Disclaimer: All characters depicted herein are the sole property of Charlaine Harris and HBO. I am simply writing this fanfic to help pass the time while I wait for book 9 in May.

Chapter 7

After a very satisfying shower, I kicked Eric out the bathroom so I could get ready. As he left, Eric had indicated that he would get dressed, drink some blood and then have a little down time until I was ready to go. That was fine by me. The excitement over my new dress, combined with the hoards of endorphins we had released in the last hour, had made me absolutely giddy. If there was one thing I had learned since becoming a member of the supernatural community, was that you had to make the most of every single moment of peace you got. Not just because it may be your last, but because there were so many tiny details and choices which led you to this exact place at this exact time that it would be downright crazy to ignore your luck. Tonight might end in disaster, I thought, but I was going to look my best and have a damn good time until then.

The charcoal gown Eric bought me ran through my fingers like liquid night. It was exactly the kind of dress you would expect to see the guests of Preston's VIP restaurant and five-star hotel wearing on a regular basis. I really loved the concept of a vampire hotel placing such sensuality and beauty with the evening and the stars. If seemed fitting, in Hawaii, wherein all tourists visit for a chance to enjoy the sun, that a prominent vampire should open a hotel which catered to after-hours glamour. I had glanced at a brochure, earlier, and it boasted that The Nighthouse possessed the largest outdoor hot tub in the world, with an incredible view of the ocean and stars. I couldn't wait to relax with Eric in that hot tub, and run along the beach with him at moonlight. I know we had only arrived that morning, and many things had happened since then, but I felt a little cheated that I was in Honolulu and hadn't even stepped outside. Tomorrow, Sookie, tomorrow you will lay in the sun and drink a Blue Hawaii. Just one, though. As soon as I thought of the drink, it occurred to me that I hadn't heard any news of Bubba in quite a while. I reminded myself to ask Eric about it later.

I stepped into the dress and held my breath as I zipped up the back. I hope it fits I hope it fits I hope it fits…adjusting the straps so that they covered my new black lace bra, and running my hands over my hips to straighten the creases, I turned to look in the mirror. If I had been pale, the dark dress and my blond hair might have made me look vamp-ish. As it was, though, my tan and curves made me look like a movie star. The blood I had taken from Eric gave my skin a faint glow, and all the lovemaking gave my cheeks a rosy and flushed look. I had styled my hair in tousled curls, pinning a few pieces off my face with glittery clips, and the deep v neckline cascaded through my breasts elegantly in a very seductive manner. I had opted for simple pink lip gloss, and a little grey eye shadow for a smoky look. Slipping on a pair of silver-colored ballerina slippers which laced part way up my calves, I was ready to go. The dress was so magnificent on its own that I didn't need a single piece of jewelry. My heart did a little flip as I opened to door to show Eric the finished product. He must have sensed my excitement through the bond and assumed I was ready, because when I opened the bathroom door he was waiting for me.

For a full minute Eric just stared at me and didn't say a thing. Then, he came over and traced a finger down the neckline of the dress, and another one over the bare patches of skin on the sides of my waist where the diamond shaped cuts were. Looking at me with pure longing and admiration, he said: "Lover, you look like a queen. This dress was made for you. I am the luckiest vampire in this hotel and everyone will gaze at you in admiration for your beauty and class." His words were laced with love.

"Thank you, Eric. You look amazing yourself." And he did. I couldn't believe how lucky I was to be here with Eric. In his black Versace tux and charcoal tie, he was six and a half feet of pure beauty. I could see the faint outlines of his muscular chest and arms through the suit, the collar of his dress shirt hugged his neck and his artfully disheveled blond hair made him look like a Calvin Klein model. He was playgirl chic and looked ready for a night on the town. I could tell he had indulged a little more than planned on the house blended blood; he too was looking flushed and healthy as I had ever seen him.

