A/N - True Blood and SVM characters belong to Mrs Harris, Alan Ball and HBO, I am just playing in the sand box. Original characters and storyline are mine. A big welcome to the new readers. Grab a comfy seat, there is coffee on the table and cookies to the side go ahead and enjoy the ride. Your reviews, comments and feedback make me forget the snow outside.

Chapter 14

Scene 1 - SPOV - Gifts

Eric was gone when my alarm woke me the next morning. I was disappointed at first, and then realized it would be difficult to go through the evening's events if we were given more time together. I knew Eric was against Appius plan. I was not feeling very confident either. I just hope I could avoid as much physical contact as possible.

When I stepped into the bathroom to get cleaned up I found a note from Eric next to my toothbrush.

I spoke to Merlotte, he will be watching over you during the day when you are not at work. You will not see him, do not look for him. Just be reassured he is there doing what I cannot in the daylight hours. I will not allow you to be abused. Merlotte has my permission to use his judgment in the situation. You will need to trust us, remember we are playing a dangerous game. Forgive me for tonight my lover. ~E~

I fought back the tears and carefully tore the letter into shreds before flushing it away.

I was just pouring maple syrup over the pancakes I had made for breakfast when I felt someone coming up the driveway. One quick scan later I groaned and prepared to face Eric's day man. His mind was already full of contempt and impatience for the situation he was in. He felt it was beneath him to be a delivery boy to his 'Masters' strumpet, especially one who lived out in the middle of nowhere in hick land.

I pasted a gracious smile on my face and waited for him on the front porch. He was surprised I seemed to be expecting him and approached me warily.

"Ms. Stackhouse, Good Morning."

"Mr. Burnham, What brings you to Bon Temps?" I asked him my voice dripping with southern honey.

I had to drive all the out to this misbegotten swamp because the Master is fascinated by your rancid hole, He thought. Maybe I should see what all the fuss is about; if I took her from behind I wouldn't have to see her face. God she doesn't even look like she bathes.

He held out the box he was carrying. He was hoping I wouldn't touch him with my grubby fingers; of course I deliberately brushed my hands over his as I took the item. I watched his lips twitch in disgust and decided I was done tolerating his filthy thoughts.

"Thank you for dropping this off, but a word of advice Bobby," I deliberately used his first name so I would have his full attention. "I do not believe 'Your Master' would appreciate knowing about the filthy things you would like to do to his bonded. Also you've worked for him for eight years and you still think he is going to turn you any day now? Why in the world would he do so, when you already heel so nicely?" I smiled sweetly at his open mouthed stare. "Careful there, you just might catch flies. Have a nice day Mr. Burnham." I gave him a wave and returned to the kitchen to finish my cold breakfast.

I got ready for my shift at Merlotte's then gave into temptation and opened the package. There were two boxes inside, one was from a store in Shreveport and contained a lovely crimson silk wrap dress with a matching set of heels and racy under things. There was a card enclosed without a signature.

You are required to appear at Fangtasia tonight at eleven pm. You will wear this dress.

The tone of the card was nothing like letter from this morning. The dress was undoubtedly lovely; it seemed such a shame to waste it on Fangtasia. But Eric did say I needed to get used to dressing with more elegance as befitted his bonded when we were in public. I carefully set the dress box aside and pulled out the second package which was wrapped in plain brown paper and cotton string.

A gleam of wood caught my eye as I carefully unwrapped the object. When I was finished I held in my hands the portrait of Eric which Pam had sketched. She had been true to her word and framed it protectively behind treated glass. This was a gift I would truly treasure. I carried it into my room and decided to hang it on the wall across from my side of the bed. I would see Eric first when I opened my eyes, even if he wasn't there with my physically.

When I flipped the picture over to attach the wire for hanging, a slip of paper fell free. I chuckled and picked up my third note of the day. This one was different, obviously in a feminine hand.

As I promised. I am happy you have worked things out. You know how much Eric and I miss the old Sookie. I hope to see you in fine form tonight, just like you used to be. With warmest regards, Pamela.

