A/N: So after much thought as how to follow up that last chapter, my muse finally stepped in and decided for me. I hope you all enjoy the result.

Eric's POV:

It was beyond thrilling just to contemplate what I could teach Sookie. The last time I had bothered to teach anybody the subtle and not so subtle arts of love making, it was Pam. She was certainly less puritanical in her sexual preferences than Sookie, but I was hoping to expand some of her horizons tonight in that regard.

Honestly, I think after what Sookie has been through, she might benefit from being the "master" once she has the proper training. It would be a little too soon to start her on bondage or anything fairly kinky tonight.

"I thought perhaps a little quiz might be useful in order to gauge your prior knowledge of this area."

She raised her hand, still playing along with our little charade. "Professor Plenty? I'm afraid I didn't bring any supplies with me for this class."

I glanced at my "attendance list" and looked back up at her. "Well I'm afraid, Miss Stackhouse, that I can't just let such an infraction of my rules slide. However, since this is the first session, I'm willing to lessen the punishment."

She smiled broadly, her eyes hinting at a bit of mischief in her thoughts.

"You will not touch yourself for the next 48 hours."

Her emotion switched to that of annoyance. "You mean no masturbating for 48 hours? Ok, done."

"No, Miss Stackhouse. I meant exactly what I said. You will not touch yourself at all for the next 48 hours or I will find a harsher punishment for you."

Realization finally dawned on her and she immediately uncrossed her legs and put both her hands on either side of her on the bed.

"Very good. Now can anyone tell me what the roles of the dominant and the submissive are?"

"Well the words themselves are telling. The dominant one is the boss giving orders and the submissive one is taking orders."

"And which one would you like to be Miss Stackh…" My question was interrupted by "I Wish I Was In Dixie", which could only be one person… Pam.

I apologized to Sookie for the interruption to our class and went over to the night stand where my cell phone was vibrating annoyingly. I flipped it open quickly and took an unnecessary breath before beginning. "Pam, this better be a fucking emergency or I will destroy your entire shoe collection when I get back!"

I was surprised to hear the next words. "This isn't Pam. She's been missing for 48 hours Master."

"Thalia? Have you looked in all the usual places?" I knew sometimes Pam would go to ground in a few select places if she couldn't make it home on time.

"Master, I went to her house and found it a complete mess. She obviously has been taken by somebody."

"I'm catching the next flight back to Shreveport. We need to be discreet as to the situation. Put feelers out, but don't tell anyone she's missing. I expect a report when I return."

I closed the phone and looked back at Sookie who was still naked, sitting on the bed, looking up at me with worry written all over her face.

"Who's gone missing Eric?"

"Pam." Sookie's eyes widened with actual fear. "I need you to get dressed Sookie. Wear at least three layers. It's 6:35 in Shreveport now. We're going to have to fly the old fashioned way if we're going to make it before dawn."

Sookie's POV:

I hustled around the room, looking for clothes that would be warm enough for the trip. I wasn't sure what Eric meant when he said "old-fashioned". He made it sound like a catapult. I could only hope my own silly musings were far off the mark.

I found a black v-neck tee, a powder blue turtleneck sweater and a thick ski jacket to wear. Eric had mentioned it was filled with goose down to keep me properly insulated. He handed me a pile of black gloves, a scarf, and a hat. I had to wonder at how sweet it was that Eric had taken my entire wardrobe for the trip into consideration. He had obviously planned on us playing in the snow between our intense "discussions".

We hadn't really managed that many talks, but I think our actions spoke volumes. I had to admit that I couldn't imagine my life without Eric in it. He took care of me in a way that no other man had. I feel like I didn't have to worry when he was around. I was safe and secure and loved. I could only chide myself for being so blind. What puzzled me was how he completely shutdown the conversation about turning me. I would have thought he'd be jumping up and down at the opportunity.

I put on two pairs of socks at Eric's insistence that he didn't want me to get frostbitten. He put on a thick ski jacket like mine and I chuckled. "What's that for?" He looked down at his similar ensemble and looked back up. "This is for you. You may find you need the extra layer of insulation lover."

"Eric, what did you mean when you said we were going to be flying the old fashioned way?"

"I thought you had already figured that out Sookie."

"You mean you're going to be flying us into the blizzard outside? Eric, you do remember I'm mortal right?"

"That's why I suggested two pairs of socks." He grinned that self-satisfied grin like he had just come up with a cancer cure.

"Eric do you have any idea how freaking cold it's going to be outside? It's probably minus zero out there!" I couldn't help feeling like I was whining, but it was somewhat justifiable given the fact that I did not want to turn into a Sookie popsicle.

"There is no other way we can travel there Sookie. I have a feeling that this is a trap and as soon as somebody registers our position on the grid, they'll make their move. I don't want them to see me coming. I can't take you with me Sookie. I'll have to drop you at a safe house along the way and you will need to stay there until I come back for you."

"And how long is that going to take?" He just stared at me, trying to calculate how long I'd be stuck in some shack, god only knows where.

"Damn it Eric. I want to go home! I don't know how long you thought you could keep me here, but I sure as hell am not going anywhere besides back to my house in Bon Temps."

"I can't protect you there Sookie. If the same individuals who took Pam are after you, they'll already have a stakeout going on at your house. Somebody might be using Pam to bring us out of the woodwork. It would only take a few inquiries for somebody to know that you are with me."

"I've already been gone from work too long Eric."

"Have you been listening to what I've been saying? You're not going back to Bon Temps until I've found whoever is responsible for Pam's disappearance.

"Then where the hell are we going Eric?"

"We need to avoid all major cities and it would be prudent to go to a place that is warded against witches so they can't track us by using magic. I have a few safe houses warded and stocked up with food for you, but we must leave now Sookie."

"Alright."

"I know it goes against all your sensibilities, but you have to do as I say without question. When I say run, you must run without looking back. If I tell you to stay you must remain in whatever place I put you."

"Are "fetch" and "roll-over" on that list of commands too?"

"This is not the time Sookie. You have said you trust me. Do not be stubborn or willful please. Listen to me so that I may keep you safe. Until I hear differently, we'll be on the run for a little while. We must act quickly to ensure Pam's safe return."

He turned to me and held out his hand. "Are you ready lover?" I put my hand into his large one and he rubbed the back of my hand with his thumb.

"As ready as I'll ever be."

A/N: Ha, I did two updates in one day! I know you all wanted them to stay in the love shack and get a chance to talk, but that's not how life works. Who do you think has Pam? Please review. Love, PIP.