"I would like to thank-you again for your gift, Sookie. The AB-/fae blood is wonderful. Not nearly as enchanting as you, of course, but I feel refreshed and excited and hungry for the night." He looked at me, his eyes dancing with devilish bliss, and continued "we will surely cause a scandal tonight." His expression indicated that scandals, particularly ones which included me, were by far his favorite pastime. I sighed, but then giggled a little at his enthusiasm.

"Shall we, my lady?" Eric asked, offering me his arm gallantly.

"We shall." I replied, laughing out loud at our foolish display.

* * * *

I was surprised when Eric led me to the elevator, and pressed B2 while swiping our key over the security pad. Evidently you needed to be someone important to go down there.

"Eric, we have to meet the King in five minutes. Why are you taking me to the basement?" I looked at him, confused.

"The restaurant is underground." He said happily. Eric's excitement was becoming almost overwhelming through the bond. He was really looking forward to tonight. Whether it was because he was showing me off, seeing an old friend, or potentially getting into a brawl I didn't know. Eric did love all of those things, particularly a good fight, so it could really be either one. I remained quiet for the rest of the way down, suddenly nervous about what was to come.

As the elevator doors opened, I noticed two huge bouncers in suits standing by the entrance to the restaurant. This place meant business. I suppressed another wave of giddiness at being invited to such a ritzy establishment and silently thanked Eric again for the gown. The bouncers nodded and us and indicated that we may go through.

Preston's restaurant was called Eventide, in keeping with the theme of the hotel, and it was eerily beautiful. It was the size of a large ballroom and lit only by a quarter-moon shaped fixture in the far corner. Directly in the centre of the room was a giant oak tree, fake of course, whose branches were long and winding and seemed to be supporting the entire ceiling. Covered in plush leaves which made gentle swooshing noises as a breeze blew through the branches, I felt like I was walking into a dream. It was exquisite in its uniqueness; this place seemed designed to give its visitors an escape from the norm. The walls and ceiling were shimmering dimly with stars, like the inlaid glass in the lobby, and a cloudlike substance was floating just above the floor. The perimeter of the room was filled with very private-looking circular mahogany booths, which left the large area surrounding the tree for dancing and mingling. It was completely ethereal. For a second I imagined Eric and me on the dance floor, the hem of my dress floating around us. A surge of energy popped through the bond and I came back to reality.

A man was walking towards us with a beautiful woman on each arm as though the bar were his runway. His suit was what I would call effortless luxury: perfectly tailored grey pants and black Italian leather shoes, with a tailored grey jacket open over a loose white linen shirt. It was unbuttoned halfway down his muscular, hairless, coffee brown chest and he was wearing a loosely wrapped black linen scarf around his neck. This man was, in every sense of the word, perfect looking. I tried not to gape as he drew nearer. Collecting myself, I turned to look at Eric who was already in a deep bow, so I bowed my head as gracefully as I could and stared at the cloudy floor.

"Your Majesty, it is an honor to be in your presence." Eric said reverently, though I could detect great amusement in his voice.

"Oh Eric stop, you're embarrassing me." Preston said in a sexy drawl. "I have been waiting for your gorgeous Viking self to come to my hotel since it opened." He laughed, at which, as if on cue, the model twins started to giggle. Eric stood up straight and grinned.

"Your Majesty" I said, repeating Eric's salutation. "I am grateful to have been invited to your beautiful establishment." I finished, using every ounce of dignity I had not to burst out laughing. I guess being in the presence of vamp royalty eventually teaches you propriety whether you think it's ridiculous or not. I could sense Eric beaming, and then I felt a hand lightly lift my chin up and I straightened from the bow. Preston looked at me directly in the eyes silently for what felt like a long time. Then, he swept his gaze over me from head to toe as though examining me for some flaw. I was outraged. Another moment passed, and then another. Finally, he erupted into peals of uproarious laughter. Cue the giggling models.

