A/N: I would like to thank those few who review this story or let me know that they are enjoying it. I know that it goes against the usual flow and I know that Alan Ball will never let Bill and Sookie fall while Russell gets his revenge.

I have a sad little scene between Eric and Pam to start off this chapter. We see some inner working of Eric's mind and it shows that he is not as cold and heartless as he appears. I have to say that of the regular characters that Eric and Pam are my favorite. I hate that they are broken apart on the show. It makes me dislike the cause of that breakup all the more. Can you be a fan of True Blood and dislike Sookie? In my case, I have to say yes. Last season was the hardest for me as I saw how the story is going between Sookie, Eric and Bill. Oh, well, this is my fanfiction and my Viking Sheriff doesn't beg for anyone's affections, not even a telepathic barmaid's.

We next have a little party scene at Dark Mercies. But, it wasn't the kind of party that Jessica was expecting as Cat and Cesare join forces to double-team her.

Chapter 11

Goodbye?

Eric had just walked out of his office to check on some mundane item that was related to the night after night running of Fangtasia. It was early and the bar was not open, yet. His track into the interior of the bar was cut short as his eyes fell upon the figure of Pam who stood just inside the doorway. He paused and his eyes focused in on her. She was wearing a dove gray Channel suit that perfectly molded onto her curves. Her long, honey blonde hair was pinned up in the front, but it cascaded down her back in big, loose curls. When she saw him, she tilted her chin up a few degrees in defiance and met his gaze without flinching. The sight caused a pain in his insides. Yet, he was proud that his child was standing her ground before him. She tossed her head and strode to him. With every step, his desire to fold her within his arms grew larger. He wanted to find a way to apologize to her for his moment of weakness in the matter of Sookie Stackhouse. If he did those things would it heal all the wounds between them? Could they go back to being as they were before? He didn't know because he stood still as Pam stopped in front of him. Instead, he looked at her with the aloofness and coldness that only a vampire who has lived through a thousand years could have. He didn't know exactly what he was expecting, but when Pam spoke he realized that it wasn't this. Her words crushed him and everything seemed to leach out of him until he felt as if he were empty and hollow inside.

"Release me," said Pam, her blue gaze cold and unwavering.

He felt as if he had been punched in the stomach and he fought to keep his voice even. "Is this what you want?"

"It is," replied Pam. "You have made your choice and I have made mine."

Only the faintest trace of a quiver on Pam's pink lips betrayed her emotions. She wore a mask of aloofness and coldness that matched his own. But, she was his child and reared by his hand. He had made her into the creature that stood before him. And, he was all too aware that she had stayed faithful to the lessons that he had taught her. Perhaps, she was a better vampire than he ever had been. The silence between them dragged on. In the span of a few awkward seconds, the long years that Pam had been his companion flashed by. He realized that their time together had only been a fleeting moment in the life of a thousand year old vampire. Yet, she had left her mark on him. He also realized the painful truth. All these years he had told himself that he had done her an honor and a favor by turning her, but the truth was that he had made her his child out of purely selfish reasons. Year after year, he had let her think how lucky she was to be his child when she was the one who had brightened his life and given him a purpose. He always had been a selfish bastard, he thought. The pain of severing their bond seemed to be like a knife in his cold heart. Yet, Pam had lived long enough in his shadow. It was her time to find her place in the world and move beyond him.

"I release you from the bonds of maker and child," said Eric, softly.

His words flowed out and their cadence was even and uninflected. Even Pam's vampire ears wouldn't hear the pain that each word had caused him. She couldn't detect that severing the link between them was like tearing himself in two. Pam took an unsteady step back against the force of his words. She closed her eyes for a long moment and, when she opened them, he could finally see the evidence that she was in as much turmoil as he was. Blood welled up in the corners of her eyes and threatened to spill out. She stared at him, unspeaking, as one single tear flowed down her cheek. Without thinking, Eric stepped forward to wipe away her tear. It was an instinctive response that he couldn't manage to stop. But, Pam took a step backwards and his hand touched nothing and hung in the air. Slowly, he let his hand drop to his side. Don't let her last vision of you be one of weakness, he thought. He would rather that she remembered him as a cold, ruthless bastard. He turned his back on her.

