Chapter Five

J enny wiped her brow with the back of her hand, leaving a smear of grease across her forehead. The old Camry's engine was proving to be more stubborn than she'd anticipated. As she leaned over the hood, the cool night air of Beastly Falls kissed her skin, a welcome relief from the day's heat that still radiated from the asphalt beneath her feet.

The parking lot was eerily quiet, save for the occasional clang of the tools she found in the trunk against metal and the distant hoot of an owl. Jenny couldn't shake the feeling that the owl might be more than just a bird in this strange town. For all she knew, it could be someone's grandmother.

"Burning the midnight oil, I see," a smooth voice cut through the silence, nearly causing Jenny to drop her wrench.

She whirled around to find Rook standing there. She was prepared to be embarrassed about last night. She wasn't prepared for the way her body responded to him.

Mine. Something inside her said. And that shook her more than she wanted to admit.

Oblivious, he held out a steaming travel mug to her.

"Is this another blend?" she asked, inhaling the soothing scent. The aroma that wafted up was rich and complex, with notes of herbs she couldn't quite place.

"Yes, I've been trying new things." There was a hint of pride in his voice that Jenny found endearing.

She accepted the tea, their fingers brushing in the exchange. The touch, brief as it was, sent a jolt through her that had nothing to do with the sparkplug she'd been fiddling with earlier.

"Thanks," she mumbled, bringing the brew to her lips. Jenny took a sip, letting the warm liquid roll over her tongue. It was unlike anything she'd ever tasted before—earthy and sweet, with a hint of honey.

"Well?" Rook asked, rocking back on his heels.

Before Jenny could answer, a sudden spark flew from the Camry's engine. Startled, she inhaled sharply, accidentally sucking in a mouthful of tea. She spluttered, spraying tea all over Rook's crisp white shirt.

"Oh, shit." Jenny coughed, mortified. "I'm so sorry"

Rook looked down at his now tea-stained shirt, an expression of amused surprise on his face. "Well, that's one way to give feedback."

Jenny grabbed a rag from her back pocket and started dabbing at Rook's shirt without thinking. It wasn't until her hand was pressed against his chest that she realized what she was doing. She could feel the firm muscles beneath the damp fabric and realized she didn't want the barrier of his shirt between them.

She jerked her hand back as if burned, her face flushing. "I, uh... sorry about that. Again."

Rook's eyes locked with hers, and for a moment, the air between them crackled with electricity. "No harm done. Though I must say, your method of marking your territory is rather unconventional."

Jenny chuckled at his playful response, feeling some of the tension ease. "Careful there, vampire boy. With charm like that, you might make me forget I'm supposed to be fixing this car and not fraternizing with the local undead."

"If only it was that easy."

She leaned against the car, taking another sip of the tea—carefully this time. "This really is good, you know. When it's not being used as a projectile weapon."

"High praise," Rook said, moving to stand beside her. He was close enough that Jenny could smell his cologne. It was woodsy and intoxicating. "Though I must admit, I'm more interested in hearing about you than my tea-making skills."

Jenny raised an eyebrow. "Me? I'm not that interesting. Unless you want to hear about the finer points of carburetor maintenance."

"On the contrary," Rook said, his voice low and intimate. "I find you endlessly fascinating. For instance, I'd love to know more about your interview."

Jenny sighed, staring into her mug. "If they'll even still consider me. The interview was supposed to be today. It was for a reality TV show like American Choppers . Did you guys get to see that before the curse happened?"

Rook thought about it and shook his head. "It doesn't ring a bell."

"Rats, it was probably just on the cusp of when the curse happened. Did you guys even have reality TV back then?"

"I wasn't much of a fan, but I remember MTV had something called the Real World and the Animal Planet had The Crocodile Hunter ."

"Oh man, Steve Irwin, RIP."

"What?"

"Never mind. Spoilers. Yeah, so like those I guess only American Choppers was basically about a family who made custom motorcycles for celebrities. The show centered around the trials and tribulations that their whole factory went through to do this. Long story short, it went off the air after being wildly popular for a bunch of years. And now a new set of TV producers are trying to make gold again. But this time it's about a bunch of mechanics..." She pointed to herself. "...Rebuilding antique automobiles like my 1963 VW bug out there. Or..." She patted the hood. "...This twenty-four-year-old beauty here."

