I decided the best way to do this chapter was from Pam's POV. You get a little more of Eric and his thinking behind the 'gifts'. Thank you for all your responses for Quinn's funeral. If you guys think of anything else you can PM me. It still is a few chapters away so I have some time.

Chapter 26 - Vampires, Idioms, and Dear Abby Oh My

When I pulled up in the club parking lot tonight I knew that it was going to be a long evening. Even before I made the turn into the Fangtasia parking lot I could feel the anger from my Master. Last night after Sookie left with Jack I tried to reason with him. He had been angry at Sookie for throwing the pitcher at him and making such a scene in his bar. I had felt responsible, for I was the one who convinced Sookie to come to the club. I had felt for sure that if she apologized to my Master then the situation would improve. I should have known better. I should have called him to warn him of our arrival. I honestly did not believe that within the few minutes of our arrival behind his, he would have moved that fast onto a fangbanger. Though, knowing my Master as well as I do, I should have assumed.

*****

(Flashback to the previous night)

Even when Sookie and I reached Fangtasia I knew through our bond that he was angry, resentful, hurt, confused, and full of a whole lot of… denial. But I never felt lust, if I had, I would have turned around before I entered the building. To know that my Master did not particularly enjoy his feeding and potential sex partner was enough information for me to know that he made a significant mistake when it came to Sookie. The problem being was getting him to recognize this. I had tried to speak with him right after the incident, but he did not want to hear it. After Jack had returned to the club I went in to inform him that Sookie arrived at her home safely. I figured the best time to act was now. I knocked on the door before I entered.

"I just wanted to let you know that Jack has returned and Sookie was delivered to her doorstep safely."

"Fine. Could you send Jack in, I need to speak with him." I hoped that Jack would not suffer punishment for acting in defiance of Eric. Whatever it might be, I knew it wouldn't be too harsh. My Master has always had a soft spot for Jack especially after Stacia…

I knew that I needed to take this opportunity to speak with him about Sookie, "Master, can I have a moment?"

"What is it Pamela, I am very busy tonight." He responded without even looking up from his desk. I strolled into the room and sat in the seat across from him. Though I knew my Master would never cause me harm, I was glad his large mahogany desk was in between us.

"Master, Sookie is human. She does not think the way we do. Feeding and sex are a natural part of our life, but Dear Abby says that a human woman desires her man to be…monogamous. That is why she was so upset, she did not want to see you with another woman. I know that you told Sookie that you did not think it would work out, but Master, you are happier with her. We are happier when you are happy. Please fix this, for you and for the rest of us."

"Monogamous, what is the meaning of that term?"

"Monogamy means to have only one sexual partner." I honestly could not picture Eric having only one woman. What a monotonous way to spend you life with only one partner. The predictability of your partner must become tedious and dull. How boring, I couldn't imagine limiting myself to one person.

Very thoughtfully he answered, "I have not had more than one partner for quite some time. I prefer the intimacy of one-on-one rather than a group setting. " Men, he still did not understand. I could probably count on one hand how many vampires had sex only with their partner and no other. Relationships were not defined by sexual loyalty, but of actions, alliances, and wealth.

"No Master, it means sexually dedicated to one person and only that person, not just having one partner at a time."

Very thoughtful he added, "This…would please Sookie…if I had sex with no one but her?" He sighed deeply and I felt through the bond confusion, reluctance, and …guilt. Was it possible that the mighty Eric Northman felt guilt over the way he treated Sookie? I decided to make a suggestion.

"Dear Abby says that human women require that of their mate, and you should bend over backwards for your woman."

"What does bending backwards have anything to do with a woman?"

"I have no idea, but it's important. They love it." I had no idea what Dear Abby meant but she was smart…for a human. Apparently human women appreciate a man who can bend. Maybe they like flexibility and think it's an admirable trait. If that is the case, Eric is a most amiable mate, for he is very flexible. "Master…why don't you send Sookie some flowers. Dear Abby says that women love flowers."

"I will do that Pam. I called the construction crew and they will be at Sookie's home early afternoon. Maybe I will send her some flowers inviting her here and take her out for the evening." The idea sounded promising and I was smiling to myself. Things were beginning to look up.

"That sounds like a wonderful idea Master. She will love that. What about her furniture?"

"I found this company, Ethan Allan, that delivers next day. I chose pieces that were similar to the ones that she had. In addition, I purchased her a recliner and a new sofa. That should sufficiently make up for the pieces I destroyed. What I purchased her was by far better quality than what she had anyway."

I visibly smiled showing my approval, "That sounds grand indeed. I am sure she will be most pleased."

Feigning annoyance he responded, "Is that all Pamela? Can you send it Jack?"