"I'll buy out your share of Fangtasia and have it sent to your account," he said.

"Fine," she replied, her voice as unemotional as his.

"I suggest that you leave Louisiana. There isn't anything left for you here anymore," he said as he started to walk away from her. His vampire ears listened to his child even as his feet moved him farther and farther away from her. He could hear a soft sob that was cut short as if Pam had clamped her teeth down and held in the sound. He expected her to curse him, to call him a bastard for hurting her. Maybe, he wanted to hear her bitterness at this abandonment. Maybe, he needed it. But, his Pam was defiant to the end.

Softly, he heard her whisper, "Goodbye, Eric."

Those simple words cut him more deeply than any blade or curse. He turned around at last, wanting a last glimpse of her. Fuck, he wanted so much more than that. Even though he felt that he was acting in her best interest, he was ready to cave in and capitulate. To show her that he was sorry more than words could ever say. But, his eyes fell upon the swinging front door. Pam was gone. She had moved on and left him behind. She always was a smart girl.

Party at Dark Mercies

Cat sat comfortably on Cesare's lap. They both watched the surveillance camera that showed the front entrance to Dark Mercies. Jessica walked to the front door and began speaking with the vampire bouncer. She wore a yellow sundress with lace trim and her red hair fell like a sleek curtain over her shoulders. But, Cat was more interested in the human male on her arm. His attractive and well-formed body was encased in tight jeans and a cowboy shirt. She couldn't see from the camera, but she wondered if he wore cowboy boots. His dark blonde hair glinted in the security lights. She hadn't expected to get this close a look so soon. Cesare chuckled and his chest rumbled against her.

"Is there something funny?" asked Cat.

"Your little stray," he said. "Only she would bring a human date to a vampire orgy."

"She's cute, isn't she?"

Cesare studied the camera in concentration. "Cute? Yes, of course," he said. "She's also dangerous."

"When did we become afraid of living dangerously?" asked Cat.

"We have a lot more to lose these days," replied Cesare. "All our long years of hiding in the shadows have paid off. Excuse me if I want to hold on to things. Can you tell me what your intentions are with Eric and Bill's progeny?"

"Eric's child might be hurt and angry, but I doubt that she would ever betray him," replied Cat.

"So?"

"That means that we can't trust her," replied Cat.

"And Jessica? It would be almost a kindness to put her out of her misery."

Cat turned on Cesare's lap and looked into those brown eyes that were a darker shade than hers. Her hand stroked his chest and he leaned in and touched his forehead to hers. Of course, Cesare was as much of a killer as she was. She still remembered those lessons with Jacabo and him as they instructed her on the finer arts of taking another's life.

"We don't have any mercy, remember?" asked Cat.

"She's an unwanted stray," said Cesare.

"We've taken in strays before."

Cesare leaned back and raised an eyebrow. "Killing her maker might put a kibosh on any warm and fuzzy feelings for you."

"She just might be smart enough to see that I am giving her the freedom to decide her own fate," replied Cat.

"And if she decides to stand with her maker against us?"

"Then, we kill her," replied Cat.

Cat got out of his lap and pulled him up with her, smiling. "Come, let's go join the party."

Cat, with Cesare in tow, moved into the club. Cesare was wearing black leather pants and a soft satiny blue shirt that was open at the collar. He was just as attractive in these modern clothes as he had been five hundred years ago, thought Cat. Cat had chosen what might be considered an unusual outfit. But, was there a dress code for vampires that she didn't know about? As she had loved to do as a young girl, she was dressed in masculine attire. Well, 18th century masculine attire, she thought. She wore supple, black leather riding boots that came up over her knees. Tight, silk breeches that were a soft blue color were tucked into them. She wore a long, brocade silk coat that was decorated by lavish embroidery and a matching vest. A lace trimmed white silk shirt did duty as her doublet and it was held in place with a large sapphire pendant that was trimmed in diamonds. She left her hair straight. She didn't mind the boyish attire and, more importantly, it allowed for a free range of motion. A simple fact that could never be overlooked since a smart vampire didn't sacrifice his or her chances of survival to the whims of fashion.

