8/10/10 - This chapter has been edited and re-posted on this date.

It's Monday!

I sent out replies to each review for chapter twenty and hope that you received them. Problem is, I don't see them in my "outbox." I think this might be due to me replying from the email rather than the fanfiction site. I hope you all got the mail.

You know how vampires are crazy for fairy blood? That is how I am with reviews. I look forward to every review and PM, it's a nice high.

FYI-This chapter is the longest so far. You might want to tend to your creature comforts before reading. ;)

Reminder: Southern Vampire Mysteries belong to Charlaine Harris.

(21) Punishment

My mind races when I wake. Eric is next to me but I can't help but think of what he might do later. Patty could have gotten killed and Eric is pissed about that; me too. He asked me last night what the typical punishment is but I couldn't answer him that. For one, there is no typical punishment for an adult who chooses to go out on her own. Minors would receive punishment, but she is not a minor. I didn't want Eric to ask what a parent would do because I didn't want to give him any ideas.

I'm sure most parents are happy for the safe return of a missing child and will hug the child. After that, there are all ranges of punishments. Around here a spanking or beating is common. Whenever Jason or I did something wrong we would have privileges taken from us after a stern talk. If it was serious, we would get the scolding of our lives and a spanking. Truth be told, the words always stung more than the hits on the bum.

Patty is an adult and too old for a spanking. I have no doubt that Eric will scold her but I need to find a way for him to realize that that should be punishment enough. Being talked to like a child when you're in your mid twenties is embarrassing and I think the lesson will sink in. I need to find a way to convince him that talking to her is best.

I get up and throw on a casual outfit; a yellow top and shorts. I don't plan to go in to the office until this afternoon and I might be in a hidey-crater soon. There's no need to dirty a nice suit. I pull back my hair and walk out to the kitchen.

We sit and eat cereal and toast for breakfast. Leona is noticeably angry. Maggie and Fiona are quiet. Leona must know about Patty. I wonder if Maggie and Fiona know too or if they're just being quiet because they sense a change in the air.

I call Alcide and ask him if the perimeter around my house is safe for me to come back for a bit. He tells me that it is, but that it will be noisy. The noise is not from protesters, most have figured out that I'm not staying there at the moment and few are present. The noise is from all of the construction equipment on the property. He will alert the guards.

Leona is not guarding Patty today so I invite her to come on the drive with us. Leona declines. She plans to work out some of her aggression before meeting up with Patty. Leona tells me, "I have spent enough time with Patty to suspect that she would do something like this as soon as the opportunity came. Patty has proven herself to be unwise when dealing with our world. I fear what may happen as a result."

We each clear our bowls, spoons and glasses from the table and then prepare to leave for Bon Temps.

The vehicle passes through the front gate and we park on the grass near the front of the house. There are a number of construction vehicles including a cement truck.

Alcide greets me and tells me what is happening. They are working on laying the foundations today. The process is more time consuming and involved than normal because both structures will have a floor in the ground. We talk for several minutes and then I go inside.

There are several messages on the answering machine. I play the messages and listen to them as I prepare to dump out most of the contents in the refrigerator. I pull the trash can over and open the fridge and then I put the trash can back. Maggie says to me, "I realized that you had been away for a few days when I came by here... figured I'd save you some trouble, and a nasty odor."

"Thank you. You didn't have to do that but I appreciate it." I tell the guards, "There is a cemetery across the way. It's between Compton's place and mine. Bill Compton is a vampire that I used to date." Both women look at me. "It's a long story and I may tell you sometime. Just know that I consider him a friend." I pause and then add, "He and Eric aren't exactly fond of one another, but Eric will call on him to protect me if needed."

Fiona asks me if I plan on leaving anytime soon and I respond negatively. I plan on staying here for a while. I tell the women that I want to clean the house so that it isn't a complete mess when we all return to stay. Fiona tells me that she would like to scout the area, get a lay of the land and the surroundings. I assure Fiona that I will go nowhere. I also point out that my property is now surrounded by a fence and I doubt that the guard would let me by on my own if I tried to pull a Patty. Fiona nods and heads off to do some scouting; one down.

Maggie says to me, "I can hang outside and watch all those glistening bodies if you'd like." Her tone indicates that she knows that I want to be left alone in the house. I wonder if she knows why.

I respond with a smile, "Sounds like a great idea. I might join you later." Maggie walks outside.

Once in my room I turn on a light, close the door and lock it. The curtains in the room are already drawn and it is darker than normal. I take a look, there are shades covering the window in addition to the curtains. Next, I open the closet door followed by the trap door.

The hole in the ground is now huge. I can see the bottom because there is a light of some kind. I won't be going down there any time soon as there is no ladder but I kneel down to get a better look. Stefan pops into view.

He asks me, "Would you like to come down?" Stefan sees my expression and says, "I won't let you fall and I will be able to lift you back up."

I ask him, "Do y'all need something to eat? If you do, I'll see if I can find something."

Stefan tells me, "Patty needs to eat something. I can wait."

I hear Patty say, "I'm not really hungry. But thank you for offering."

Stefan calls up to me, "Patty might not feel hungry but she should eat something. She hasn't had any food since before she came here." He turns his face toward where I assume Patty is, given his expression I think she had made a face or gesture of some sort.

The doorbell rings. Maybe a construction worker has a question? Or needs to use the facilities? I look at Stefan, shrug and close the trap door and then the closet. I make my way to the front door.

Daniel Cleander is standing on my front porch. I say to him, "Leona is back in Shreveport. She didn't come with us." My manners kick in, "Would you care to come in?"

