A/N- Sorry I took so long to update. It only takes me three hours to write a chapter but sometimes its hard to find a spare three hours.

Who knew there was such a thing as eyelash perming?

Who knew they'd charge twenty bucks for it?

I certainly hadn't before today, but after my eight hour spa session there was very little left about the world of pampering decadence that I didn't know about.

I'd had all sorts of lotions rubbed onto my skin, I'd been wrapped in plastic and bathed in several tubs all containing different exotic mud or 'natural' ointments. Truthfully I didn't think God had created half the 'natural' things that I had experienced that day, but I wasn't complaining.

I'd had treatments I had never heard of before in my life and some I couldn't have because I was pregnant. I'd had every stray hair plucked from my body and several women who'd seen every inch of me as they rubbed stones, loofahs and other unrecognizable objects over my skin.

Who knew looking beautiful could be so exhausting?

I was reclining on one of their massage table having an 'aura cleansing' when Pam found me, it took me by surprise at first because I'd lost track of the time and she'd greeted me with a quick slap on my derriere.

"Oh if only I'd found you first instead of Eric and Bill" she moaned as I struggled to remove the cucumber my eyes,

"I would have fucked you senseless"
I blush furiously and toss the lotion covered cucumber at her, I miss of course and they land on the floor, to be scooped up instantly by a maid. I feel guilty at that and make a note to tip her later.

"You're in a good mood" I note sourly, starting to tingle with my latest treatment, not even entirely sure what was supposed to be happening.

She grins and throws her hair back over her pastel green tracksuit, complete with white penny loafers.

"Fidel de Castro was irate after your statement last night...apparently some of the vamps were visiting from other states and word has got round quickly that His Majesty is breaking the rules. Our kind has overthrown rulers for far less"

I sit up so quickly, I nearly head butt the beautician, "Does this mean I could go home soon?" I ask breathlessly, wondering if I could possibly be that lucky.

I wasn't.

"The vamps in question are gathering around Eric, Sookie dear. Not openly, but Nevada spies suggest several have contacted him so far. Were you to be released, Fidel would hold no leverage over Eric- no reason for Eric and the Area Five vamps and supes not to challenge his now tenuous hold"

Sulking I slip from the table, wrapping the soft towel around my body. Pam and I start to head towards the change rooms where I'd changed when a now familiar clipboard was placed before me, barely scanning the bill I signed and left another ridiculous tip.

Pam smirked, "Passive aggressiveness suits you well, dear one. Both Madden and tiger are infuriated with your spendthrift manners"

I giggle, burying any feelings of guilt I might once have felt. "Perhaps you and I could go to the casino...I've never gambled before"
Picking up my top and handing it to me, not even bothering to feign polite modesty she blatantly watches as I get dressed,

"I'd be glad to teach you how to play all those games, Sookie"

I roll my eyes at the double entendre, "Don't teach me too well Pam, I don't plan on winning any money"

"Then what is the point of playing Miss Stackhouse?"

We both spin around to face Victor Madden and Sandy, standing inside the door.

Neither Pam nor I move, but I sense her tensing as they both approach. Clad only in a t-shirt and my underwear, I feel my human weaknesses strongly as Madden stops only a foot from me.

"His Most High Majesty Fidel de Castro is greatly saddened by the misinterpretation of the visiting lieges of other states which occurred last night- now would not be the time to test his patience...or his wallet"

I feel my ire rise and raise my chin bravely but stupidly, "Is that a piece of advice or a threat? If money is such an issue for the king, I'm sure my husband Eric would be all too happy to cover my costs"

Sandy hisses and Madden bares his teeth as me, even as Pam comes forward. She might have been outnumbered, but I would trust in Pam's ability to hold her own.

"Just remember not to push my master too far" Madden warns, ducking his head and pressing his nose into the strip of exposed flesh between my top and panties, he sniffs deeply and beside me Pam growls loudly, her fangs running out.

Grinning he withdrew, licking his lips and his fangs,

"My that little fae of yours is coming along nicely...I can't wait to meet the lovely fragile babe"

I stand tall and proud as my grandmother would have done, not letting either vamps see an iota of weakness as they dart out the door...I count to sixty, giving them enough time to get out of earshot.

Pam catches me as the strength body, cradling me close as I shake violently in her arms.

'Eric!' I find myself screaming silently as tears course down my face, wishing my telepathy went both ways or that our blood bond would work over the hundreds of miles.

I hear a rustling noise; Pam releases me and slips her hand into her green jacket, withdrawing with a big envelope. She hands it to me and, eager for the distraction, I tear it open, my eyes struggling to focus,

'Sookie,'

It reads in crabbed handwriting,

'It's me'

A/N- Tell me what you think