I frowned as I hung the portrait. Pam knew full well I hated playing dress up. When I had the portrait centered and hung as perfectly as it could be against the plaster wall, I admired it for a moment before changing into my Merlotte's uniform for the lunch shift.

I had to grit my teeth when I arrived to find Holly would by my co-waitress for the afternoon. I regretted I missed the confrontation between the Wiccan and Jessica. I guess she decided to claim a kiss from Hoyt in front of the vampire hostess, who proceeded to wipe the pool table with the human's frumpy ass. Hoyt, thank the stars, had not been an active participant. Jason, who was a witness, said that Hoyt was open mouthed with astonishment and pushed Holly away before Jessica took things into her own hands.

While it did seem to cement the relationship between Jessica and Hoyt, it had reminded Merlotte's customers that Jessica wasn't just a cute teenager. Holly blamed me of course, probably with Arlene's help since they seemed to be thick as thieves now.

I managed to get through the shift, thankful that my shields were pretty much impenetrable now so I would not have to listen to what my customers really thought of me. I had been thinking for a while that it might be a time for another change. Why should I work with and around people who seemed to dislike me so much. I was a good waitress, better than most, because I knew what my customers wanted before they asked if I wasn't blocking their thoughts. Since my shields were so strong now I had started to dream about taking some classes, maybe in finance. The books from the library and the discussions with Eric and Pam when they were trying to help me understand what I was reading had become fascinating.

The world of finance was like a giant puzzle, all the facts and figures with a large shot of luck thrown in. Then there was teaching, what if I could help troubled kids? Maybe they wouldn't have issues like me or poor Hunter, just problems because no one bothered to listen to what they were trying to say. I could help them early on in school; help them gain the confidence to get through childhood without it being a living nightmare.

So many things I could do, where before I was too scared to try, worried I would not be able to deal with all the thoughts. I could afford school now, with the allowance from Eric, and I was sure he wouldn't mind me using it to further my education, especially if it meant I would leave Merlotte's.

I about rolled my eyes when I caught Holly putting the flirt on for Sam. I guess she had her eye now on a different man. She and Arlene were definitely two of a kind, apparently unable to fend on their own without a man a dangle from their leash.

My shift was over and I tossed my dirty apron into the box provided, grabbed my things and headed for the door. Sam's voice brought me up short before I was half way down the back hall.

"Hey Sookie, I need you to take Arlene's lunch shift tomorrow," he told me. "She just called in, one of the kids are sick."

I bit my lip, dangit I wasn't sure what shape I was going to be in after tonight. "I'll be there Sam," I replied with a sigh.

"Great, I have a meeting around noon; you'll need to handle the drinks for me too." Sam had caught my eye when he said meeting.

"Oh, anything important?" I asked curiously. It couldn't be this easy could it?

"Just a developer who wants my input." He nodded his head slowly then smiled. "Thanks for covering Sookie, you need anything in return, let me know. I'll have your back."

I don't like Eric's plan Sookie, but I called Quinn just as he asked to hash out the fairground issues. Sam sent to me.

"Later Sam, I'll catch you tomorrow then," I replied.

I stopped for groceries and a few other errands before returning home. I picked up some more library books and ran the car through a quickie lube and car wash. She may not be the best looking thing, but the only way my car had lasted this long was keeping her as maintained as I could afford.

I did a few chores, read for a while and took a nap. I was surprised I actually slept, but I figured I needed to be as rested as possible. It was going to be a long night and I was going to have to be on my toes.

Scene 2 - EPOV - Courage

It was one of the hardest things I have done, leaving Sookie before dawn. I wanted to grab her up and head out the door, never stopping until we ended up at one of my international safe houses. The sight of Russell feeding from her, almost draining her dry if I had not stopped him that morning at Fangtasia was an image forever burned into my mind's eye. I could not let him have her again.