Rook blinked. "It's 2024 already?"

"Yeah."

"So the world didn't end in Y2K?"

"Not even close. Close happened in 2020, but that's a story for another time. Trust me. It can wait." Jenny leaned against the car, taking a sip of her tea. "You know, this whole cursed town thing reminds me of my parents' last camping trip."

Rook raised an eyebrow. "I wasn't aware camping could be quite so supernatural."

"Oh, trust me, that trip was cursed if I've ever seen one." Jenny chuckled, shaking her head. "My dad was city boy through and through. He decided they were going to save money by taking a camping vacation out in the wilderness."

"I'm sensing this doesn't end well," Rook said, amusement dancing in his eyes.

"Understatement of the century." Jenny set down her mug. "First night, Dad realizes he forgot the tent poles. So they're sleeping under a sad, flappy tarp."

Rook winced sympathetically. "I take it that wasn't the end of their troubles?"

"Oh no, we're just getting started. Mom wakes up covered in poison ivy. And I mean covered." Jenny gestured wildly. "Places poison ivy has no business being, if you catch my drift."

Rook's eyes widened. "Oh dear."

"Yeah, 'oh dear' is right. But wait, it gets better." Jenny paused for dramatic effect. "Final night, they hear this noise outside. Dad goes to investigate, thinking it's a raccoon or something."

"Let me guess, not a raccoon?"

Jenny grinned. "Nope. Try a five-hundred-pound black bear. It took one look at Dad in his tighty-whities and decided he was no threat and that their cooler looked like a nice snack."

Rook burst out laughing.

"Oh yes. By the time the rangers chased it off, the bear had destroyed the tent, eaten all their food, and Dad had run so far into the woods they needed a search party to find him. Mom tried playing dead, and luckily the bear was more interested in the food than the Mom-tent burrito."

"I'm almost afraid to ask, but what happened after that?"

"Mom looked Dad dead in the eye, still itching in places I don't want to think about, and said, 'I want a divorce.' Dad just nodded and said, 'Yeah, that's fair.'"

Jenny enjoyed the way Rook's eyes crinkled at the corners when he laughed. "Your turn. Spill some embarrassing stories. And don't try to tell me you don't have any, after however many centuries you've been around."

"I have plenty. But I warn you, they may shatter your illusions of vampire mystique."

"Hit me," Jenny challenged, settling in more comfortably against the car.

"Picture it," he said, gesturing dramatically. "New York City, 1985. The hair was big, the stakes were higher, and I, in my infinite wisdom, decided to try my hand at this new 'speed dating' phenomenon."

Jenny snickered, already anticipating where this was going.

"Now, you must understand," Rook continued, "the concept of 'vampire speed' is quite different from what humans mean by 'speed dating.' I took it quite literally."

"Oh no," Jenny groaned, grinning.

"Oh yes." Rook nodded solemnly. "I would sit down, introduce myself, and before the poor woman could even open her mouth, I'd have recited my entire life story—or at least the parts fit for mortal ears—commented on her perfume, and asked her thoughts on the sociopolitical climate of 15th century Romania."

"You didn't."

"I most certainly did. By the time the bell rang to switch partners, I'd been through my entire spiel with at least a dozen women. The organizers were baffled. The participants were terrified. And I... well, I was rather proud of my efficiency."

"Please tell me someone called you out on it."

Rook's expression turned sheepish. "As a matter of fact, the last woman I spoke to—a rather formidable librarian named Ethel—grabbed me by the ear and told me in no uncertain terms that if I didn't slow down and let a lady get a word in edgewise, I'd be single forever."

Jenny lost it completely at that, sliding down the side of the car as she shook with laughter. Rook joined her on the ground, his own laughter mixing with hers in the quiet night air.

As their mirth subsided, Jenny was acutely aware of how close they were sitting. Their shoulders were nearly touching, and she could feel her body reacting to his nearness. She wanted him to sling an arm around her shoulders.

"Your turn again," Rook said softly, his eyes twinkling in the low light. "Surely you have some dating disasters of your own to share?"