Cleander responds, "Yes, I would... I knew Leona would not be here. We spoke earlier."

I open the door wider for him to pass and then I close the door. I tell him, "Can I get you some coffee or tea? I do have to tell you though that I have no milk..." Please say "no."

He waves his hand, "No thank you. You haven't been here in a few days. I'd be surprised if you had milk."

I look at him, "Is there anything I can do for you?"

He smiles, "Yes. But I'm not sure that you will."

An eye brow goes up, "Never hurts to ask."

Cleander says, "I lost Patty's trail near a Circle K off of I-20. I know she is with Stefan. I figure you might know where."

I purse my lips, "Sorry, but I can't help you there. You know how vampires are about their daytime rest."

Cleander smirks, "He seemed awfully alert when he came after me back at the Shreveport house. I'm guessing he's awake."

I bob my head indicating that it's a reasonable guess. "I still can't help you."

The lion makes a request, "If you talk to him today, will you ask him? I tried to call him, but the call goes straight to voice mail."

I nod my head. "I'll ask him." Of course that still doesn't mean that Cleander can go there. It's Eric's hidden space, not Stefan's.

Cleander tells me that he will be outside for a little while. A couple of his academy graduates are here and he wants to catch up. He says that he'd like to check out the area while he is here too, if that is okay with me. I tell him, "Knock yourself out." He goes outside. The lion will be busy for a while so I get moving.

There is very little left in the refrigerator so I look in the pantry. Unless Patty is going to eat cereal without milk there aren't many options. I take out the instant oatmeal. Stefan has kept a fresh supply of blood in the refrigerator; I pull out a bottle and heat it for him. I return to the room.

I close the bedroom door once again and lock it. I open the closet door and lower myself so that I can pass down the bowl of oatmeal and the bottle of blood. Both say that it isn't necessary and I tell them that they're both full of shit. Patty needs to eat if her last meal was yesterday. Surely, Stefan could use some blood right now. I know Eric's appetite increases after he has flown so I guess that most vampires are hungry after using their special power. Granted both Eric and Stefan are old, but they shouldn't have to go hungry just because they can.

Stefan puts his bottle of blood somewhere so that he can help me down. I am so glad that I didn't wear a dress.

I take a minute to look around. The hole down here is huge. A small, crude table gives Stefan the extra height needed to get in and out of here. Light is provided by two very bright battery operated lanterns. In front of me and to the left is the air mattress. The wall to my right shows evidence of excavation having started. The wall to my left is several feet to my left. I turn to get a proper look. There are two wheelbarrows and three shovels. Near them is a heavy curtain which leads to a pathway. At the back wall on the floor there are many tools. I wonder if he has had Pam help, or Alana. He's done a heck of a lot in such a short time. My eyes land back at the air mattress. Patty is standing next to it.

Patty says to me, "You didn't have to come."

"Yes, I did." I look at her. "Patty, I know that you've learned a lot about vampires and other supes these past three weeks. A lot of shit has happened... I needed to come here to talk to you before you see Eric." Patty gives me a weird look. I say to her, "You remember that day everyone came here and told me that I needed help?" Patty nods her head. "Do you know why I was in so much pain?"

Patty swallows, "Not exactly... I guess it had to do with some fairies."

I nod my head and say, "Yes, exactly. I was kidnapped by fairies and tortured... Eric knew that I was in serious danger so he offered to take me to his house but I refused... I was stubborn. I had guards with me though... It's because of those guards that others knew something was wrong. It's because of them that I was brought back alive. If I had run off before I was caught, no one would have ever found out."

I continue, "I know what it is like to fear for someone. When my ex-boyfriend went missing I feared for him. Every day that he was gone I prayed that he was still on this earth. Not knowing was just awful... My brother went missing for a while too. The people of Bon Temps even did a search to look for his body." I am crying now. "It is the worst feeling in the world; to not know if someone you care for is okay or where they are. Neither Bill nor Jason were okay, both were seriously hurt."

I look at her eyes that are leaking too. "I know that you want an independent life, like a normal human being. I do too. But we're not normal human beings. You have to realize this before you get yourself killed."

Patty's voice chokes, "I..."

Stefan cuts her off to tell me, "Someone is knocking on your door."

Down here, I do not hear it but I believe him. He stands on the table under the trap door and then lifts me up so that I can get out. I say to him, "Cleander said that he tried to call you. He wants your permission to come to your day spot so that he can see Patty."

Stefan says, "I am fine with him being here. It is up to you and Eric. This is your space." Thanks for nothing.

Cleander is back. I offer him a drink and this time he accepts. His nose flares as he enters the kitchen. His emotions surge. I can sense that he is conflicted. Luckily I still have some beer in the icebox. We sit at the table. The lion tells me that he found an issue with the fence perimeter on the cemetery side that he will address with Eric. His eyes dart around while we talk. I bet he smells the blood or the oatmeal. Cleander knows that she is here.

I wonder if he can smell her scent. She has stayed here before but her scent wouldn't be fresh. Then again, for all I know she was carried inside and hasn't touched anything recently. Or, if he can smell her, he might think that they made a stop here last night. Smelling Stefan's scent shouldn't be a surprise since there is building going on in the area.

Cleander finishes his beer and I surreptitiously (I think) touch his hand as I take the bottle. He knows that she is here and he knows that there are two possible entrances. If he uses the outside one, someone might notice. Cleander wants to go to her; even if it means busting down a door. But he knows that she isn't his, yet. If he forces his way in he could lose her for good.

I set my eyes on him. "Daniel Cleander, do you promise to never reveal without the express permission from Sheriff Northman, Patty's location?"

