They both had changed into something more Fangtasia-ish. Because of Eric's haste to bring her to his house, she had limited clothes to choose from. She settled for a dark pair of jeans and a fitted, red button-up short sleeve shirt. Sliding in to her black flats, she met Eric at the guest room door. He had changed into black slacks and a black t-shirt. He looked delicious.

"You look delightful, lover." She nervously pulled at the hem of her shirt and smiled.

"Thanks. You look very handsome." He smiled brightly at her compliment. She had brushed her hair out straight and he could stop himself from reaching out to run his fingers through it. She closed her eyes and sighed.
"Don't worry. I'm going to take care of you."

"Like a goldfish in a bowl?" He roared with laughter and she couldn't help but smile too. She knew that his laughter was a rare occurrence. It thrilled her to know that she could spark his humor. She lead the way downstairs and decided to see how much she could get by with in this new found relationship of theirs. She walked over to the kitchen counter and picked up the keys to his car from where she left them.

"Don't even think about it." He warned holding out his hand.

"Why not?"

"No."

"You trusted me to drive it today."
"Keys." He demanded as he reached out his hand. She narrowed her eyes at him and he matched her glare. His was exponentially more frightening, so she grudgingly handed them over.

"You're no fun."

"On the contrary, my dear lover, I am extremely fun. I'm just not a pussy."

***

He pulled into his normal spot at the back of Fangtasia. He exited the car and held her door for her. With her he felt he had to use his manners. She carried herself in such a way that she seemed offended when he didn't. He held the door and guided her back to his office. She was more comfortable this time. She didn't wait for him to ask her to sit. She automatically folded her legs under her to sit in the corner of his leather couch. She noticed a few boxes and bags sitting on top of his desk. He knew she would protest at what he had done, but it was her own fault. She refused to use the money he had left for her. She was too proud. He wouldn't give her the choice this time.

"Sookie, because we didn't pack appropriate clothes for you, I asked Pam to pick you up a few things that are suited for meeting the Queen."

"What?! Why can't I just run home and pick up some more clothes."
"We don't have time. I have things to do here before we leave and you're not going alone, so don't ask."

Before she could launch into ripping him a new one in regards to what she would and wouldn't do, Pam walked in.

"Hello, Master. Sookie. I trust everything was to your liking."

"I was just about to show Sookie her new things. Now that you're here, you can do it while I see about the bar." Eric nodded to his Child and walked briskly from the office. Sookie felt her mouth go dry and decided being left alone with Pam wasn't her favorite thing.

"Eric tasked me with shopping. I was surprised that I would be the one waiting on you hand and foot."

"Pam, I'm sorry. I'm upset about this whole thing! Eric should have never asked you to…"
"Aren't you even going to look at what he bought?"

"I'd rather not." She scowled. With the little she'd seen at the bar, she was pretty sure it would be black and mostly consist of leather or plastic. Pam ignored her and pulled a dark brown shift dress from one of the boxes. Wow. It was gorgeous. Pam opened a shoe box and thrust the matching shoes at her. They matched perfectly. The gold buckle across the toe was a perfect accent to the simple lines of the dress.

"There are accessories in this bag. There was a sale at the Gap so I decided you might need something casual for the flight." She commented in her trademark boredom as she pulled a pair of Khaki's and a navy button up shirt.

"How…how do you know they'll fit me?"

"They'll fit. I'm very good." She couldn't help but offer Pam a small smile. She moved closer to Eric's desk and actually started to get excited about all the new clothes.

"How much do I owe you?"

"For what?"

"The clothes. I need to pay Eric back." Pam erupted in laughter. She even felt the need to nudge Sookie's shoulder as if she'd told the best joke.

"Unless you plan on pissing him off even more than I do most days, I'd just take the clothes and thank him properly."

"No, it's not right! I'm not his whore." Pam's smile faded and she regarded her for a moment.

"He's had whores, Sookie. You are not being treated like one."

"But, he shouldn't buy me things. It's like I'm a kept woman,"

"Oh, you are a wonder." Pam mused. "Well, make sure I'm around when you refuse his kindness. I'd hate to miss the fun." She handed Sookie another bag and walked past her to the door. She looked back and laughed once again before leaving her standing there feeling conflicted. She placed the bag back on the table and took a deep breath. Was he just being kind? Was he trying to buy her? Was he making her more and more indebted to him? She was suffocating under all these questions. She opened the office door and slipped back out the back door. She leaned against the cold concrete wall and took a deep breath. It was still warm out, but the night air felt good filling her lungs. She pushed off the wall and nudged a rock with her toe. She crossed her arms across her chest and walked in a small circle trying to mull through all the questions in her mind. She stopped and lifted her head to the night sky. She took another deep breath and closed her eyes.

"Oh look, a snack." Sookie's eyes flew open and she took a step back. Flaming red hair and pale blue eyes filled her vision.

"What are you doing here, Jessica?"

"Just looking for a little something to nibble on." She leered. Sookie could feel her heart pounding in her chest and knew the young vampire wouldn't hesitate to rip it out.

"Where's Bill?"
"Probably still sulking over you. Sookie, Sookie, Sookie. That's all I ever hear. My dear Sookie. It's annoying. Maybe if I drain you, he'll quit pouting over you." Sookie took another step back and found herself pinned against the wall of the club.

"There's rules, Jessica. You have to follow them. Eric will…"

"I don't follow rules anymore! And Eric is nothing but a fucker. Fucker, fucker, fucker."

"Jessica, don't!" Sookie begged, but knew it wouldn't do any good. She saw Jessica's fangs come down right before she lunged. Sookie waited for the inevitable and the pain.