Jenny groaned, leaning her head back against the car. "Oh, do I ever. But nothing quite as epic as your speed dating fiasco."

"I'm all ears," Rook encouraged, turning slightly to face her.

Jenny sighed, a rueful smile playing on her lips. "I was fresh out of trade school, full of optimism and motor oil. I meet this guy at a car show—tall, dark, handsome, knows his way around an engine. Dream boat, right?"

Rook nodded, his expression one of exaggerated investment in the story.

"So, we go on a date. Dinner, movie, the works. It's going great. Then, as he's driving me home, his car starts making this awful noise. Being the helpful gal I am, I offer to take a look."

"Let me guess," Rook interjected, "You fixed it?"

Jenny pointed at him. "Bingo. Spent two hours on the side of the road, in heels and a little black dress, fixing his timing belt. And you know what he did?"

Rook winced. "I'm afraid to ask."

"He dropped me off at home, thanked me for fixing his car, and then told all his friends I was a lesbian."

Rook's jaw dropped. "You're joking."

Jenny shook her head solemnly. "I wish I was. Needless to say, there was no second date. And I learned a valuable lesson about not mixing business with pleasure."

"What an utter cad," Rook said, his voice filled with genuine indignation. "Please tell me you at least slashed his tires or something equally vindictive."

Jenny laughed. "Nah, I'm not that petty. But I may have left a few choice reviews on some local mechanic forums. Let's just say he had a hard time finding someone to work on his car after that."

Rook grinned, a glint of admiration in his eyes. "Remind me never to get on your bad side."

"Wise decision," Jenny teased, nudging him with her shoulder.

As their laughter faded, a comfortable silence fell between them. Jenny studied Rook's profile, admiring the strong line of his jaw and the way the streetlight caught the angles of his face.

"What?" Rook asked softly, catching her staring.

Jenny felt a blush creep up her neck. "Nothing, just thinking."

"Dangerous pastime," he quipped, turning to face her fully.

"I know," she said, feeling a connection click into place. There was something in Rook's gaze that made her pulse quicken.

Almost unconsciously, they had shifted closer to each other. Jenny could count every eyelash framing Rook's dark eyes, could see the faint freckles dusting his nose that she'd never noticed before.

"Jenny," Rook murmured, his voice low and husky. "I..."

Whatever he was about to say was lost as Jenny closed the distance between them, pressing her lips to his in a sudden, impulsive kiss.

With a low growl that sent shivers down Jenny's spine, he responded, his lips moving against hers with a passion that took her breath away.

Jenny's hands found their way to Rook's hair, tangling in the soft strands as she deepened the kiss. Rook's arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer until she was practically in his lap.

The world fell away, narrowing down to the points where their bodies connected. Jenny's skin felt electric, every nerve ending alight with sensation. Rook's tongue teased at the seam of her lips, and she opened for him eagerly, moaning softly as the kiss intensified.

Rook's hands roamed her back, tracing patterns that left trails of fire in their wake. Jenny arched into him, desperate for more contact. She nipped at his bottom lip, eliciting a groan from Rook that vibrated through her entire body.

As oxygen became a pressing concern for Jenny (and only Jenny, she reminded herself), they broke apart, both panting heavily. Rook's eyes were dark with desire, his pupils blown wide. His fangs were out, and she wanted nothing more than to experience his bite.

Before Jenny could overthink it, she surged forward again, capturing Rook's lips in another searing kiss. Rook's hands slipped under the hem of her tank top to caress the heated skin of her lower back.

Jenny shifted, straddling Rook's lap without breaking the kiss. The new position brought their bodies flush against each other, and Jenny couldn't hold back a moan at the feeling of Rook's hardness pressing against her core.

Rook's lips left hers to trail kisses along her jaw and down her neck. Jenny tilted her head, giving him better access, her breath coming in short gasps. When he reached the junction of her neck and shoulder, he paused, his cool breath fanning across her skin.

"Is this okay?" he murmured, his voice strained with the effort of control.

Jenny nodded frantically. "Yes, god yes. Please, Rook..."

He needed no further encouragement. His lips latched onto her pulse point, sucking and nipping in a way that had Jenny seeing stars. She ground down against him, seeking friction, lost in a haze of pleasure.

