Page 22 of The Vampire and the Barista

CHAPTER 8

Ivan awoke to the sound of his alarm and quickly hit the snooze button. He moved about and settled onto his back, one arm bent and resting on the back of his head as he thought back over the previous evening. He could never understand parents who hurt their children. Children were precious and should be cared for and protected, especially by their parents. He was glad that Karl and Kitty were now safe here in the coven.

Next, he thought about Jamie and how perfect he was. Ivan let out a big sigh. He would have to tell Jamie about Derrick at some point. David had assured him that what happened with Derrick wasn’t his fault, but Ivan wasn’t so sure. His one fear was that Jamie would turn out the same way. Ivan shook his head. That would never happen. Jamie was nothing like Derrick and never would be.

He remembered Jamie’s dream of working with old books and manuscripts, sure he wouldn’t be a curator of a museum, but the coven library had old manuscripts and texts. He wondered if Dave and Max would welcome Jamie’s help. He’d have to talk to Dave later and see what he thought. Before that, though, he needed to get up. Ivan kicked his covers off and got up, walking into his bathroom, so he could start his day.

Jamie gave a full body stretch. He’d never slept on such a comfortable bed or slept in such a large bedroom before, and he had his own en-suite. He lay there staring at the ceiling, thinking over everything that had happened yesterday. He had never been so scared as he was when Karl had phoned to say their mum had broken Kitty’s arm. The next emotion was terror when Kitty phoned, thinking Karl was dead. He flung an arm over his eyes, as if he could block out the sight of Karl laying unconscious and bleeding on the floor. Thank goodness for unexpected, powerful friends.

Jamie checked the time. He needed to get up, get Karl and Kitty up, and ring for a taxi so he could get to work later.

He got up and walked across the hall to Kitty’s room. He would wake her up first, as she would be the easiest to wake. He knocked lightly on the door before entering. He smiled to himself as he saw his sister wrapped up like a sausage roll, with just her head poking out of the covers. He gently stroked her head. “Hey, Kitty Kat, time to wake up.”

Kitty slowly came awake and opened her eyes, smiling when she saw her brother.

“I don’t need to ask if you slept well,” Jamie said, sitting on the side of the bed.

Kitty untangled herself from the covers. “This bed is like sleeping on a cloud.”

“Mine was just as comfy, but it’s time to get up now. How are you feeling?”

Kitty sat up. “My arm doesn’t hurt, and honestly, I feel safe, for the first time in ages.”

“Sorry, Kitty Kat. I was trying to save up and get you both out.”

Kitty moved to his side and hugged him. “I know, but now you can stop worrying.”

Jamie kissed the side of her head. “That’s true. Right, time to get up. I’ll meet you in the hall in half an hour.”

“Okay, good luck waking Karl up.”

Jamie laughed as he stood up. “Thanks.”

He left Kitty’s room and walked to Karl’s door, again knocking before walking in. Jamie laughed when he saw his brother, who was lying sideways, fast asleep. Where Kitty rolled herself up in her covers, Karl didn’t. He moved around a lot in his sleep, hence him now being sideways across his bed, his sheet tangled around him. Jamie shook him awake. “Time to wake up, Karly.”

Karl groaned and tried to push his hand away. “Still sleeping.”

“If you’re talking, you’re not sleeping,” Jamie pointed out, sitting on the side of the bed.

“So picky,” Karl replied, cracking open an eye and glaring at his brother.

“I know, I'm such a horrible brother. How did you sleep and how are you feeling?”

Karl untangled himself, sat up and crossed his legs with a yawn. “I slept really well, this bed is amazing, and I feel good. I’m trying not to think about the fact I nearly died yesterday, and I’m just focusing on you having some super cool friends and we’re safe now.”

“Me too. I didn’t find out what Ivan was until yesterday. How mad is it that the paranormal world is real?”

Karl shrugged. “Maybe all those films were paving the way for us mere humans to know about them.”

“Probably. Anyway, get washed and dressed, and I’ll meet you in the hall in twenty minutes.”

“Will do.”

Jamie walked out of Karl’s room and back into his, walking straight into his bathroom.

He sighed as the shower water hit him. The shower was incredible. He was thankful the bathroom had, as Ivan said, been fully stocked and happily used everything supplied. He wanted to linger, but he remembered Kitty and Karl would be waiting for him. But another dream has come true, his own bathroom. Not one he had to share with four other people, or having to listen out for when the bathroom was free so he could use it.

Fifteen minutes later, he was dressed in his borrowed clothes from Dave and walked out of the bedroom. He saw Ivan walking out of his bedroom and smiled.