Page 40 of The Vampire and the Barista

“Thanks. The new rota is out today, so I’ll send dates through as soon as I have them,” he looked at Ivan and leant into his side. “They’ll be safe there, right?” he asked quietly.

Ivan nodded. “As safe as they are here, I promise.”

Jamie sighed. “Thanks, as long as they’re safe, that’s all that matters. I also don’t want anyone picking on them because they’re human.”

“Jamie,” Jack said. “No one will pick on Karl or Kitty, or they’ll answer to me.”

“That’s my boy,” Gio said, smiling brightly at him.

Jack grinned at him.

Seth rolled his eyes. “They’ll be fine,” he said, reassuringly .

“Jessamy taught us how to throw punches yesterday,” Spencer told them.

“Just try not to punch someone where it shows,” Willard cautioned, putting his cup down.

“Willard!” Annie exclaimed, looking shocked.

Willard shrugged. “As long as there’s no blood, broken bones or bruises on faces, who’s to know?”

“That’s the same thing you told me when I was growing up,” Dave said, grinning at his dad, before taking a bite of his toast.

“I’m glad I didn’t know about that conversation,” Annie replied, shaking her head.

“I told Hunter the same,” AJ said, grinning at his son.

“I’m glad I didn’t know about that conversation either,” Charlotte added.

Hunter laughed. “You did, Dad, but I just let Taha take on any bullies.”

Taha laughed at the memory. “It only took one fight, and we were left alone,” he shook his head. “My parents doused me with holy water when they found out, and then spent a week praying for my soul.”

“They didn’t stop you from learning martial arts, though,” Owen mentioned.

Taha shook his head, pushing his empty plate away. “No, they thought staying with my learning in a controlled environment would help with my anger issues.”

“You don’t have any anger issues,” Charlotte pointed out.

“According to my parents, I’m an angry person and now take my anger out on my clients by tattooing them.”

“I’m glad your parents are still away,” Owen growled out.

Taha touched his arm. “They’re not bad people, they just don’t understand me. I don’t fit into the box they wanted me in.”

“We’ll help you explain everything to your parents when they get back. All they want is for you to be happy,” AJ said.

Taha huffed. “They only want me happy if I’m doing everything they tell me to, regardless of my feelings.”

“You never know, maybe this trip will open their eyes to how incredible you are,” Charlotte commented.

Taha smiled at her. “Thanks.”

Hunter looked at the time. “Are you ready to go, Ta?”

Taha nodded. “Yep, I’ll drive.”

Hunter looked at Gavin. “Have a good day, dear, see you at lunch.”