The hybrid telepath had pulled the human side of me, buried for a millennium, kicking and screaming into the sunlight of her love. I found no desire to return to hiding in the darkness. My instincts as a vampire demanded I destroy the threat to what was mine, and I cursed the vision of Godric which I had allowed to still the hand of vengeance.

I was lounging on my bed when Pam strolled into my room. I could sense there would be little time before the dawn would pull her under, so I made the debriefing short and sweet. She was happy to hear I had worked things out with Sookie, for now at least, and disgusted when I explained what we had to do.

"Stake him," she snarled. "That is all you had to let her do in that parking lot. I know Godric's passing hit you hard. I had just a tiny taste of what you have been through when I thought I lost you to your insane plan. If Sookie could have staked him none of this would be happening now."

"I know Pam," I hissed at her. "I will not make the same mistake. I believe Appius being here could be a sign, perhaps from Godric, someone somewhere also realizes their mistake. I did not call Appius Pam, he came on his own. You know how unusual it is for him to leave his home and involve himself in politics. There is something driving him, something more than our fleeting relationship."

"Of course there is," she snapped, "the same thing which drives you, guilt that he could not be there for Godric on the rooftop. He lost one of his oldest friends; some might say they were as close as brothers once he had Godric's blood. Through the blood he now shares with you he feels your pain and your resolution to end your existence to destroy Russell. He will not make the same mistake and allow the Child to follow the Maker again into the sunlight."

I had already planned the evening's dramatic scene, which I hoped would convince the right people to action. Pam was positive Sookie would pick up her clues, but she would not let me see the package she was sending to Sookie through Bobby in addition to the dress I purchased for her.

"A girl's got to have her secrets," was all she told me.

The hardest part of the night would come when I would have to reveal to Sookie something I never wanted her to know about our bond. Normally a vampire formed a blood bond with a human for one reason, control of the human. The human would have to be special indeed for a vampire to risk the mutual exchange of blood. No vampire wishes to be reminded of their human past, and experiencing human emotions did just that. If the human and vampire had a positive relationship, the bond would be pleasurable for both of them. If the human was bonded unwillingly, the human would be the one to suffer, for the vampire would give very little of themselves to the connection. Despite the type of relationship the bond was created under, they both shared one very important fact. Like the bond between Maker and Child, the vampire could command their human to do as they willed.

Sophie-Anne had wanted the power to command over Sookie, just as she did over Hadley which is why she did not allow Compton to form a blood bond with Sookie. I did not desire to force Sookie to my will. It was a part of the bond I rather not existed. Her fierce independence was one of her endearing qualities, though coupled with her stubbornness and refusal of old to acknowledge some common sense; it could also be one of her most annoying qualities. Quite frankly I was not even sure I could bend Sookie to my will through the bond, it might just roll off of her like our glamour.

Appius and I had fought viciously over using the bond in such a manner but in the end he won with a very serious point. If it worked our enemies would fall for our hoax. If my attempt failed we lost nothing, but it would be a strong indicator turning Sookie, in the future if she wished, could go very wrong. Her body might reject the blood magic. It was for many reasons I found myself praying to the Gods of old Sookie would heel and heel well this evening.

I dressed for Fangtasia carefully when I rose. I paired a well cut pair of dark jeans with a midnight blue dress shirt leaving several buttons free. The boots I wore were spotless and shined to a glass like finish. I tossed a sports coat over my shoulder and grabbed my phone and keys. It was show time.

I dealt with the mound of paperwork Pam had dumped on my desk while waiting for the passage of time. My semi-casual attire would be explained by the appearance of Appius in his Magister personae and a meeting with the vampires known to own the local fight club. The meeting was to take place in my corner booth, so the vampires could observe the workings of the club and decide whether they wished to invest in something similar for their establishment. Appius was there to verify they were following the proper regulations with the use of 'v'.

Chow would be working the throne tonight and was already in place when I headed out to the bar. He had shed his shirt and was seated wearing nothing but loose cotton pants. His various tattoos were displayed to perfection. Clancy was working the bar in Chow's stead and Thalia was at the back of the bar as the bouncer.

