The tension was so thick not even Eric wielding a sword was strong enough to cut it.

"How long," Eric said through gritted teeth.

"A few weeks," Pam said.

"Sookie?"

"She was at Merlotte's two nights ago," I said.

"Pam?"

"She came to Fangtasia on one of your nights off."

He looked unhappy. His unhappiness was escalated by the fact that this conversation had to take place in front of the two Kings and there entourage. "And you just forgot to tell your Maker and Sheriff?"

"She requested me not too. It seemed like a good idea."

"You are NOT Sheriff Pam! That is not your decision to make!" He scolded her. "You should have told me. There was no reason to put it off for WEEKS."

Russel and Bartlett wisely stayed silent during the exchange. I had never seen Eric lose his temper so much in front of others, said others being strong vampire Politian's. I could only hope that because they had sided with us they would dismiss this incident. I also understood that Pam's indirect act of insubordination to her maker was now made public and Eric would be expected to take some kind of action or he would look weak. I tried sending calm through the bond and something that I thought conveyed 'you can save this for later'.

He shot me a look and I shot him one back. He got the message. "Pam, as your maker I order you to be on Fangtasia door duty every night for a month unless otherwise excused for when we must fight De Castro, and can do so in flip-flops purchased from Wal-Mart and a playboy bunny faux-silver leotard with fishnets. If any of the patrons wish to have a photo with you at the door you will be obligated to do so. You will also be required to clean the male restrooms. And no consulting Dear Abby or spouting it at me either in this time."

Pam actually pouted but made no further comment to worsen Eric's mood with her. Later, it could all come later. This punishment was about humiliation, and humiliation would have a greater effect on Pam than something more physically brutal.

"I don't know if this is any condolence, but she was a wonderful pretend-mommy. I sometimes need one to get by in public," Arianna said. "But I don't object to pretend-daddies." She actually winked then.

Eric just looked at her blankly, giving away nothing. "How are you fit to run a state then?"

"This is good, this is good" Bartlett said, but I think my vampires were too consumed to pay him any mind. To be honest, I couldn't really see how it was 'good'. Not yet. But I suppose it was better than Eric fuming.

"Just because you're a giant does not mean that those much smaller are incapable. I did not get to my age by being incapable. I had to be more than just capable. But we had the same maker so I'm sure you know all about his training methods," she said darkly.

It was minute movement, but I saw his face soften, ever so slightly. The tense environment was evolving to become just plain awkward. Eric had recollected himself but he wasn't won over either.

"Can we discuss strategy now?" Russel asked although judging by his tone, there was no question about it.

"What can you offer to the state?" Eric asked Arianna.

"Anything you fucking want," I cringed internally, not used to hearing a three year old swear, but of course, she wasn't three at all. "If we go through with this I'll be in you debt. Return Louisiana to whatever former glory it had. Strengthen our bases. I may be new to the state, but I want a home. I want a place where I can belong. I need it. All the other child vampires in the world need it. Our existence may not be illegal anymore but we still do not fit well into vampire society. I want sanctuary. Along with my Sheriff's, my blood, we can restore this bumfuck state and then build on it."

"Oh see Eric, she'll do great things. I didn't even know she was your little sister until moment ago, this is just perfect! But of course, if its anyone state, it's yours, so it's all up to you," Russel said.

"I see no other alternative. I may be unhappy with it but it appears to be our best option."

In a burst of vampire speed Arianna was sitting on his lap, facing him. Her little hands were holding his chin in a steely grip. "I am not a fucking option; I am your fucking solution because you aren't willing to fucking step up your fucking self. You'd do well to remember that."

I felt like I needed to clean out my ears. She'd didn't just swear, oh no, she swore worse than a sailor. She released her grip on Eric's jaw and zipped back to her chair. Eric's fangs had snapped down and looked like he was ready to jump out of his seat. Meet the family y'all.

"Eric, retract your fangs," Russel ordered.

I reached for his hand and squeezed it. He didn't look at me but he returned a slight pressure. It was enough. I had been getting better at the bond and was able to project waves of calm. His fangs retracted.

"So," Arianna chirped, "How do you suggest we conquer the big bad vamp?"

And that was the million dollar question.