Cleander puts his hand out. I know that he is doing this as a show of faith; so that I can use my telepathy. Cleander says, "With one caveat... that the location may be revealed if necessary to save Patty or her family while in that location."

He means what he says. I respond, "I will agree to that."

Cleander answers, "Then we have a deal."

I stand up, "Come with me."

We go into my room. I lock the door and then open the closet door. Once the trap door is open I announce, "Coming down."

Getting in is a bit easier this time with Cleander above and Stefan below. Once I'm down I say to Stefan, "Should we let her up so that they can talk in private?"

Stefan says, "My day guards know that I am here and that Patty is as well. The others do not. If she is above ground her noises will be easier to hear, especially if she is emotional... The bedroom is not as light tight as it may seem to you. It makes the space dark enough so that I can stand in the closet to make a call during the day; the cell phone doesn't work too well underground."

Before I can react to that I hear Cleander ask us to move the table to another spot. Stefan moves the table and as Cleander crashes down I realize that their moment will not be private. I stay quiet and meld into the wall.

Cleander takes a couple of strides to Patty and kisses her. I hope that Eric hasn't left orders for Stefan to mutilate, dismember, castrate... for touching without permission. "I am glad that you are safe." He kisses her again and then says, "You stupid woman. Do you not know the pain that you would have caused if something happened to you? You need to show a little more self preservation. Your friends would be devastated if something happened to you, as would I."

Patty begins, "Cleander I..."

Cleander cuts her off, "No. Have a seat." He motions for her to sit on the air mattress and she does. He crosses his arms and says to Patty, "Your life is not the only one in jeopardy when you act like a brat. Your friend Sookie, Sheriff Northman, Pam... You put them all in danger. Someone could have captured you and tortured you for information. You have access to the Sheriff's and his Bonded's homes, you know their schedules. You could also have been used as bait to lure someone in. There are many people that would love to snatch Sookie. There are many people that would love to see Sheriff Northman meet his final death... he is over a thousand years old after all."

Patty is very quiet aside from her sobs. She seems to be taking in the information.

Cleander pushes on, "Pam has a few enemies of her own. Some she has just by association with the Sheriff. Her ability to track you can become her undoing. For that matter, I know that she has fed from you. Your captives could do any number of ghastly things including infecting you with Sino-aids so that you would pass it on."

Cleander lectures her for a long time. He holds nothing back, he even mentions that if Eric should die it will affect hundreds of people right here in Louisiana that count on him, not to mention countless others. Cleander touches upon many possible scenarios and her eyes go wide.

The lion says, "All of the time spent protecting you is useless if you do not allow your guard to do so properly. Leona is angry," Cleander sees her start to say something but cuts her off. "She has every right to be. Leona came here to protect you and I know you think that I didn't need to send a guard for you, but I did. I cannot help but protect the people I care about."

Patty looks at him as his last statement hangs in the air. She swallows and then says, "I... you're right. I owe you all an apology. I never meant to cause any problems and I certainly don't want anything to happen to any of you..."

Cleander's tone changes from firm disciplinarian to concern. "What was going through your mind last night?"

She starts and sits a little straighter, her eyes dart up at Cleander, and then back to the ground and she purses her lips. Cleander waits for an answer. Patty says, "Lots of things; you, Stefan, Eric, Sookie... mostly you." He doesn't say anything and she keeps going. "When he" she points to Stefan, "came after you I thought you were going to die. That would have been on me; you came here for me." Her body indicates that knowing this makes her uncomfortable.

Patty swallows, tears come down her face. "I am so sorry that I almost got you killed." She wipes a cheek. "If Leona hadn't stopped me I would have sent him up in flames. I could have killed him; either one of you could have died. And it would've been my fault. I've had too many people die on me; you're safer with me away... I didn't realize that going away could put one of you in more jeopardy; I was going for less."

Patty looks at Cleander, "I am sorry for all the trouble that I caused." She turns to me, "I would not have left like I did if I thought for a minute that it put you in danger. You've been nothing but kind to me. I'm so sorry." She shakes her head through heavy tears and says to Stefan, "I can't believe that I almost..."

Stefan says, "You have already apologized to me. Like we talked about earlier; you feel remorse, atone, and then you move on."

Patty scoffs. "Move on? Move on to what? I don't know how to live this way. I haven't had to ask for permission to go somewhere since I was a kid. Now I am living with people that are constant targets; and given my recent record it's a wonder they're still around... Do you know how demeaning it is to belong to another person, like property?" She pauses for a minute, and she panics. "You kissed me! Shit, Eric is going to have a fit..."

I ask Patty "Is that what you wanted to talk to Eric about the other night? I heard him say something about you sounding off on him."

Patty nods her head. I move near her. "It seemed to me that he had been listening and was willing to continue once things settled down. I'm guessing that there is more to your reasoning."

She wrinkles her forehead. "What are you talking about?"

There is a noise upstairs. Well, in the house above us. Somebody is inside. Stefan and Cleander both say, "Bruce." Cleander says that he'll go up and see what the guard wants. The lion stands at an angle under the trap door and then jumps up with one swift move. It's like watching a live version of the "Six Million Dollar Man." Gran and I would watch reruns after church on Sunday. Cleander's body movement is a lot more fun to watch.

A few minutes later Cleander jumps down with two pizza boxes and a warm blood. He says, "Lunch is served." We all sit. Stefan sits on the table, Cleander sits on the bare ground, Patty and I sit on the air mattress. We eat our pizza slices.

I have the urge to pee. I ask for a lift up so that I can use the rest room. Then I look at Patty wondering how that is working out for her. Patty sees me looking and says, "I'm fine for now. Stefan hasn't denied me the bathroom."

