The Vampire Queen

*Gerard’s POV*

The moon was full and so bright I cast a shadow as I walked. It was cold out; if my body was alive I’d be shivering. I finally reached my destination and silently jumped up to what I assumed was her window. I was rewarded with her sleeping figure, facing the open window. I’d guessed right. I moved to wake her, but I stopped. She looked so peaceful and innocent. Even though I’d hoped I wouldn’t resort to kidnapping, I slid my arms around her and lifted her small body to my chest, turning to leap out the window. But she was scantily clad, so I wasn’t about to walk a mile with her so exposed. She would freeze on a night like this. I rummaged silently through the chest at the foot of her large bed and found a warm blanket for her. I spread it out on the bed and wrapped her in it like you would a newborn. I lifted her to my body again and jumped down to the ground, landing silently. I ran us to the coven gates, where my father still stood, waiting patiently. He excited visibly as I neared and hurried over, bending down to look at her.

“My, my, she is quite beautiful. Frank wasn’t exaggerating. You’d best put her to bed.”

“Where?” I asked, already knowing what he’d say.

“Your chambers, of course.” My father said simply. “She is your mate, after all.” I knew it was pointless to argue, she wasn’t my mate, but I headed to my chambers nonetheless. I walked through the halls, receiving stares from the other vampires as I carried their future queen. I guessed my father had told them who she was, everyone was whispering behind their hands excitedly.

I finally made it to my chambers and nudged opened the door to reveal my friends and brother waiting for me.

“Is that her?” my brother came forward to catch a glimpse of his new sister-in-law. I nodded and he swept out of the way, allowing me to place her gently upon my large bed and cover her up with the comforter. Some strands of hair had fallen into her face, and I swept them back and tucked them behind her ear lovingly. I smiled at her, this beauty. It was hard to believe that this amazing and wondrous beauty was my soul mate. Although most mortals married for land or money, I had always dreamt of marrying a woman because I loved her. I wondered why Jade wanted to marry, and I hoped it was for the same reason as me. I also hoped she’d want to stay with me and my people.

“Told you he loves her.” I heard Frank mutter. I turned to look at him, a small smile on my face.

“Shut up, Frank. You’ll wake her up.” A sigh floated to my ears and I turned to see Jade roll onto her side, tightening the covers grip on her. I glared at Frank as if to say, See? Frank flashed me a cheesy smile, showing off his fangs.

“What do you say we go get something to eat?” he said. Everyone agreed and we quietly left my chambers. We headed down to the gathering room, where actual food was served when we wanted it. Yes, vampires still eat real food; we just need blood to survive. We all ordered something to eat and started talking about the day’s events. The conversation veered toward Jade and my ‘obsession’, as Frank called it.

“Just admit you love her and I’ll leave it alone.” Frank said stubbornly. I groaned and shook my head. I wasn’t sure if I loved Jade, but I thought she was the most beautiful mortal I’d ever laid eyes on. The guys laughed when I told them that.

“Aww, Gerard’s turning into a softy.” Ray teased. Ray is one of my best friends. Together as a group there are five of us. Me, my younger brother Mikey, Frank, Bob and Ray.

“Will you shut up, Ray?” I growled. “Just because I think she’s beautiful doesn’t mean I’m a softy.”

“Gerard!” someone called. One of the older women leaned over and pinched my cheek. “I heard about the mortal girl! Are you going to turn her?” she asked.

“Of course he is! She wears the Queenstar; didn’t you hear?” another woman said, stepping up next to the first. I groaned inwardly, knowing they wouldn’t go away. Ever. I could tell the guys were stifling their laughter, and thankfully, our food arrived, and the women took their cue to leave, after they told me how excited they were about meeting her. I love my people, but it’s just damn embarrassing when you bring a mortal home and all the women jump on you for it. Like it’s big news the mortal that came home with me wears he Queenstar. Then again, it is big news. No one in our coven (or any other) had found the Queenstar in thousands of years.

The guys and I started to eat our food when a blood-curdling scream wrenched through the air. I jumped up; panicking that someone had hurt Jade. I ran through the halls, finally running into Jade and grabbing her as she tried to run past me.

“What happened?” I asked, pulling her against me. “Are you hurt?”

“You! Where am I? How did I- oh my god! You kidnapped me!” She accused in one breath, smacking her hand down on my chest.

“Are you hurt?” I asked again, trying to calm her. I was doing a poor job; she was growing more and more frantic.

“Take me back!!! I demand to know what is happening!!” she yelled.

“Relax! I will explain everything once you tell that you’re okay and what happened.”

“I’m fine! I just woke up and there was a man hovering over me. It scared me to death.” She said, shaking with fear. I pulled her closer and we walked back to my chambers. I opened the door and led her in, only to find my father sitting in one of the chairs by my fireplace. Jade hid behind me as he stood up.

“What were you doing?” I asked my father.

“Watching over our guest. I’m sorry I scared you, Lady Jade.” My father said.

“It’s…fine, I guess. You just startled me, that’s all.”

“Yes, I imagine it’s very trying to leave everything behind and start a new life in a single night.”

“Goodnight, Father.” I said in a warning tone. My father bid us goodnight and left with a wave.

“What was he talking about?” Jade asked, breaking out of my grasp. Oh shit, I’m in for it.

“What?” I asked innocently, figuring that was the safest route.

“‘Start a new life’? What did he mean?” she elaborated.

“I…have no idea.” I lied. This is bad.

“I think you do. What aren’t you telling me?” Jade demanded.

“Look, you’re very upset-”

“Of course I’m upset! I don’t know where the hell I am! I barely even know you, and your father is making it sound like I’ve been brought here to marry you!” My expression must have given me away; the fear in her eyes blazed in anger. “Is that right?”

“Why don’t we talk after you’ve had a decent night’s sleep?” I suggested.

“I’ve slept enough. Explain it to me now!”

“It will be easier for both of us if we discuss it when you’re not so…livid.” She sighed.

“I suppose you’re right. Where shall I sleep?”

“In here, of course.”

“You’re not staying in here.” She said matter-of-factly.

“No, I’m not. I’ll be right next door if you need anything. Just call my name and I’ll be here.”

“Okay. Goodnight, then?”

“Goodnight.” I nodded, and slowly closed the door.

*Jade’s POV*

I sat by the fire, watching it consume the logs hungrily. What am I going to do? They must be keeping me prisoner for something. Are they enemies of the baron? No, they couldn’t be; they’re vampires. Or is Gerard the only one? I doubt it; his father could be. I just don’t know! There could be hundreds of them, maybe thousands. Ok…don’t panic. Count your blessings. 1. I’m still alive…for now. Stop that! Breathe. Ok. 2. There’s a warm fire and a comfy bed. Good! Keep going. 3. I’m still a virgin. Thank heavens for that. 4. I’m still clothed, and I have my favorite blanket from home. 5. I still have my sanity. For the time being, at least. I can’t help but wonder why they would kidnap me. Money? Maybe they want a peace treaty? Or maybe they just want a slave.

I settled into the bed, pulling my favorite blanket around me first, then the other blankets to offset the cold. I would need a good night’s sleep to be presentable tomorrow.