Rook's hands found their way to Jenny's hips, guiding her movements as she rocked against him. The rough fabric of their jeans created a delicious friction, and Jenny could feel herself approaching the edge embarrassingly quickly.

"Rook," she gasped, her nails digging into his shoulders. "I'm gonna..."

"Let go, darling," Rook murmured against her skin, his voice rough with desire. "I've got you."

His words, combined with a particularly well-timed thrust, sent Jenny careening over the edge. She cried out, her body trembling as waves of pleasure washed over her. Rook held her close, murmuring soft words of praise as she rode out her orgasm.

As Jenny came down from her high, she became aware of their surroundings once more. They were still in the parking lot, tangled together on the ground next to the Camry. The absurdity of the situation hit her, and she couldn't help but laugh.

Rook pulled back slightly, raising an eyebrow. "Not quite the reaction I was hoping for," he said, but his eyes were amused.

Jenny shook her head, still chuckling. "No, it's not that. It's just... God, what are we doing? Making out like teenagers in a parking lot?"

Rook's lips quirked up in a smirk. "Well, when you put it that way, it does sound rather juvenile. Though I assure you, my intentions are anything but."

A shiver ran down Jenny's spine at the promise in his voice. She was about to suggest they take this somewhere more private when a shrill beeping cut through the air.

Rook cursed, fumbling for his phone. "Damn it all," he muttered, silencing the alarm. "I'm afraid our time is up for the night, my dear."

Jenny blinked, surprised to see the first hints of dawn lighting the eastern sky. Had they really been out here kissing all night?

"Shit," she breathed, scrambling off Rook's lap. "I didn't realize it was so late. Or early, I guess."

Rook stood gracefully, offering a hand to help Jenny up. She took Rook's hand, allowing him to pull her to her feet. The sudden movement made her head spin slightly, a reminder of how little sleep she'd gotten and the dizzying aftershock of his bite and her orgasm.

"I wish I could return the favor." She reached out and cupped his hardness.

"Mmm, as do I. But I need to make a rather hasty exit, I'm afraid. The sun and I aren't on the best of terms."

She wanted to go back home with him. But she wasn't sure what to do with a sleeping vampire. Would he appear dead? Would they just sleep intertwined together?

"Will you be alright getting back to your room?" he asked.

Jenny nodded, suddenly feeling the weight of exhaustion settling over her. Those were questions for another day. After she had more sleep and realized that she had a soul mate who needed her. "Yeah, I'll be fine. I might sleep through the day though."

Rook's lips quirked up in a small smile. "A fine idea. Perhaps we can continue our... conversation... tomorrow evening?"

The way he said 'conversation' sent a shiver down Jenny's spine, memories of their passionate encounter flooding back. She felt her cheeks heat up.

"Yeah," she managed, her voice a bit breathier than she'd intended. "That sounds good."

Rook took a step closer, his eyes dark with an emotion that looked like love. It thrilled her. She felt it too. For a moment, she thought he might kiss her again. Instead, he reached out and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering on her cheek.

"Until tomorrow then, my beautiful mate," he murmured.

And then, in a blink, he was gone. Jenny stood there for a moment, staring at the spot where he'd been, her skin still tingling from his touch.

As she gathered her tools and locked up the Camry, Jenny's mind whirled with everything that had happened. The easy conversation, the laughter, the mind-blowing kiss... and whatever that was at the end. It was all so intense, so unexpected.

She made her way back to her room on autopilot as her thoughts raced. By all rights, she should be freaking out. She'd just made out with a vampire in a parking lot, for crying out loud. Not just made out—she'd had one of the most intense orgasms of her life, fully clothed, in public.

But instead of panic, all Jenny felt was a warm, buzzing contentment. Being with Rook felt right. Natural. Like they'd known each other for years instead of days.

As she collapsed onto her bed, not even bothering to change out of her grease-stained clothes, her last coherent thought was of Rook's smile and the way his eyes had looked in the moment before he disappeared. Like she was something precious, something to be cherished.

Like she might be his one true love.

The idea should have terrified her. Instead, as she drifted off, Jenny smiled and hoped she would dream about him.