Stefan says, "I can go into the room. The tiny bit of sun filtering in is not fatal, but it is very uncomfortable."

Cleander jumps up and into the closet and reaches down for me as Stefan lifts me up. This way is easier. I'm back at the closet in now time. I hear Patty say to Stefan, "You shouldn't have to babysit me. You would probably be working or resting right now. You won't sleep now because you don't trust me to stay but I'll help you work if there's something I can do."

"Oh I intend to put you to work." There is a pause, "Five minutes after all of the heavy machines come near and turn off there will be sufficient cover on the other side of the tunnel. Alcide will come down the tunnel to verify that the coast is clear. I'm sure that he will be able to supply you with work gloves... The machines will be in position soon. Eat up."

I use the facilities and come back into the room. I look at the time and sigh. I need to start heading out if I am going to keep my appointments to interview more project managers today. I tell the others that I'll need to start heading back and offer to loan Patty an outfit to work in as she is still in her suit from last night.

Patty accepts and develops a sudden need to use the rest room. She flushes as Stefan lifts her up to Cleander; allowing him a perfect view up her skirt. She changes clothes before going back down much relieved to not be wearing a skirt or dress. Patty startles as the machines outside start up and cause the building to shake as she is lowered down into the earth.

Cleander jumps back down to rejoin them. I say goodbye, close up the trap door and head out.

I walk outside to find Maggie and Fiona. I ask them if they have eaten yet, if they haven't maybe we can pick something up on the way back to Shreveport. Both ladies tell me that they have eaten. Then Maggie tells me that I have a couple of cancellations. One of the people that I was to interview will not make it because he is on his way east; his wife was seriously injured in Afghanistan and is on his way to meet her in Germany. Another person is in the hospital with his son and a third is still at the site of a project that she is working on because something that went awry needs immediate attention.

With three people backing out that leave two others that I had scheduled. One of those two I have met before and no alarms went off in my head; so there is no pressing need. I decide to call the office and have Cherry notify the other two appointments of a change in schedule, and that I will not be back in Bon Temps until this evening.

I go back into the house to place the call. Fiona comes in to get a drink; Maggie says that she too will come inside in a few minutes. Fiona gets us drinks while I talk to Cherry. I tell Cherry when I think would be best to reschedule. My hours tomorrow are short but I can meet with a couple of them then if they are available. Otherwise it will have to be next week. Monday will be a full day. Tuesday through Friday are half days at the office since Fangtasia will be open. Wednesday through Friday I will go in three hours later than on Monday & Tuesday. Also, I will leave one hour earlier. I hang up the phone and my guard looks at me.

Fiona says, "If you're staying here I will provide additional cover to the tunnel outside." I don't say anything, but she sees my body shift. "I do very thorough inspections. Anyone properly trained could find it." My eyes betray my calm exterior. Fiona informs me, "I addressed Alcide regarding the matter. Each of his guards has done that inspection several times and knows the layout very well. Since the tunnel was started, Alcide has made a show of doing that inspection so that the others will not." She tells me, "Aside from the King's two men I think Alcide and Cleander are the only ones that know." I turn my head sideways and Fiona smiles.

So much for keeping Eric's hole a secret; too many people know; I don't like it. Am I becoming that distrustful? I am beginning to sound like Eric. Fiona breaks me from my internal dialogue and tells me, "You know that you can trust me. You have seen that in my head." Fiona puts her hand out like she did when she was interviewed and prompts me to take hold while she gives an oath that she will not reveal the existence of that space.

Maggie comes inside and Fiona and I feign having shared something funny and playfully hitting so as to explain the touching. Maggie says nothing but takes a drink and then sits at the table. Fiona leaves before Maggie speaks.

Maggie smirks, "You tell people that you are here to clean the house." She looks around at the house which has not yet been cleaned. She continues, "I trained at Cleander's academy after graduating from college. But you know that already." She pauses and then tells me, "I'll clean the house... it will be good to keep up appearances for the others." I let out a deep sigh. How did I ever think this could be kept a secret? Like Fiona, Maggie gives me her word that she will not reveal the location.

Maggie tells me that I should not feel so bad about the information being known. For one, if ever there was a problem during the day one of the breathing people that knows where the place is can go right to it. Also, if Alcide ever divulged such information his status as a leader would be in serious jeopardy if he even survived Eric's encounter. Maggie suspects that Fiona knows since Fiona seems to be watching a specific area; Fiona is not only loyal to me but to her to-be pack master as well. Cleander is an honorable person and cares for Patty. Maggie says that while it is not good for many people to know, it is good for the right people to know. That makes me feel a little better but I can't help but think that maybe I should have waited to see Patty.

I shake my head to myself. She is right; I should clean if I'm going to keep up appearances. Maggie says that she will work on my bathroom and then go upstairs and clean there while I work in the kitchen and living room. The curtains downstairs are open so workers outside might glimpse me cleaning.

That is exactly what we do. Maggie has a good plan. There are a couple of times that a worker walks by a window and waves to me while I am scrubbing or dusting. I finish the down stairs with a pass of the vacuum. Then I go upstairs with the vacuum which Maggie takes and uses.

We come back downstairs. Maggie asks me, "Any idea what you want for dinner? I'm guessing that you don't want to drive back to Shreveport just yet but I bet you'd like a meal that consists of more than just condiments and sweet tea."

I ask her, "Do you think Merlotte's would be safe? I mean, no one is expecting me. It's nearly as fast as a fast food joint, but has better food."

Maggie says to me, "That should be fine. I'll have to run it by Fiona and Alcide."