Compton strode into the bar at exactly eleven pm, expecting to be meeting with me to discuss Jessica. As her maker he had to sign off on her vampire registration paperwork, indicating he had released her and in addition signing her care over to me. The shifter had informed me of the altercation between the Wiccan and Jessica over her human. She was too young to understand how close she came to the True Death if the crowd had turned on her. I planned on her working here at the bar; Pam had ways of helping her appear older than her human years. Of course I was already meeting with Appius and the other vampires, who had predictably brought some of their best humans for me and Appius to sample. Compton was forced to wait for me to finish my current appointment.

My excuse for Sookie to be present for the meeting was the need to have her read the humans. This information had not been included in the note I left her, if it had I knew she would have done all she could to arrive early. As it was, the moment Compton was seated, Appius and I began our show. I complimented the vampires for their taste in their humans, and agreed to choose my 'favorite' who then crawled into my lap. Appius also made a choice and the meeting went forward.

Compton watched it all in disgust from his spot at the bar and I caught the flash of surprise on Chow's face when I fondled the breast of the buxom red head in my lap. As the minutes ticked past the designated time for Sookie to appear Appius directed the conversation in such a way the vampires found themselves inquiring about hiring the services of my telepath to read the thoughts of their customers, to verify all was as it should be.

We had started the negotiations for her time when Sookie flounced into the bar. I had to choke back my laughter and pride at her appearance, though I shot Pam a look of warning when her mask slipped allowing the absolute glee she was feeling appear.

Sookie had figured it out and pulled out all the stops. She had refused to dress in the clothing I had told her to wear, instead dressing in a university sweatshirt, ragged jeans and dirty sneakers, with her hair tossed into a messy tail. She appeared to stand before me every ounce the whiny bratty defiant Sookie of old. Her scowling face with its pouty lip and tapping foot the icing on the proverbial cake.

"What the hell did you think you were doing Eric," she snarled at me with her hands on her hips. "You think you can tell me how to dress? If you did you've got another thing coming. I won't be bought like some common whore." She then apparently noticed the woman on my lap. "Speaking of whores, what the hell is she doing?" She spoke directly to the red head while grabbing the girls arm. "Get the fuck off my vampire, bitch."

The bar had fallen silent, everyone caught up in our little drama, waiting to see how their Sheriff would handle his human.

"I will not tolerate your tone of voice or its content Sookie." I informed her allowing my accent to come to the fore to show my displeasure while I disengaged her hand from the fang banger, squeezing her wrist hard enough to bruise in warning. She followed my cue and tugged her wrist away, pausing a moment to rub it before moving into another rant.

"Listen buddy, you lost all rights to dictate to me when you walked that pretty ass out my door."

"I lost nothing Sookie, you are mine to do with as I please, get used to it."

"You don't own me you stupid vampire, no one does." she screeched before going into the most ridiculous tirade I had ever heard fall from her lips. I almost forgot what we were doing, so caught up in her masterful rendition of a spoiled southern belle.

Luckily Appius kicked my leg under the table, as I had missed the astonishment of my visitors for my failure to cease her prattling.

I surged to my feet, tossing the whore to her vampire and stood over Sookie, who was still screaming at me.

"You are being foolish woman," I warned her softly. "How dare you come before you Master dressed so inappropriately?" I ripped the sweatshirt from her body before she could blink. I knew she would have something on underneath. I could always count on Sookie's need for modesty. The fabric fell to the floor revealing a scanty tank top over her bra. She started up into another tirade and swung her arm toward my face, intending to slap me.

My grin was feral when I caught the offending hand, my face otherwise cold and unyielding. She was still yelling when I sent regret and love through the bond. Hating to do this, but praying it would work for all our sakes.

"Silence!" I ordered forcing my will through the bond. Her eyes bulged and I felt her rising fear when her mouth snapped shut mid word.

I poured all my sorrow into the thought pleading to any power listening for her to hear me this one time. I am so sorry Sookie, Please lover trust me.