"Darling girl, I heard you were a masterpiece but this is…just…" he paused, touching my neck gently "delicious." He nearly squealed, while looking at Eric approvingly. "Am I wrong in thinking you part fae?" He asked with a huge smile.

I was about to speak, but Eric interrupted me. "Preston, as usual your uncanny instincts are correct. My lover is indeed part fae" he said "and just as delicious as you suspect" he finished wickedly, looking at me as though I were a prize winning pie.

Suddenly, a caught a flash of Preston's mind and had to fight not to burst out laughing once more. His thoughts were a little naughty for my taste, but I could tell they were just harmless fantasy so I didn't really mind.

Oh what fun Eric, Sookie and I would have in my suite. It's been a long time since I've shared a woman with another man, but I seem to recall Eric being such a delight to the ladies in the bedroom. I would love a little playful nip at that gorgeous neck of hers, with Eric watching. I bet it would be a riot to see his expression.

For a strange moment, I actually wondered what it would be like but then shook the thought from my mind. Eric would never share me and I would never share him so it was totally out of the question. That didn't change the fact that Preston exuded sexy playfulness; his very being seemed to suggest hedonism and pleasure. This was a vampire designed for good times and it was easy to see why Eric and Pam liked him so much.

Reaching for my hand and kissing it lightly, Preston said: "Welcome to The Nighthouse, Sookie. You may come to my establishment" he said, looking at Eric evilly "as many times as you like." Turning to one model and then the other, Preston said: "if you will excuse us for tonight, ladies, we have some business to attend to. You may come to me tomorrow night…if I'm not busy entertaining my esteemed guests." With that, nameless models 1 and 2 walked out of the bar. Vampires.

At that moment, Preston turned around and starting walking to a very secluded booth in the far corner, opposite the quarter moon. He gestured for us to follow. Taking my hand and rubbing my palm with his thumb, Eric leaned over and whispered: "you are doing wonderfully, lover. I will show you my" he kissed my neck gently "extreme gratitude later tonight." Eric was inflamed with lust.

I wiggled a finger at him confidently and then followed Preston to our booth. He had led us to the best table, naturally, and it was certainly a sight. There was a round mahogany table entirely surrounded by a circular booth with a small entrance. On top of the table there was a dim oil lantern and three crystal wine glasses. The booth, I noticed from inside, was intricately carved. It appeared to be designed to tell a story, like a tapestry. Leaning in to take a closer look, I noticed that it depicted a girl in a flowing dress walking alone through the woods, unknowingly being followed by vampire. Every girl's fantasy I thought to myself sarcastically.

No sooner than my bottom had hit the booth, there was a server standing at the entrance holding our menus. Bowing respectfully to Preston, he handed him a menu. Then he passed one to Eric, and then finally he passed a different menu to me. It was a pretty damn clear indication of the hierarchy at the table, but then, I knew it would be like this. Resigning myself to a night of "yes sir, no sir" I looked at the menu. I was starving. I only hoped that Preston wouldn't be disgusted at my need to eat. As I perused the choices and wine list, Preston started chatting to Eric.

"Eric, I have a little surprise for you. Now, my assistant tells me that your lovely companion ordered you some house blend today" he glanced at me with approval "but I have been keeping a few bottles of Royal in my safe since Pam told me you were planning a trip last month. Would you care to indulge with me this evening, or would you rather wait for another night of your little vacation?" Preston asked coyly.

I had only been sort of paying attention, but the 'last month' part caught my interest. So Eric had been thinking of taking me here a month ago? I guess he really was just waiting for me to finally come to him.

"Your hospitality humbles me, Preston. I will gladly enjoy some Royal blood with you whenever you wish." He smiled at Preston almost affectionately. It was sweet in an odd kind of way.

"Cut it out Eric. All this respect and reverence contradicts your vicious Viking nature that I adore so much. Honestly, it does." Preston said amiably.

