Page 6 of The Vampire and the Barista

“I think it helps that both her sons have met their mates, and she has nothing tying her to her old pack now,” Annie added.

“Kevin and Bert will like that,” Dave replied.

“So will we,” Charlotte said. “We’re forming our own support group.”

“I would, Mum,” Hunter said, smiling at her. “What are you doing about your job?”

“Willard is letting me share his office. You know I can work from anywhere.”

“Got to love remote jobs,” Willard said. “And just to let you know, AJ and I are starting a support group. Stefan is automatically a member.”

“We are indeed,” AJ replied. “We can’t let you all have clubs without us forming one.”

“Good for you, Dad, AJ,” Dave said. “I bet your support group will he held in the pub.”

“Nothing wrong with that. Matt’s pub is close, we can meet there,” AJ suggested.

“Can I join?” Hunter asked.

“Nope, fathers only,” Willard put in.

“Gio and I can join then,” Seth said, grinning.

“Nope,” Willard said again.

“But, we’re fathers,” Seth pointed out.

“Still not allowed, though,” AJ said, backing Willard up.

“Somehow that doesn’t seem fair,” Gio griped.

“Too bad.”

Halfway through dinner, Max’s phone rang. Hoping it was Bert, he pulled it out of his pocket, but saw it was Jamie. “Sorry, I have to get this,” he said, answering as everyone stopped talking. “Hey, Jamie,” he answered.

“Max, I’m sorry to ring, but it’s an emergency,” Jamie told him.

“What’s happened, Jamie?” he asked, concerned, glancing at Ivan.

Ivan sat up and listened.

“I need to get to my siblings tonight, but my car’s just died. Max, I hate to ask, I don’t know what else to do, but can I borrow your car?”

“You can,” he said without hesitation. “I’ll find somewhere safe for you guys to stay as well. Where are you, and I’ll come to you?”

“I’m parked opposite the coffee shop.”

“I’m leaving as soon as we hang up,” Max assured him.

“Max, thank you,” Jamie said, sounding choked.

“We’re friends, Jamie, think nothing of it. See you in a bit,” and with that, he hung up.

“What does Jamie need?” Dave asked before Ivan could.

“Okay, quick cliff notes version. Jamie comes from an abusive home and has been trying to save money to rescue his younger brother and sister, but he’s not managed to yet. His landlord is also making him homeless this week. It sounds like he needs to rescue his siblings now, but his car just broke down. Jamie told me he’s not strong enough to take on his father, so no idea how he’ll rescue them,” Max explained.

“That’s easy enough,” Dave said. “Ivan, go and help Jamie, get your vamp on if needed. Jamie and his siblings can either move in here or they can stay at my place. I know it only has two bedrooms, but they can make it work; that gives them options. Max, you and I will go as well, and we can sort Jamie’s car out and reassure Jamie; all will be well.”