"Okay." I tell her, "I'll let the others know."

We head in separate directions. Once I open the trap door a cloud of dust greets me. I hope that the breathers have masks to wear. I cough for a moment. A filthy vampire appears. I tell Stefan, "It's getting close to dinnertime. I thought I'd ask if the others wanted to join or if I can bring 'em anything."

Stefan responds, "I told Eric that she would not be out of my sight. Patty can eat but the food will have to be brought to her."

I hear the sound of a wheelbarrow coming near. Then I hear Cleander's voice, "I'm staying here. I'm staying with her while I can." Well that doesn't sound too promising. Patty doesn't remark about his comment so she either knows what he is talking about or she didn't hear him over the sound that is coming from somewhere down there.

I tell them that I'll bring something back. Then I put out more towels so that they can shower. I'm not sure what else I have that could fit Patty. She may have to put her suit back on. I'm guessing that Cleander has a second set of clothes so he should be okay and Stefan has been staying here so I know he has clothes somewhere.

Ten minutes after leaving the compound under construction, Maggie, Fiona, Alcide and I arrive at Merlotte's. Once inside I hear Jason's voice, "I swear I didn't tell her we'd be here. I didn't know she'd be coming in."

I hear a woman chuckle and say, "It's alright Jason."

I turn to see Jason and another woman sitting at a table in the back. The woman looks to be in her twenties, she is thin but not as thin as most of the women my brother has gone out with, her auburn hair is long and perfectly straight, and her eyes are a bright gold. I come over and Jason gets up to greet me with a hug. He introduces me to his girl Linda and then tells me that they haven't ordered yet.

I'm not so sure that Linda wants to have a crowd while she is on her date so I look to her. Linda says that she would like to have us eat together. We find a bigger table to sit at so that we will all fit and I make introductions.

Holly greets us enthusiastically and asks me how I'm doing. I tell her that things are crazy but they're coming along. I ask about her. Holly is doing well. She is in a great relationship and her son is happy and healthy thanks to me. People at the school keep asking about the heroine that saved her boy and if she visits often. She takes our drink order and then leaves the table while we decide on what to eat.

All eyes are on me. Jason and Alcide know the story about the little boy that was hurt in school but the others do not. I give them the short version; it was an accident and the adult involved had a mental disorder and didn't know how to react. Only the supernatural faculty members know that I played a part in his rescue; well, them and Andy Bellefleur. Some humans suspect that I did something, but they're clueless as to what it was.

Holly takes our order and then I ask Linda about herself. Linda is from the Shreveport area on the Bon Temps side. Linda works in a day care with her mother and two of her sisters. She comes from a large family so she is used to being around children. Linda loves children so getting paid to watch them and care for them is the best job in the world for her.

While we eat our food someone asks how the two came to meet. Linda feels that she's done most of the talking so she has Jason take over. Jason says, "Me and the guys went out to a place near Kechai. While we were there I saw this guy kissing and trying to put his hand up this girls skirt but she's pushing him away saying "no." Only she isn't saying it very loudly 'cause she's afraid of him. So I go on over and tell the fucker that he better listen to the lady. The asshole thought he could do whatever he wanted to her... I had to kick is ass."

Linda adds, "That reminds me, Lupe's father still wants to meet you, Jason." Linda explains to the rest of us, "Guadalupe is my cousin. We were out on a double date when that pendejo started trouble." She tells us, "When I came out of the ladies room to see Jason and Jaime going at it, I almost hit Jason over the head with a bottle."

Fiona asks, "So why didn't you hit him?"

Linda responds, "As soon as Jaime went down the first time, Jason turned and ask Lupe if she was hurt. So when Jaime's buddy went after Jason I hit him on the head instead."

Alcide asks, "What did the bar staff do?"

Jason tells us, "They held the two guys and called the cops. Both tried to get the cops to arrest me for assault... The cops asked people questions and then shook my hand before they arrested the other two guys."

I tease, "So did you take them home and meet the family?"

"No." Jason says, "A state police officer came in, talked my ear off and then took them home."

Linda says, "That was my brother Andre."

We talk a little bit more while we eat and I remind Jason that we have a dinner date for Sunday. I also remind him that Linda is invited. Linda says that Jason had mentioned the invite; she will try to think of a way to come. Linda's family is pretty old school when it comes to dating. They believe that she is currently out on a group date.

I tell her, "There will be other people. Now days I always have people around. You won't have to lie to your father; tell him you will be with a group."

She informs me, "The problem is that he hasn't met any of you and he will not want me to be alone in a car with a boy. Also, I'm not sure he would approve of me going there if the um..."

I take a guess, "If my vampire is there?" She nods her head. I say, "Tough guy, it sounds like he has a lot in common with Eric. Would he still object if Lupe and Andre came?"

Linda says, "Maybe not. But you don't have to..."

I cut her off, "Invite them; the more the merrier."

Jason says to Linda, "Don't bother trying to argue with her."

We finish eating and I place an order for two meals to go. I ask Holly where Sam is and she tells me that he is working in his office. I excuse myself to go talk to him.

Fiona accompanies me. She knocks on his door and checks the office before I go inside. He lights up when he sees me. I walk in and we hug "hello." I ask Sam how things are going and he says that they are fine for the most part. He had hired a new waitress but had to fire her on her fifth day. He hopes that the newest one works out. He asks me about my life; I give him a condensed version.

Sam tells me that he's been by the house. He has noticed the construction crew and hopes that we aren't only expanding the house but creating a space for Eric and a safe room too. I am surprised that he says this, especially the bit about a light-tight space for Eric. Sam says that it only makes sense. Eric wants to be near so that he can be protective, but if he can't ever stay over then his time with me is limited.

