Chapter 4

Four

Jude

The three-hour car ride was the perfect time to get to know our new mate and for her to get to know us. Gem had been raised by her Gram since she was a baby, lived in Blue Haven her whole life, and was a kitchen witch who loved cooking. The shop was her pride and joy.

Beyond being absolutely stunning, she was smart and accomplished, and Oisin and I were lucky to have her. The energy in the car was electric, and I was sporting a half chub the entire ride. The way Oisin was shifting in the front seat let me know he was, too.

I breathed deeply as Gem met my eyes in the rearview mirror. “So, I know nothing about vampires. Can you tell me more, please?” she asked so politely, her innocence shining through. I was screwed—I knew I’d never be able to deny this woman anything.

“Well, you heard Oisin explain a little before you came into the apartment, but we’re basically like you witches. Except I’m stronger, have enhanced senses, and I need blood to survive.”

“How often, and what kind?” she asked, a soft blush coloring her cheeks. But I could smell her arousal—my mate wanted me to feed from her.

“Fresh blood at least once a week,” I explained. “They made a blood alternative, if you can believe it, so I can survive off that, but it’s not as fulfilling or satisfying as fresh.” I leaned forward, bringing my face close to her neck. I could hear her pulse quicken as I inhaled her delicious scent before meeting her eyes. “And any kind of blood will do—human, witch, it doesn’t matter.”

Gem licked her lips, swallowed hard, then nodded. “Any other questions, beautiful?” I asked casually, leaning back into my seat. Her eyes locked onto the bulge in my pants, watching me through the rearview mirror. Oisin’s heartbeat and scent had picked up too, reacting to my teasing.

“I… umm. Yeah.” Her brain was trying to catch up—oh, my poor mate. “You have an accent. Tell me about where you’re from?” she asked softly.

“I have no secrets, beautiful, but my tale isn’t a happy one. Oisin can attest.” Oisin nodded sadly, watching Gem for her reaction.

“I understand, but I’d still like to know if you’re up for it,” she replied. I nodded, appreciating her gentle persistence.

Very well, beautiful. I was born in York, England, in 1874. For that time, my childhood wasn’t terrible. My father died young, leaving my mom to raise me and my four siblings on her own." "She remarried an alcoholic two years after my father’s death. I was ten at the time, the youngest of the five of us." He instantly took a liking to me and began sexually assaulting me every night until I left at fourteen and joined the army just to get away.”

"I was deployed to the war until I was eighteen, when I was honorably discharged after being wounded in battle. Not wanting to return to York, I fled to Vienna, where the art scene was flourishing. I started as a stagehand at a bustling theater, but soon caught a break and became a popular actor.

Of course, being a handsome young man attracted the wrong kind of attention. A suitor of high status took an interest in me, but I didn't return his affections. One night, his goons attacked me in an alley and left me for dead—until my master found me and changed me, saving my life."

I paused, noticing tears in Gem’s eyes. I was sparing her the most horrid details. “What happened after you were turned?” she asked softly.

“I spent the next hundred years with my master, traveling the world, until he decided he no longer wished to live and attracted the attention of a vampire hunter. He essentially performed assisted suicide. I was alone for about twenty years until I met this handsome man five years ago.” Oisin reached back and squeezed my hand.

“Thank you, Jude, for sharing your story. Oisin, it’s your turn,” she said cheekily. Oisin cleared his throat, looking more comfortable lecturing than talking about himself.

“Well, my parents are alive and currently working as archaeologists in Egypt. Like you, my grandpa essentially raised me since my parents were often away. I was devastated when he passed a few years ago,” Oisin said, his voice catching as he spoke about his grandpa, a recurring difficulty for him. “I’ve been teaching archaeology at the college for five years. That’s why I’m well-versed in so many languages—I also hold a degree in history.”

“That’s amazing!” Gem said sincerely. “I never went to college. I started the shop as soon as I turned eighteen, when everyone in town began coming to me for ingredients.”

“And that’s just as amazing, love,” I replied. Her smile brightened, and her cheeks flushed with a pink hue. It was clear that our mate enjoyed being praised. Good to know.