My lips twitched as I answered, "That is all." I walked out the door knowing victory was on our side. I made my way over to Jack who had resumed his duties at the entrance.

"Jack, the Master wishes to have a word. I will take over." Under my breath I murmured, "He is in a better mood now." He nodded but did not appear to seem worried over his fate. He did not even look to the Master for approval before he escorted Sookie to his car. I would have made sure that Eric was in agreement before driving her home. I didn't hear any crashes or other loud noises and later saw Jack mingling with the other patrons in the bar, so I knew he survived the conversation. I was glad, I really liked Jack.

*****

(Back to the present)

I parked my car in the parking lot, though I really did not want to, I headed right for my Master's office to see what was angering him so. Only one thing could, Sookie Stackhouse. I went into the employee entrance and straight to his office. I heard a loud crash just as I reached the door to knock.

"Come in Pam."

I opened the door to see my Master's computer smashed into tiny pieces on the floor. Since he's been seeing Sookie I've been buying in bulk. Computers, cell phones, pens, PDA's, office phones, anything that he frequently breaks in his office. Lately he's been going through at least one computer a week, and his cell phone two or three a week. From the smashed computer I gathered that something had gone wrong with his deliveries to Sookie. I came in to the office and shut the door behind me. I sat on the seat across from him, cocked my eyebrow and waited for him to speak. Though I loved to tease him, I knew when to be silent.

Putting his fingers in his hair and tilting his head back he spoke angrily, "Damn it Pam! She refused my construction crew and the furniture delivery. Insolent infuriating woman! She mocks me by refusing my gifts." He picked up his office phone and threw it against the wall. I thought to myself, I need to restock those, I only have two left. I'm glad the computer shipments came in yesterday, by the rate he's going through them, they may only last a month.

"Did you invite her to the club this evening?" I inquired.

"Yes, she is supposed to be here at eight," he barked out.

Why couldn't Sookie see how hard my Master was trying? She constantly has to throw things back in his face. No one ever got away with that, but Sookie held some kind of voodoo fae power over him. From all the trouble she's caused, it may have been better if he would have just killed her when they met. If she continues to cause him this much distress I will kill her myself and accept whatever punishment from him he sees fit.

"You do not believe she will show?" The disbelief coated my words. The thought of anyone defying the Master was absurd, except for Sookie. She is the only one who has and lived. He had done such kind things for her, how could she refuse his generosity.

Dripped with anger, "I do not." I looked at the clock on the wall, it was seven-thirty. I made a mental note to myself to give her a call and persuade her to show up. More like threaten her life if she didn't. I thought of all the ways I could bend Sookie, threatening her brother and Frannie were top on my list.

"If she does not arrive, I will go to her." I had to reign my temper in because if the Master knew what I had planned he would not let me leave the club.

"Fine."

I knew our conversation was over, so I went to the stock room and grabbed a new computer and office phone. I would rather have waited until the Master calmed down to replenish his supply, but he needed it. Before I returned to the main floor I whipped out my phone and called Sookie. I was not surprised in the slightest that she did not answer. With Sookie, everything had to be the hard way. I would first give her a chance to explain herself before I sought retribution.

The bar had not been terribly busy so I ducked out around nine. Eric had been in a particularly savage mood all evening. I had to ban him from the use of the phone. He slammed the receiver down a little to hard after a call and it shattered into bits. I only had one more spare until more could be delivered the following day. Jack was taking and fielding his calls. The sooner I could sort this out the better.

A half an hour later I was pulling into Sookie's driveway. I could hear the television inside and two human heartbeats. I knew she was home. Climbing up the back stairs I discovered two garbage bags tied on the porch. Instead of the abhorrent odor of garbage, it smelled sweet like roses. I leaned closer to examine the bags and they both smelled like the aroma of flowers. I untied the first bag and discovered that it was indeed roses. The second was the same. Why would Sookie throw out the Master's flowers? It incensed me that she could do that to him. He had made such a noble gesture of sending her delectable flowers and according to Dear Abby, they were the key to getting a man out of hot water. If you asked me, I don't know why a man would need help from a woman to get out of a bath, it must be a human thing. I rang her doorbell knowing full well that she could not avoid me.

It took a few minutes for her to answer. I was about ready to kick the door in. As far as I knew, my invitation had not been rescinded. She opened the door very hesitantly. She should be nervous for defying my Master.

"Sookie, I trust you are well."

"Hello, Pam. Yes…I am well."

Done with the pleasantries I demanded, "Why did you refuse my Master's gifts?"

"Because I expected him to have a little more compassion. Maybe I expect too much from a vampire. Does he even have compassion?"

My anger flared, how dare she accuse my Master of such blasphemy. "He is loved for how he treats his underlings. Did he not send you flowers? But you choose to throw them away and refuse his gifts, why?" I gestured to the bags to demonstrate my point.