Through the dim interior and the crowd of invited vampires, she eyed Jessica and her date, Jason Stackhouse. Who would have thought that she would have brought Sookie's brother to them like a lamb to the slaughter, thought Cat. Jason was starting to feel uncomfortable as he realized that he was the only human in sight. There were humans here, thought Cat with a smile, but they weren't exactly guests. He suddenly gripped Jessica's hand and leaned into her ear. Even across the room, Cat could hear his words perfectly.

"Um, Jess, I'm not sure that this was such a great idea," he said.

"Maybe, we're just early," whispered Jessica back to him.

Cat whispered to Cesare, "Let's start this party."

At a signal from her the lights dimmed even further and a live band began to play a hard, driving song. A few vampires milled around the floor in front of the band and danced, but most others moved onto the sofas that were tucked away in little alcoves that offered a small degree of privacy. Waitresses moved among the tables and delivered only the kinds of drinks that vampires thirsted for. With Cesare at her heels, Cat strode towards Jessica and Jason. Cesare watched her back as he had for hundreds of years. She flashed a winning smile to Jessica as she reached her.

"I'm glad that you decided to come," she said.

Before Jessica could reply, Cat moved in a circle around Jason and leaned in and sniffed him. "Is this for me?" she asked.

"Excuse me?" asked Jessica, in confusion.

"Your….date," replied Cat. "Is he a gift for me?"

Of course, Cat knew that Jason wasn't, but she didn't give Jessica time to deny her assumptions. "How thoughtful of you," she said, brightly. Cat grabbed Jason's hand and, with a jerk, she propelled him away.

"Whoa, hold on there," sputtered Jason. He tried to resist, but found that Cat was much stronger than she looked. He looked over his shoulder in panic, "Jessica!"

"Relax," said Cesare, leaning into her ear. "She's only having a little fun with you."

"Are…are you sure?" asked Jessica, her eyes watching Cat and Jason with nervousness.

"Absolutely," Cesare said, offering her his arm. "Come on, she's waiting for us."

Cat had pulled Jason into a circular sectional and moved in closer to him on the plush velvet cushions. Jason's state of panic slightly went down as Jessica took a seat next to him. Cesare sat next to her on the other side.

"He's cute," said Cat with a smile and running a hand through his hair. "Does he taste as good as he looks?"

"I…I've never bitten him," admitted Jessica.

Cat exchanged a look with Cesare and a wicked smile soon played across her lips. "Oh, this is just too delicious," she said. "Can I ask why not?"

"Hey, that's personal," interrupted Jason.

"Let the grownups talk," purred Cat and squeezing his shoulder.

"I didn't want our relationship to be just about the blood," said Jessica.

"But, he already has your blood, doesn't he?" asked Cat.

"What does that have to do with anything?" asked Jessica back.

"The cart is already before the horse, child," replied Cat. "Whether you admit it or not, it's already just about the blood. His reactions can't be trusted, for even fledgling blood such as your own has too much influence over him."

"I don't what you are talking about, but-" began Jason.

But, Cat's lips thinned into a straight line in annoyance. "Yes, you certainly don't know what we are talking about. These are vampire matters and above that pretty little vacant head of yours."

She turned back to Jessica. "You hold too much sway over his heart. You can never be sure if his feelings are completely real or not. I don't mean to lesson your attraction to him, but you need to be realistic about matters."

"I don't understand," said Jessica.

"If you have built some kind of relationship with him before you gave him your blood, then that would be a different matter. I ask you did Jason ever notice you before he had your blood?" said Cat.

Jessica bit her lip and was silent. Her hands fluttered against her dress and smoothed the skirt down.

"That's why a vampire doesn't give his blood to a human lightly. Blood changes things, my dear," said Cat. "It's magic cannot be denied or undone."

"Are you saying that Jason doesn't care for me?" asked Jessica.

"That's a question that only you can answer," replied Cat. She shrugged and then said, "But, the bigger question is why you continue to act as if you were a human."

"I know that I'm a vampire," growled Jessica.

"We don't have to play by human rules or live by their morals," said Cat. "Look around. These are vampires behaving as vampires. They don't care what human society thinks about them."

At that moment, a line of attractive male and female humans came into the bar. The males work tight jockey briefs in red that clearly outlined the shape of their cocks. The girls wore simple red slip dresses. They stopped, as if on display, and waited. Jessica could hear a pin drop as all the noise stopped. Then, vampire after vampire got up and pulled a human away and took them back to those intimate couches.

