the Sirius/XM radio and was singing along to the 80s station as I enjoyed the smooth ride to Shreveport.

I pulled into the parking lot and got out of the car with a smile on my face. As I walked to the entrance, I realized that I already felt more confident than I had just two nights ago when I came to introduce myself. Sure, I still looked like an outsider in my sundress, this one was yellow, but I didn't have the same uncertainty about what I was doing and what the other patrons thought of me.

Besides, despite his slutty status, I knew that the owner wanted to have sex with me, so I was one point ahead of the masses who craved his attentions. Or those of Pam's.

I was making my way to the back of the line when Pam came out of a side door. Pam, who was dressed in a pink tweed twinset. I couldn't hold back the smile that crossed my features when she approached.

"My favourite human. You look positively edible," she said with a leer. At least, despite the soccer mom clothing, she was still Pam.

"My favourite bloodsucker, you look quite nice as well. And much more comfortable," I replied as we headed towards my car.

"Psshh, fashion over function, my darling, as you will learn tonight. But yes, I much prefer these clothes to the horrors that Eric insists I wear. Why he is permitted to wear jeans and t-shirts while I must dress like an outcast from a gothic porno, I don't comprehend."

I laughed as I replied, "Eric may be gorgeous, but I don't think he has the breasts to pull off your Fangtasia wear."

Pam laughed loudly in response, so loudly that the fangbangers in line heard and looked our way in surprise. Pam moved to the line at vampire speed and bared her fangs at the patrons with a hiss before coming back, smile still on her face. "You and I are going to be great friends," she stated simply.

Nearly four hours later, and I was waiting for Pam to take back her offer of friendship, because I was pretty sure she was trying to torture me.

"For fuck's sake, Sookie. You will be working at a vampire bar at a job that requires you look inconspicuous. Which means you must fit in. Which therefore means you must dress like a fangbanger!"

At first I had enjoyed shopping with Pam. Trying on evening gowns and cocktail dresses made me feel gorgeous, and I loved how strong and self-assured I felt in the business wear But she was so darn picky, and scared off multiple fitting room attendants with her demands. And, of course, she insisted on accompanying me into the fitting rooms, and also on helping me into the clothing. It's amazing how few times it takes for you to give up fighting a vampire adjusting your cleavage.

And then when we would find something, we had to find the perfect shoes. And the shoes were gorgeous. But never anything lower than 3 inches. Four or more inches for evening gowns, three to five for cocktail dresses, and three inches (never higher or lower) for business wear. My feet were already screaming.

And underwear? I had never been so embarrassed when shopping for undergarments. Not even when I first grew my breasts, and while on a shopping excursion with Gran and Jason, she insisted we go shopping for a bra. My horndog brother, then at 14, in a lingerie shop? Just imagine it.

But Pam, she made me try on sensible and sexy. Bra and panty sets to corsets and garter belts. I drew the line at negligees and teddies though, since, as I reminded Pam, I was a virgin, nobody was going to get to enjoy the undergarments meant for the boudoir. And again, she insisted on coming in the fitting rooms, and was quite hands-on, insisting on testing the bounce of my breasts in each bra (support for some, enticement for others), and firmness. Again, by this point, I was rather used to having her feeing me up and seeing me topless and in my panties. At least I didn't need to try on the panties and thongs I bought. I could only imagine. Pam, of course, was overjoyed when I confirmed to her that she was the first person to get to fondle my breasts, and was excited to share that detail with Eric.

But she had saved the fangbanger gear for last. I had forgotten about this part, and hated to acknowledge that she was right. Whether at Fangtasia or on assignment, there were times I would need to look like a common fangbanger. And that meant black and red, vinyl, leather and lace. Sheer and cut-outs. Slutty. Whore-ish. Basically, insanely uncomfortable.

"Why can't I just wear a black cocktail dress? I mean, you've said yourself that you guys hate the fangbanger look, so why can't I sort of fit in but still look like I have self-respect?"

Pam sighed as though I were a slow infant. "Because none of the others will look like that and they will know you don't belong. They'll sniff you out. You have to remember, though, that at Fangtasia, Eric and I will make sure that you are safe. And Sophie-Anne will do the same when you are on assignment."

I understood what she was saying. I just hated it.

I sighed in resignation and put on the last dress she had brought into the fitting room. As far as the fangbanger dresses went, it wasn't too bad. Pam smiled in approval when she saw me in the formfitting black dress. She handed me a lacy black thong that we had bought at the last store.

"Change your underwear. You will wear this when we return to Fangtasia." I hadn't realized I was going into the bar, but I didn't argue.

For the first time that night she left me alone in the fitting room. I sighed again in resignation, having learned by now that resistance was futile. I put on the new thong under the dress, and gathered up all the 'approved' clothes, meeting up with Pam at the cash. After paying she dragged me to the store's employee washroom, and when asked how we were able to use it, she rolled her eyes and replied with 'persuasion.'

In the washroom she magically whipped out a make-up bag and before I registered what was happening she was attacking my face with product at vampire speed. When I finally registered what was going on, she was finishing up and had moved on to my hair, giving it, as she called it, a 'just thoroughly fucked' look. I figured I'd take her word for it.

Before I could look in the mirror, she handed me a pair of shoes we had bought earlier and I put them on. After she gave me the once-over she proclaimed me 'ready' and allowed me to look in the full-length mirror.

I didn't recognize myself.

Gone was the cute, innocent virginal barmaid from Bon Temps, Louisiana. In her place was a gorgeous, worldly sex-goddess. My eyes were highlighted by smoky eyeliner, and my lips were pouty and red. My body looked spectacular in the dress, whose bustier top made my breasts look fantastic and my waist impossibly slim. And the 6" embellished shoes that I thought were the bane of my existence made my legs look killer. I couldn't hold back a small smile.