"Speaking of vampires..." I look at him and then ask, "There is a blood that Pam seems to like but there is no label on it. Would you know what it is? I was hoping to get some more for her and a couple of others that seem to like it."

Sam says to me, "I have a case in the back. It has no name yet. It's a new blend. We're testing the market."

I am shocked, "Sam Merlotte, are you bottling blood for vampires?"

He nods his head, "Not just me. A few of us got to talking about the bloods available... Few vampires like True Blood, Real Meal is okay but the flavor is never consistent, from what we hear Royalty is overpriced. Royalty costs a lot because the blood comes from people with a royal bloodline; evidently not many royals are tasty."

I look at him, "Since when do you care about vampires' taste?"

Sam smiles, "I don't, really. But I do care about whether or not the area vamps are sated enough to not kill my friends and neighbors. Also, restaurant chains are making their way closer to Bon Temps. I have to plan for the possibility that Merlotte's will not always be around and the bloodsuckers are an up and coming market."

"I'll take a case if you can spare it." I tell him. He looks at me, and I say, "Anyone that has tried your stuff asks for it instead of True Blood or RM."

He chuckles, "Come on."

We walk to the walk-in refrigerator. I tell him, "Pam mentioned something about placing an order for Fangtasia."

Sam says, "She placed the order. It will be our first sell."

I ask, "How much do I owe you?"

He shakes his head, "Nothing. If you and Pam are serving the stuff and people are asking for it in return, that is payment for me. Besides, advertising is expensive." He picks up a case and we start to make our way outside. Fiona follows.

Sam asks, "Hey is everything all right with Patty and Pam?"

I furrow my brow, "I think so, why?"

He explains, "I was with Pam when she said that she needed to leave to track Patty. Later she said that Patty was fine but Pam sounded angry."

"Wait a minute." I turn and look at Sam, the man that distrusts all vampires. "You talk to Pam?"

"Sometimes," He answers, "I would never have thought that she had a sense of humor."

"Who are you and what have you done with Sam?" I ask and he laughs softly. "And what happened to Pam? I thought she didn't like shifters."

"She says that she still doesn't... Pam likes to tell me that I smell like a dog or a dead rat... even a cow patty." He smiles, "I just remind her that no matter how many times she showers she will always smell like dead meat." Sam and Pam? Nah...

We go back inside for a few minutes so that I can pay the tab and say goodbye to Jason and Linda. On our way out the door Sam says, "Tell Cleander and Patty that I say hello." Damn shifter nose. I bet that he smelled Stefan too.

We return to the house with two hot meals and a case of no-name blood. The construction crew has left for the day the only machine running is the dryer. The sun is setting but the sun does not hit the side of the house that my bedroom is on so Stefan is able to be in the room. A shriek comes from my room.

None of the shifters in the room runs to the door so I guess everything is okay. They all have smirks so I ask what is going on. Cleander says, "He told Eric that he would not let her out of his sight; his only exception has been when she was inside the bathroom. He has not let Patty so much as touch the bedroom door."

The water turns on in my bathroom. Fiona says, "He is taking a shower but not letting her leave his sight, so she is in the bathroom too."

Maggie reports, "It's like she has never seen a nude man before... the King is telling her that she doesn't have to turn away or close her eyes."

Fiona says, "The sun is barely visible now. Let's close up the curtains so that the King can come out when he is finished."

We each go to a window and pull the curtains. I set the table and put a couple of pot holders where the meals will go when I take them back out of the oven.

The dryer stops so I pull out the contents and begin folding the laundry. Cleander comes over and folds too. They are the clothes that he and the other two wore earlier today to dig in the dirt. When I find the clothes that I had loaned to Patty I remember that the only clothing with her is the suit that she wore. I'm guessing that the suit is dry clean only.

I walk back to the room and knock. "Laundry's done. I thought you might like to put these clothes back on."

Stefan opens the door, takes the clothes and hands them to Patty. She says "thank you" and moves her towel wrapped body to the bathroom. I hand Stefan his clothes as well since they were in the wash with her stuff. Stefan thanks me and then closes the door. Once the door is shut I realize that he didn't even have a towel on.

I'm feeling a little flush. Maggie says, "Nice view?" They stifle a chuckle.

The two come out to join us. I pop a blood in the microwave and pull out the dinners. Maggie takes out my vacuum while the others eat and she vacuums my room. When she returns I tell her that I could have done that, Stefan says the same, Patty too.

Now that the sun is down, Patty is anxious all over again. I am glad that I am not her but I will stand beside her and do my best to help Eric see that Patty realizes that what she did was wrong.

Stefan drinks his bottle of blood quickly. I offer him another. He drinks this one quickly too, but not as quickly. Stefan sees me looking at him. He says, "I wouldn't normally be so thirsty. Having in my presence the best tasting blood in the world and not taking it... is a trying thing to do." Stefan explains, "I guess you could say that I am a fairy addict. All vampires are, really but few have had as many as I have."

Patty cleans up after dinner. She tries to find something to do, like clean the sink. She settles for some pacing and nervous fidgeting.

Finally, Eric arrives. He gives me a chaste kiss as he enters the house. Eric bows to his child. They speak in some foreign language that I only ever hear from Eric. Stefan bids us farewell and leaves.

Eric asks Patty if she has anything to say, she does. Patty apologizes to Eric. She explains that she didn't realize what could have happened, but Stefan, Sookie and Cleander opened her eyes today. She still doesn't like being a part of this world and she feels like maybe she's cursed or something but she will listen to Eric. Patty has learned her lesson. Patty says that she wants to apologize to Pam too.

