Disclaimer: All characters depicted herein are the sole property of Charlaine Harris and HBO.

I would also like to say that I have not read the short story "Gift Wrap" and didn't know a character named Preston already existed in CH's fiction. I found out by reading another fanfic today which indicated this. It was a big disappointment to me to say the least. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy the new chapter, even though it's a short one! Here's a little timeline.

Friday night – Sookie worked and then went to Fangtasia to see Eric. They went back to his house afterwards.

Saturday night – Sookie filled in at Merlotte's, then her and Eric caught a flight to Honolulu.

Sunday night – They have the talk, and then meet with Preston at Eventide.

Thank you to everyone who continues to show interest in the fic! I really appreciate the reviews so keep them coming!!

Chapter 8

Under different circumstances, that little public display of vamp affection would have infuriated me. Idon't put up with overtly sexual acts when other people are nearby, and quite frankly, it is against the law for vamps to feed on humans except behind closed doors. I knew we had both been out of sorts as a result of Preston's talents, and I had definitely been asking for it with my little speech about fairy blood and rare steak. I wasn't mad, this time, but I was definitely embarrassed.

Eric was leaning back in the booth with a smug expression on his face. He hadn't taken much blood at all, just a drop really, but it was the act that irked me. Luckily, the booth was almost impossible to see into from even a short distance away, and we were still alone.

"Eric, I'm not entirely sure that was necessary. Just over an hour ago you drank some house blend, and any moment now Preston will be coming back and his assistant will be delivering the bottles of Royal. Besides, you know I don't approve of being bitten in public." I said, turning my head to look at him.

"Actually lover, it was totally necessary. For one thing, by now Preston is probably wondering why you would order me blood from the hotel when I could have simply fed from you. For another, Preston is fully aware of the effect he has on humans and vampires alike. He noticed how we were reacting to his mild seductions. If he came back and I hadn't bitten you, he would have found it suspicious."

Again, I had to marvel at Eric's logic.

"Oh alright Eric, I suppose I had it coming anyway." I smiled at him.

"Yes lover, you did. But don't think that I didn't just adore your sinful behavior. We are not nearly done enjoying one another for tonight." Eric said with a glint in his eye.

Just as I was about to retort, the server reappeared. I handed him back the menus and ordered the salmon.

* * * * *

Looking at my watch, I noticed it was nearly 11:30pm; Bill and Pam would be here in less than two hours. I had no idea when De Castro would be arriving, but imagined it would be soon. I was still determined to enjoy myself as long as I could, though, so I tried my best to stay positive. Searching for Eric's hand under the table and then bringing it to my mouth, I kissed his fingers gently. Eric leaned his head back into the booth and closed his eyes, clearly savoring the sensation of my moist lips on his skin. Being in the secluded booth alone with him was starting to prove difficult again. I didn't know what was coming over me; hadn't I just berated Eric for his display? It was as though all logic had left me and was replaced by inescapable arousal. I had a gorgeous man sitting next to me, the side of his body pressed against mine, and I couldn't stop thinking about had badly I wanted to taste him. The air was actually feeling thick with our need for one another and I sighed heavily into his palm while licking it. Suddenly, I became aware of another presence in the booth. Preston was standing at the entrance and watching us with obvious swagger. I dropped Eric's hand instantly and flushed a deep shade of crimson.

"Oh honey, please don't stop on my account. It was just starting to get interesting." Preston said while sliding into the booth with a laugh.

"It was you, Preston, who made me get all…all hot and bothered just now wasn't it?" I chided.

"Maybe a little" Preston's eyes glinted mischievously "but darling girl you wanted it. Oh yes you did." He flashed me a prize winning smile and I couldn't help but laugh at his daring. He was even more infuriating than Eric; you simply could not stay mad at him. "It is just so much fun" Preston started, looking at Eric and then at me "having you two at my hotel. The Viking I have known and cherished forever, of course, but Sookie, you and I just met and already I am smitten. Can you blame me for wanting to have a little fun?"

It would have sounded innocent and sweet if his fangs weren't extended. I looked at Eric and he was simply shaking his head in amusement. I was at once entertained, more than a little freaked out, and a tiny bit excited. I supposed that the large amount I had taken of Eric's blood, combined with the new gown I was wearing were giving my ego a big boost; not to mention that Preston was gorgeous and oozing with charm. I had morals, though. I hoped he would ease up a bit on his talent before things got out of hand. For just a second Preston looked disappointed with my non-compliance and sat back in the booth. I supposed he really was a gentleman for not pushing us further. In a flash, his face changed back to complete cheerfulness.

Looking at Eric and me excitedly, he said: "My assistant Nolan will be here any moment now with the Royal blood. Sookie, have you ordered?" He asked. I nodded, and he turned to Eric. "Don't think that I didn't notice those bite marks on her neck you devil. I hope you saved some of your appetite. I wouldn't want to think that you don't appreciate my gift." Preston said, grinning.

"Preston, I always save some of my appetite for your gifts." Eric joked, smoothly. By the expression on Preston's face it was clearly the right answer. Eric gave my hand a little squeeze under the table to let me know he was just being polite. He then looked at Preston pointedly and said: "I do think however, now that we've exchanged pleasantries, that we should address De Castro's imminent arrival and develop a strategy. I know you said we have nothing to worry about, and I trust that we are safe in your presence…particularly within the walls of your own hotel. But I think it would be unwise to underestimate Felipe." It clearly pained Eric to have to address Preston in this way, when all three of us just wanted to enjoy the evening, but Eric was right. He and I had our own little plan, but we needed a backup. Best to find out now what Preston's personal strategies were with regard to De Castro.

Preston looked absolutely crestfallen with the sudden change of topic. I suppose I was right when I deduced that this King wasn't one for exercising force. His expression indicated that such things as politics and plotting were an utter and total bore. Preston sat silently for a moment, pondering what Eric had said, and then started to speak.

"I suppose we had to get around to it sooner or later" he started with a whine "but can we please enjoy our dinner first?" Preston sounded like a little boy asking his mommy if he could stay up past bedtime. He was too cute to refuse. I quickly realized that Preston was not one to take no for an answer anyway.

At that moment, the server appeared out of nowhere with my order of planked salmon and steamed vegetables, along with a bottle of chardonnay. As though perfectly timed, another man, presumably Preston's assistant Nolan, walked towards us holding a gleaming gold platter with two bottles of Royal on top.

"Master" Nolan bowed, setting the bottles next to the crystal wine glasses gently "your Royal blood. It has been prepared to your liking. Will that be all Your Majesty?" Nolan asked, humbly.

"Yes, Nolan, you may go." Preston said regally, and Nolan walked away backwards still in a half bow. It was easily the most ludicrous thing I had ever witnessed, but suddenly I was too hungry to care. Minding my manners, I proposed a toast before attacking my food.

"To King Preston, for his generosity" I said, much to my own chagrin.

"To King Preston" Eric repeated, smiling.

"To me" Preston said, laughing a deep luxurious laugh, "and of course my delectable guests."

We were just about to raise our glasses and drink when a fourth, unmistakable voice drifted over the ledge of the booth.

"To vengeance for treachery" Felipe de Castro said menacingly, as he and Victor approached our table. Before anyone could protest, he grabbed Eric's glass and downed it in one.

TBC