At this I actually laughed out loud and Eric gave me a little kick under the table. Preston simply looked at me, delighted.

"You are such a charming creature, Miss Stackhouse! Have you found anything on my menu that piques your interest? You can order off menu, you're with me. Whatever you want will be done." Preston seemed to love grand gestures, and reminded me more of a metrosexual playboy then a deadly vampire king. Perhaps he only acted this way around Eric? I had real trouble imagining him exercising any kind of force.

After a moment's consideration, I decided to play along with his over-the-top style to see Eric's reaction. Gran would be rolling over in her grave, but Preston's boisterous persona just brought out that extra little bit of naughtiness in me, and it seemed to do the same to Eric.

"Actually, I have already decided on the filet mignon, rare and bloody" I licked my lips "because I just love a little melting meat in my mouth. Don't you?" I smiled at Preston and Eric while leaning back in the booth and heaving my chest a little. "Besides, King Preston" I let the word King roll off my tongue "Eric may be drinking Royal with you tonight, which is quite an honor I assure you, but he will be drinking me forever. I understand that fae blood, even when diluted, is quite intoxicating to vampires."

Pleased with my outrageous little speech I looked back down at the menu, occupying myself by pretending to choose a bottle of wine. After an appropriate amount of time, I looked up to gage their responses. Both Eric and Preston's fangs were fully extended, and their eyes were alive ha-ha with wanting. Preston looked over at Eric, who nodded, and slid over to kiss my cheek sensually. Much to my surprise, however, Preston then stood up and left the booth. It's probably a good thing; too, this is getting a little intense.

"I have to make a quick appearance at another table" Preston said before walking away "and call my assistant to have him collect the bottles of Royal from my safe. The server should be back any moment for your order, Miss Stackhouse. I do look forward to seeing you enjoy it when it arrives." With that, he disappeared across the room and Eric's hands were on me before I could even fully register that we were alone. Strangely, I didn't even care where we were. Pulling his face to mine I started kissing him savagely, panting and moaning into his mouth. Just when I was about to rip my dress to shreds right there in the restaurant, Eric pulled away and looked at me.

"I guess by now you've figured out Preston's unique talent?" He asked.

"He knew I was part fae right away, like Andre?" I replied, unsure.

"No it's much more than that. Preston's ability is, in short, seduction. His very presence brings out every lustful thought, feeling and idea you've ever imagined. There isn't a single person that could resist him if he wanted them bad enough. In fact, he's the only man I've ever been attracted to." Eric said this so matter-of-factly that the whole thing sounded quite natural. "Not that you'll ever have anything to worry about" he looked at me with a grin "especially not when you say things like 'I love a little melting meat in my mouth.'" He laughed deeply and affectionately into my ear while kissing and licking the lobe. "You're so much trouble Sookie." He said trouble as though it were endearing.

"Don't worry though lover, Preston will not seduce us" Eric said thoughtfully, and then added "any more than he already has. We are his guests. That was nothing compared to what he can do." Eric said, continuing to kiss me. I was enjoying his touch, and he was sending extreme feelings of lust and need thought the bond.

I didn't really want him to elaborate any further on Preston, but he did.

"So naturally you can see why he is so dangerous. He doesn't need to use violent force to get what he wants." Eric said quietly. He didn't seem troubled by this, though, he just seemed focused on touching me.

I instantly thought back to the images I had picked up from Preston earlier, and my own reaction. I had actually considered a threesome with a stranger. If that was nothing compared to his abilities, then this guy was good. Especially since vamp mind games didn't work on me.

Looking at Eric, I said: "I get your point. I hope you're right about us being Preston's guests and him respecting that." I said.

"He is a gentleman." Eric crooned, kissing my neck and earlobe again, his lust on the point of setting me aflame. "But I, on the other hand, am not" Eric said, and bit me.

TBC – Please review, comments and critiques welcomed!! Thanks to everyone who has shown interest in the fic.