Page 11 of The Vampire and the Barista

CHAPTER 5

Ivan filled the tank up, gazing at Jamie as he walked away and into the shop, and smiling at him when he turned around. His eyes tracked Jamie as he walked into the petrol station shop. Being this close to Jamie was making him want things he shouldn’t. Jamie was perfect, he literally looked like his ideal man, but he had been in this position before, well, not the mate thing, but he’d been in love before, and it hadn’t ended well. So, so, not well. He wasn’t sure he could go through that again, but then everything about Jamie was far different than Derrick.

The nozzle clicked, and Ivan gave it a few extra squeezes before putting it back and closing the petrol cap. He strode into the shop and saw Jamie on the phone, looking concerned, and hurried to his side, just as Jamie dropped his head into his hand.

Ivan touched his shoulder.

Jamie looked up, fear reflecting in his eyes. “Dad caught them and threw Karl into a wall. He’s unconscious and bleeding, Kitty’s scared.”

Ivan held his hand out. “Can I have the phone?”

Jamie handed it over.

“Kitty, my name’s Ivan, I’m a friend of your brother’s. We’re on our way to collect you both. We’ll be there as soon as we can. I know you’re injured, but can you look after your brother?”

“I can try,” she replied with another sniff.

“Good going, princess. Jamie and I will be with you as soon as possible.”

“Thanks,” she replied.

Ivan handed the phone back and went to pay, grabbing some sweets on the way.

Jamie stayed where he was. “Be strong, Kitty Kat, love you.”

“Love you, too,” and with that Jamie hung up, just as Ivan walked back, took his hand and quickly walked back to the car.

Ivan handed the sweets to Jamie, and as soon as they were belted up, they were off. “Call Seth,” Ivan said.

Ringing sounded in the car.

“What news?” Seth asked, answering.

“The news is bad. I need a quicker way to get to Wallingford, and we’ll need either Adrian or a hospital.”

“Okay, let me see,” they heard clicking. “I’ve located you, now let me see. In four miles, the road is blocked because of an accident.”

Ivan swore.

“In about a hundred yards, there’s a turning on your left, take that road. I’ll stay on the phone and direct you. Adrian arrived back earlier, and Gio has just texted him for me. Dave, Louise and Annie are making up some rooms here for Jamie and his siblings.”

Ivan took the turn, not really slowing down. Jamie grabbed the ‘Oh shit’ handle and seatbelt, but didn’t say anything.

“Take the next road on your right and stay on it for about three miles.”

“Thank you,” Jamie said softly, biting his thumbnail.

“We’ll keep you all safe. I’ve also messaged everyone to see if anyone is closer to Wallingford than you are.”

“I wonder if Gabriel and Mathis can help,” Ivan suggested.

“Who are they?” Jamie asked.

“Mathis is a brother vampire, Gabriel is his mate and a witch,” Ivan replied.

“Witches are real as well?” Jamie asked, surprised.

“They are,” Seth replied. “Gio is ringing Mathis, I’ll three-way call when he answers.”