Eric tells her, "Pam is unable to be here as she is being punished." He sees Patty's face and explains, "You may have duped Pam into believing that Cleander would be with you but Pam should have spoken with him about the arrangement."

"What?" She screeches, "No! Pam does not deserve any punishment. She did nothing wrong."

Eric says, "She is my child and my second in command. Pam needs to demonstrate sound judgment. It is a poor reflection on me as her maker and Sheriff. If it happens again, I will have to stake her."

I hope that he is bluffing. Patty is crying in outrage. She begins to speak but Eric cuts her off as he turns to Cleander. "This human played you for a fool just as she did my child. That does not reflect well on your ability to protect people. I am halting all negotiations. You are to leave my area immediately."

Cleander sets his jaw, "I understand your position, Sheriff. I will leave now." Without another word, Cleander takes off.

Eric's face is serious. He asks Patty, "You want to leave this new life of yours?"

Patty nods her head, "I do. But I know that I cannot. I..."

Eric puts up a hand. "Do not tell me that you will behave and no longer attempt to leave. I do not believe it." He says to her, "You are getting your freedom. Leona has moved all of your items from the house and has put them in the hotel down the street. Tonight is paid for but then you are on your own." He pulls out a keycard and hands it to her. "This is the key to your room."

Patty is panicking. "What if something happens? I don't want one of you getting hurt because of me."

Eric tells her, "I'll take the house key back now." She takes it out. He helps her get it off of the key ring. Then he says, "The alarm code has been changed so if someone does try to get that information from you it will be of no use... we are prepared to deal with any other attack that may come as a result of information taken from you."

Her eyes are wide, disbelieving. He says to her, "Pam will feel if you are in pain or in danger but she will not come, nor will I. I am releasing you; you are no longer under vampire protection. You will no longer have a guard. I am not paying for a dog to watch a human that is not mine... Cleander and his kitty have been exiled."

Patty looks numb. I break in, "Eric, what if something does happen to her? What if she gets killed?"

Eric looks at me, presses his lips and then says, "This "freedom" is what Patty wants. If she does get killed, at least she will be free."

I can't believe him, the only word that comes out is, "Eric!"

Eric looks at Patty. "Leona drove your vehicle here, so you will be able to drive yourself to the hotel. Before you go I will reiterate that you are no longer mine. Any vampire may now claim you and do as he or she wishes. To help you out, I will not make the announcement that you are free but word does get around quickly. You might want to start wearing silver." He pauses for a moment and then says, "Lots of silver. As soon as Stefan finds out he will be on your trail... and it will not be to protect you."

Eric pulls out her car keys and practically pushes her out the door while wishing her a safe journey. He tells her that she needs to get moving. As she has no guard, the safest time for her to enter or exit this area is now; when it is dark and early in the morning.

I follow them and protest her leaving. Eric will have none of it. Patty finally leaves. I turn on Eric, "What the hell? Since when do you give up just because someone is a pain in the ass?"

Eric smiles, "Give up? Me? I think you have me confused with someone else, Little One."

I ask him, "What are you talking about?"

Eric says to me, "I hardly think that a twenty five year old female can make me turn away from my responsibilities. I said that I will protect her and I will."

"So she isn't really on her own?" I inquire.

Eric smirks, "She thinks she is; but in reality she has more guards than ever."

I pull back to get a good look at him, "Why?"

He explains, "It appears now that she is without a guard. That makes her more of a target than ever. The extra guards are to ensure that she is not hurt in whatever attack comes her way."

I ask, "What about Cleander and Pam?"

Eric informs me, "A lot of what I said is true. That she sneaked out on her own makes us all look incompetent. Punishments have been meted out accordingly. At present, Vinny and Hattie are her vampire guard. Cleander will be part of the day guard."

I am curious, "For how long?"

Eric estimates, "Four or five days."

I take a deep breath, "And in four or five days you're going to stage an attack?"

"No. I won't have to." He explains, "Anyone that has been watching will soon notice that she is without an escort. I expect that someone will attack her for real."

I look up at him, "Isn't that risky?"

He responds, "It's a calculated risk. I would not normally do this with someone that I intend to keep protected, but I do believe it will drive home the message that she does indeed need a guard and needs to respect that."

I next ask, "How long will you do that for? I mean if no one does attack in four to five days, will you keep waiting? What if nothing has changed after two weeks?"

Eric looks down at me, "It is highly unlikely that a week will pass by without someone making a move." Now he smirks at me, "If two weeks go by without any incident I will kiss your shifter friend's feet."

I exclaim, "That's pretty damn confident." My man tolerates Sam because he is my friend and sometimes Eric can find him useful. Like when Sam is my day guard. They like each other about as much as a mouse likes the snake. I doubt I could pay Eric enough in money, sex or blood to kiss Sam's feet.

We walk outside and Eric takes a look at the work done thus far. We look at what will be the security guards' building and then at the other one. Eric points to a large area in the ground, "We're having a safe room put in right about here."

My body turns to look back at the security building, and I point to it. "Why not have the safe room under the security building?"

The veteran warrior says, "In an attack, you take out the guards first. A safe room is no good if you cannot access it because the surrounding area is being attacked. I have talked to Stefan about creating a tunnel system so that if something should happen you can get to the safe room without being seen."

"Huh" Stefan hadn't mentioned tunnels. The poor vampire is going to be digging in dirt his entire time here. We look around the property a bit and Eric says that Stefan must have much of the tunneling done by the size of the mound of dirt. He asks if I'd like to walk down the ramp to take a look. I tell him that I'll look another time, I'm very tired.