"Yes, I am awesome," Pam said, taking her due credit for the transformation. "I still prefer actual colour and class, but for a fangbanger, you look hot."

I chuckled, "Thanks Pam."

We returned to Fangtasia just after 1:00 and bypassed the line-up that was still outside. As we entered, Pam informed the vampire working. "This is Sookie Stackhouse. She is on the list. She shall not be made to wait in line, ever, per mine and Master's orders."

The vampire nodded and I gave an uncertain smile in return as Pam ushered us in. "Don't look unsure of yourself," she whispered in my ear so low I could barely hear. "The vermin all think they have something we want, so they're incredibly cocky. Carry yourself with an air of 'I'm better than everyone else here. Because to be frank, they are worthless. You are not."

That was the first real (though weird) compliment Pam had paid me that was not related to my body. So I held myself a little straighter as Pam led us to the booth where Eric was sitting, perusing the clientele.

He didn't look up as we headed towards him, though I knew he must have felt Pam's arrival at the bar.

"Master, we have returned," she said, and finally he looked up.

Eric's eyes widened as he took me in from head to toe and back again, and I heard his fangs click into place. Either he was angry, hungry or horny, and based on the comments about my body that Pam had been making; I would put my bet on the latter.

"Lover, you are making it quite hard to keep myself from bending you over this table and fucking you into oblivion right here and now." To prove how 'hard' it was, he rubbed his hand over his bulge a few times as he looked me over again.

Pam winked at me, so I couldn't resist playing. "I am glad you approve, Master," I replied, bowing my head and tilting it slightly to the right, stretching my neck.

Eric literally growled (thus proving that no, Fangtasia had not gotten a dog) and tightly gripped the table in front of him. His eyes flicked briefly around the room before he stood and said "Please come to my office," before walking away.

I looked nervously at Pam. What was he going to do to me? He looked like he was barely hanging on to his control and he wanted me to go with him?

She must have felt something through their bond because she nodded at me. I took a deep breath and headed to the back of the club.

Eric's door was open as I reached it, and I peeked in tentatively before entering. He was rapidly guzzling a bottle of True Blood and was seated behind his desk.

I slowly made my way to one of the chairs in front of his desk and sat down cautiously.

Eric's eyes flicked to me and he seemed to have calmed down quite a bit. "It would a valuable lesson for you to quickly learn not to test vampires as you just did me. You are aware that I desire to fuck you and drink from you, and to bare your neck as you just did, while looking as you do at this moment, it took every ounce of my control to keep myself from claiming your body and blood. If I were not as old as I am I do not know if I would have succeeded."

My eyes widened, "I'm sorry. I didn't realize... Pam kind of indicated that I should try to play up the fangbanger persona and I guess I didn't..."

"Enough," he interrupted. "Do not apologize. Your safety and virginity were what was at stake, not anything of mine. Though I was not the only one affected. There were many eyes on you as you were with me, some of whom were vampires, eyeing you hungrily. "

I understood, that was why he asked me to follow him so abruptly. "Thank you," I whispered.

"Sookie, Pam and I will keep you safe while you are here, but you must help us to do so. You may need to look like the filth that frequent the bar, but you do not need to be treated as such, though you will hear some vulgar thoughts when we are done here."

"Why?"

"Because after you presented yourself to me, I brought you back to my office. Right now all the fangbangers assume I'm fucking you senseless. The vampires will still be able to smell your purity, but will assume that you sucked my cock instead, likely while I ate you out."

I blushed at his vulgar words.

"It will help keep you safe. The vampires now will not touch you unless you consent. They will assume that I have prior claim to you, or 'dibs' as you would call it, so will not attempt to fuck you unless you fully approve."

It was such a weird way of thinking – sex keeping me safe, but again, it was the vampire way so I had to accept it.

"Will any know that we haven't... orally pleasured each other?" I couldn't say the words that he had.

"What makes you think we won't be?" He asked with a smirk. At my widened eyes he chuckled at my purity, "Relax, I would never force you to do something you are not ready for. Pam will know, because she can usually sense my orgasms through our bond, and because she knows you have too much respect to just leap into that. We will need to get our scents on to each other, though, to appease the other vampires."

I nodded. I was okay with that much.

Eric stepped towards me and pulled me into his arms. I felt his chest rumble as he smelled my hair. I couldn't help by nuzzle into his chest as he held me. He slowly rubbed his hand up and down my back, and it was a few moments before I realized that his other hand was squeezing my butt. I had spent far too much time with Pam that evening.

His nose moved from my hair and moved towards my ear, then down lower to my neck, where he did his own nuzzling as he inhaled. His lips caressed my pulse point before placing small kisses along the path back to 'that' place that made me shiver, where he lightly licked and sucked.

I could feel myself becoming aroused, and could feel that Eric was as well. I couldn't hold in a groan as he continued to focus his attentions on my neck before I felt him slowly release me.

His eyes were clouded with lust and his fangs were down. "That will be acceptable," he said, forcing himself to return to his sheriff persona and sitting back at his desk. "Pam and I will be accompanying you to New Orleans this weekend per the Queen's request."

I nodded, choosing to follow his lead and ignore the intimacy we had just shared. "Will we be travelling together?"

"It is the most practical way of getting there. Pam and I will meet you at your house on Friday approximately 30 minutes after sunset."

"I'll be ready."

"Have a safe trip home," Eric said, and I understood that I'd been dismissed.

"Enjoy the rest of your evening," I replied.

Pam passed me as I left his office, when I heard his request. "Bring me a blonde to fuck."

A/N: Links to Sookie's Fangtasia dress and shoes are in my profile.