"The card on the flowers stated that he was sending them to me to replace the ones that got ruined. That's it, not anything else. I expected him to maybe say he was sorry or express a little more feeling. He has no idea what last night did to me, how…humiliated I was."

Men. Even I knew that sounded cold. "His card said these flowers were a replacement for the others?" I asked in disbelief.

"Yes, won't you come in." She stepped aside for me to enter. Things were beginning to make sense. I may not fully understand humans, but I do know how a woman feels.

"What about the other…deliveries? The furniture and construction crew?" She led me over to the only kitchen chair left in the room. She sat on the couch next to Frannie. I observed that the women had been watching a movie and eating comfort food, ice cream.

She sighed before she answered, "After I realized he had no idea how I felt I just… snapped. This was my Gran's furniture. He thinks he can replace these…memories with a next day delivery service. If I knew he meant well… but I was just another loose end to tie up. I couldn't have her things replaced like that, they hold so much sentimental value to me. By the time the construction crew arrived, I was so fired up that I turned them out. I felt like I was his charity case. Finally I had one more delivery, another bouquet of flowers. In that card, he commanded and not asked me to come to Fangtasia this evening. I'm sorry Pam, but there was no way I was going to bend to his will after all that."

My Master had definitely gone about a few things wrong. He should have made his first note kinder. I still did not understand the issue with the furniture, but I could see how one mistake led into another. It was a lot to digest. I should insist that Eric read Dear Abby, he might pick up a few things about courting a human woman. I did not have a problem with him commanding her to come to Fangtasia, she was part of his retinue, she must come when he calls. But, I could see that if she found his offerings unacceptable, she had due cause to deny his request.

"Things are making more sense to me. I will return to my Master and tell him he needs to bend over backwards, will that be acceptable to you?" Maybe the human women like to get a better look at the male anatomy, it is definitely more on display from that angle.

"No, he doesn't need to do that, but an apology would be nice. He did destroy my house after all? I don't expect anything from him Pam. He made it clear that he wants nothing to do with me, so I just helped him along. And don't tell me that he has feelings for me, I don't care anymore. I think he was right, it's best if we don't see one another." Her voice was filled with sadness and she kept running one arm up and down the other. I knew from her body language and expression she did not mean what she said, but fixing this was going to take a lot of work. They were both so stubborn.

Getting up I declared, "I must return to Fangtasia." I walked out the door before she could even say another word. I had some thinking to do. I needed to knock some sense into Eric before he completely destroys his chance at happiness. Just as I was about to get in my car her front door opened.

"Pam."

I turned to look at her, "Yes."

"Is Jack ok? Did Eric… punish him for taking me home?"

I laughed to myself, "You are very observant. No…Jack has a very special relationship with Eric."

With skepticism she said, "Really?"

"What did he tell you about himself?"

"He told me that he met and fell in love with a woman named Stacia. She turned him and they were happy together until she disappeared."

I debated on how much I should recount, but Sookie needed to see my Master in a better light, so I decided to divulge the history. I walked back over to her porch and climbed the stairs. "Eric and Stacia were very close…he was her maker."

With much disbelief she rendered, "What?"

"She was beautiful. The most beautiful woman I have ever seen. She had the blackest hair you ever saw and eyes that were as dark as the blackest night. Her skin was flawless and pale. She was the object of every vampire's affection. She could have had her pick from any vampire Kings, but she chose to fall in love with a human. Eric did not understand why she would pass up all her suitors for a mere lowly creature. Eric resented Jack even after he was turned. But when Stacia disappeared….everything changed. Both Jack and Eric were desperate to find her. They never did find any clues or leads to her whereabouts. Eric gave up hope long before Jack did. He watched Jack search for her for almost a century. It was several years ago that Eric approached him and offered him a place in his area. Eric had grown to deeply respect Jack. Eric realized the love Jack had for his child, and I think was a bit envious of never knowing that kind of love. Sookie, Eric sees you as Jack, and…it scares him to death. That is why Eric would never punish that man too harshly. He has high regard and affection for him."

"Thanks Pam and goodnight."

"Goodnight Sookie." She shut the door and I had one final thought. I grabbed the trash bags filled with flowers and loaded them in my car speeding down the road towards Fangtasia.

So I know you are were anxious to find out who was behind the door. I decided to give you a taste. The next chapter will also be in Pam's POV where she will seriously lay into Eric.

I had a lot of fun using idioms and playing with our language verses the vampire psyche.

Thank you for pushing my reviews over 500, I truly am bless to have all you amazing readers. Lurkers please continue to review it makes me get up and do the electric slide and post faster. hehe