We lock up the house and then get into two vehicles. Eric and I get into the corvette. Maggie and Fiona get into my Lexus. We head for the other home. We're quiet for most of the drive.

Something that Eric said has me wondering. I ask, "Did you mean that stuff about Stefan? …That he would come after Patty?"

He nods his head, "I did. If Patty was not my human he would have drained her dry the moment he met her. Without me to stop him, he has no control when he is around fairy blood."

I look at him sideways, "You told me that he was interested in her."

The corner of his lip goes up, "He was. He still is. Her blood, and yours, calls to him. He does like her too as a person..."

I wonder, "So if she found him attractive it could be too dangerous?"

Eric says, "Yes and no." He explains, "If, as her owner, I allowed him and Patty to have sex then she would be safe. However, if she were to become his then I would not be able to keep her safe from him."

My eyes narrow, "So then why did you tell me that he was interested in Patty?"

Eric says, "Did you tell Patty?"

"No." I respond, "I thought about it. But I do think that she and Cleander are a good fit; he is crazy about her. Also, if Stefan wanted her to know he could tell her himself."

His facial expression is not one that I am used to seeing. Eric tells me, "Most women tell the others about a potential suitor as soon as they hear of him."

My eyes go wide and my forehead crinkles, "Is that what you wanted? Did you want me to tell her that Stefan was interested?"

He concedes, "Yes. But I have miscalculated your response to the information."

I scold him, "Eric, the next time you want me to do something just ask. Don't try to manipulate me into doing something... I'm not saying that I would have done it but I might have if you asked."

He nods, "Very well. I do apologize for not letting you in on that part of my scheme." I turn my body to look at him better. Eric continues, "Patty clearly holds Cleander in high regard and she lusts after him. I have a theory that I was hoping to test."

I ask, "Care to share?"

Eric tells me, "I think that she would be more willing to date Stefan than Cleander."

I shake my head, "I disagree."

Eric grins, "Want to make a bet?"

I inquire, "What kind of bet?"

Eric parks the car and comes around to open the door for me. He says, "What would you want from me if you win?"

I scoff, "That is not an easy question! What more could I want from you?"

He laughs and I have a light bulb moment. I say, "I just thought of something. If she does not choose to go out with Stefan instead of Cleander then you will wait on them as their personal butler and chef for one of their dates."

Eric chuckles at that, "Interesting, Very interesting. If she does choose to go on a date with Stefan instead of Cleander then you will act as the King's personal attendant for the entire evening."

That doesn't sound so bad. I say, "Deal."

Eric says to me, "You will tell her that Stefan is interested?" I nod my head; I'll play his little game. He carries on; "it must be a formal date. The man asks, she accepts and the evening is planned. A spur of the moment get together or meal out will not count."

I tell him, "Fair enough."

It feels later than it is. I start to take off my clothes to get into the shower. Eric smiles, "Don't you want to know what you've gotten yourself into?"

I turn to look at him, "What do you mean?"

Eric smirks, "Do you know what the King's personal attendant does?"

I guess, "Picks out his clothes and run errands?"

His grin broadens, "That's part of it. You will not just pick his clothes, you will put them on his body and you will take them off. Some King's require their personal attendant to bathe them; you will not do that for Stefan."

I ask him, "Would you like me to take your clothes off, sir?"

Eric responds in a businesslike manner, "Yes, thank you. You should start with the shoes first."

I walk over to him and kneel on the floor to remove his shoes. Next I stand up and take off the shirt. My eyes wash over his chiseled chest. My hands go to the button on his jeans. I get it back through the hole and unzip. As I pull his pants down, his pecker springs out. Gulp. I hope Eric was kidding about doing this with Stefan.

Eric says to me, "Well done. Would you like a lesson on how to cleanse the King? You won't ever have to do that for Stefan, but it can be fun for us."

My man instructs me in the ways of a (very personal) personal attendant. In the bath, I clean him meticulously. I hesitate when I am at his backside. I am not to simply soap up his cheeks and rinse. I am supposed to clean between the cheeks too. My hand has never gone there before but I get it done.

Eric assures me that I have done a great job and then asks if I would like to be treated to a Queen's bath by an attendant. I agree and Eric sets to work.

Eric is very meticulous. I start to breathe heavily as he massages my breasts clean. He smirks as he continues down my torso. This is heavenly torture. As he cleans my folds and my clit I nearly lose control. If this is how queens used to be bathed, it's no wonder their attendants were female. This is sex in a tub! Eric has me turn around and he washes my backside. He gives my bottom the same treatment that I gave his. For a second I think he is going to penetrate my hole and I tense up.

By the time we get out of the shower I am on fire. I tell Eric, "If I was a queen and you were my attendant. I'd jump you after that bath even if you were a female."

He laughs at that. "I very much want to jump my attendant as well." Eric does.

We have a wonderful round of sex and then snuggle for several minutes. I feel myself starting to drift to sleep. Eric kisses me, "This is why attendants are normally the same gender. I am going into Fangtasia for a couple of hours but my attendant is not entirely coherent."

I chuckle and throw a weak punch in my sleepy state. I tell him, "Go on. Just make sure that you come back in time to give me a proper morning kiss."

Eric stands up, bows and says, "As you wish milady."

I didn't even hear the door close behind him.

The Punishment isn't over. Punishment II is in the works. My idea for the punishment came from a PM, a couple of reviews and from reading one of the earlier chapters.

Stefan seems to be in demand. He will kiss you if you give me my fix by writing a review. Legal Notice: The King cannot be held responsible for your death if you should have any fairy heritage.