"Much better," I drawled still towering over her. I saw nothing in her eyes to indicate she had heard me, if anything the feel and smell of her fear increased.

"You will learn your place. Compton was too lenient." I tossed a sneer his way, amused to find him gaping like a fish. "You will kneel Sookie and thank me for it." I again forced my will, bringing her to her knees and tore the hateful words from her lips. "Thank you Master."

"Rise and join me. There is work to be done." I released her and returned to the booth hoping she would follow. The fear was there along with a heavy dose of confusion but thankfully I could still sense her trust. The show apparently over the bar returned to normal. Sookie read the humans as Appius questioned the girls. Her responses subdued.

When I started joking and telling stories to the vampires, Sookie again masterfully picked up her cue.

"May I be excused Master?" she asked quietly her eyes on the table top.

"I do not think so Sookie; there is still your punishment." Thalia immediately appeared in front of us.

"What? You cannot punish me Eric!" she started to yell. Thalia looked to me for permission which I granted before grabbing up Sookie and slinging her over her shoulder, humorous as she was shorter than Sookie. I ignored them as Thalia hauled Sookie down to the basement.

I summoned Compton over after the pit vampires left to handle our business. I suffered through two hours of his ranting about my treatment of Sookie, and I received the surprise of my undead life the next time Thalia emerged. I had not noticed Sookie blocked our bond, otherwise I would have sped to the basement in frenzy of rage upon feeling what had been done to her.

Thalia had Sookie slung over her shoulder again, but this Sookie had been physically abused. Her face was bruised and her fingers bloody where her nails had broken to the quick. Her tank top was gone, leaving only her bra and the welts across her back were obvious. The delicate scent of her blood wafted through the bar, causing fangs to snick into place. Appius was the one to growl a warning to the other vampires, as I was still in shock. Thankfully I had centuries to perfect my 'poker face', as Sookie called it, for none of my fury broke the marble facade.

The tiny vampire stopped in front of me with her burden allowing Sookie to painfully twist her head to snarl at me. "I will never forgive you for this Eric. So help me God I will find a way to kill you."

I played the part, "You can try, my little pet." I addressed Thalia, "Get her out of here."

"Yes Master," she responded zipping out of the bar.

Compton left shortly afterward and I played my last game for the evening, all for Chow's viewing pleasure as I summoned a fang banger to my office. Appius was already there, having come back through a hidden passage after appearing to have escorted Bill from the bar. He was the one to enjoy the blood whore, glamouring her to scream my name when he took her.

When the bar was closed, everyone accounted for and the place empty except for the three vampires staring at me steadily while I prowled my office. I let my fury break free.

"What the fuck did you think you were doing?" I finally roared at Thalia crossing the floor to have her against the wall, my fangs brushing her throat completely disregarding our age difference.

Thalia did not struggle, only looked to Pam who answered my question.

"It was Sookie's idea Eric. She said it had to be believable." Pam said softly her eyes rimmed with red.

Thalia spoke in her stilted English, "The Mistress is brave. I refused to do as she requested at first knowing my life would be forfeit to you if I touched her. She started to claw at the walls, hurting her hands while she screamed at me. She said all was lost if I did not do as she said, because if we were not believed then the 'show' was for nothing."

"So you let a mere human tell you what to do?" I asked Thalia in astonishment as I let her go.

Thalia scowled in confusion just as surprised to have obeyed, "She is persuasive, your woman." She glanced at me with apology in her eyes, "I am sorry Eric I did as she asked because she was correct. I was very careful not to cripple or do permanent harm. The wounds were mostly visual."

Thalia turned to Appius who had been silently listening. 'She refused the blood tonight. She wishes to wait one day. She sees the Tiger tomorrow and said the punishment needed to remain visible. We are to meet her at the pond hidden on her property just after midnight"

Appius nodded in agreement, "I will be there," he said and then smiled at me. "You bonded is full of surprises Eric."

"Yes, she is," I whispered not ashamed of the tear which slipped to streak my face. Oh lover what have I done to you, I thought in despair.