"What's going on?" asked Jessica, in a hushed voice.

"Some vampires like to play with their food," replied Cat with a smile. "You did realize that this was a sex party, didn't you?"

"What?" gasped Jessica. "I can't stay."

She moved to get up and Cesare pushed her back down while Cat pushed down Jason. "Nobody is going to make you do anything that you don't want to," said Cat. "Trust us."

The music started up again and Cat leaned in front of Jason and kissed her. Softly, she licked at Jessica's lips until she parted them for her. Then, she boldly swept her tongue into Jessica's mouth in an assault that left the girl vampire softly mewling in shock and desire. When she felt Jessica's tongue tentatively come out and dance with hers, she gave a satisfied noise. She pulled out of the kiss to see Jason watching them with wide eyes that weren't exactly shocked or appalled.

"That's kinda hot," he muttered.

Cat turned back to Jessica and said, "Don't be afraid of what you are or what you want. Join me."

Cat leaned into Jason and kissed him. At first, he stiffened until Cat grabbed Jessica's hand and pulled to Jason and caressed him with it. Jessica moved to his lips and she and Cat tasted them together, causing Jason to moan in response. Cat stroked his leg and looked over to Cesare with a smile. She then grabbed a handful of Jason's hair and began to force him down to the floor.

"Wait a minute here," he bristled.

"Silly human," murmured Cat, locking her eyes with his and glamouring him. "We call the shots here. Now, be a good boy and take care of your mistress's needs."

Jessica sat in shock on the sofa as Jason knelt on the floor before her and started raising her dress up her thighs. When he began to pull her panties out of the way, she squirmed on the seat. "You glamoured him," she said.

"Guilty," replied Cat with a devilish smile. "But, if it gets him to go down on you, can you argue with the results?"

"But, that's not the point," argued Jessica. But her further protests were cut off as Jason dipped his tongue between her thighs. "Oh, God, that feels wonderful."

Jessica tried to shove her dress down and cover herself, but Cat gently took her hands and stopped her. She kissed her on the cheek and nodded to Cesare. He leaned in and kissed Jessica on the throat as she gave another loud moan of pleasure. Gently, he slipped the tiny strap of her dress off her shoulder and slowly pulled it down to expose her breast for him. As he took her breast into his mouth and vigorously suckled it, Jessica threw her head back with a sigh as her fangs dropped down. Cat leaned in and gently licked at them and moved to her ear.

"A human between your thighs and a vampire on your breast," she whispered. "Have you ever felt anything this good?"

"N-no," gasped Jessica.

"Do you want it to stop?"

"N-no, I don't," admitted Jessica, her voice barely a whisper.

Cat trailed her tongue along the outline of Jessica's ear, causing her to shiver. "Good girl," she said. She softly kissed Jessica's ear and added, "But, don't you want feel his hard cock sliding into your mouth and taste him on your tongue?"

"Who?" gasped Jessica who was becoming undone by the efforts of Jason and Cesare.

"If you can hold back those dainty fangs of yours, why the vampire, of course," replied Cat. "He's exceptional, in every way."

Cat smiled as Jessica opened her eyes that were clouded with lust and ran her hands over Cesare. She pulled aside his shirt in desperation and her fingers began to fumble with his belt buckle. "Yes, I want it all," she murmured.

"Jessica!" a shout rang out and all the noise in the bar stopped. Every head turned and stared at the intruder and then moved back to look at Jessica. Jessica dropped her hands from Cesare's pants and tried to close her thighs, but Jason was still between them, furiously tonguing her. She tried to push him off her.

"Shit," she hissed. "This isn't happening."

Cat flashed a smirk to Cesare and said, "Party crashers, there's always at least one."

A/N: It doesn't seem that Cat is too surprised at the party crasher. While Cat is seducing Jessica and causing her to question how she wants to live, she isn't being totally cruel to her. If Jessica remains a loyal child of Bill's, she is Cat's enemy and as such she won't receive any mercy from her. But, even though Bill and Jessica bonded a little in season 4, on the whole he has viewed her as a punishment and hasn't been very fatherly.

I don't think that it's too hard to guess who the party crasher is, although I didn't give away the identity.