The Vampire Queen

Chapter 6

*Gerard’s POV*

I stayed with Jade all night, watching her sleep peacefully next to me. This is paradise. To have her by my side for the rest of time, oh it would be heaven! The warmth from her body is reaching deep within me, awakening my hollow soul and bringing it to life. Eyes still closed, Jade rolls over and places her ear directly on my chest. For some reason, the silence within comforts her and she turns back onto her other side. I squeeze her gently, to show I appreciate her closeness. I know I have to control my strength so I don’t hurt her. She turns her head to look at me, fully awake now. I greet her with a small smile.

“What are you smiling at?” she asked, her own smile steadily taking over her lips.

“You.” I confess, squeezing her hips and pulling her close to me. “You’re beautiful.” She regards me through squinted eyes for a second. “What?” I ask. “You don’t believe me? Look in a mirror.”

“You should do the same.” She replied.

“Ladies first.” I quip with a smirk, arousing a laugh from her. I smiled happily at the sound. “Are you hungry?” I ask through my smile.

“No…but I think I’m ready to start meeting people.” She stretched out like a cat and curled into me, draping an arm over my hips. A look of peace washed across her features and my heart glowed with pride. She was happy with me!

“My friends have been dying to meet you. Hold on a second.” I gently placed her arm on her side and got up, walking quickly to the door. I stuck my head out into the stone hallway, scanning its length for my friends. Not a soul in sight. “Hey guys, come here!” I called in my regular volume, knowing they would hear me. The four of them clustered in my room in a matter of seconds, smiling when they saw Jade.

“Jade, this is my younger brother, Michael.” Her eyes looked him over, and I knew right away that she was comparing him to me. I could see it in her eyes.

“Hi.” Michael said shyly.

“Hi.” Jade answered with a shy blush. Jade was shy? I’d never noticed that before.

“This is Bob.” I offered, hoping to rescue her from being awkward. It worked, her eyes lit up when she looked at Bob. It was easy to see she liked him already.

“It’s good to see you’re awake; we’ve been wanting to meet you ever since you got here.” Bob said with a smile.

“Sorry I kept you waiting.” Jade laughed, her clever, at-ease side returning.

“It was worth it. You’re everything Gerard said.” She smiled, delighting in the thought that I’d talked about her.

“Oh? And what was that?” she asked, looking to me for an answer. I blushed and I tried to hide it by shrugging.

“He’s in love with you.” Frank blabbed.

“Frank!” I snapped. Why did he have to say that out loud? Out of the corner of my eye I saw Jade smile. I wondered if she believed it.

“What, it’s true!” Frank argued. He looked at Jade, hoping she’d help him out. “Isn’t it?” he asked.

“I wish I knew.” She groaned; I wagered she didn’t want to hear us fight. Frank laughed his strange giggle.

“I like her, she’s funny!” he said happily, making everyone laugh. Jade observed Frank with a smile as most girls did. Frank had a lot of admirers in our coven.

“And this is Ray.” The guys parted so Jade could see Ray in the back. Jade liked him, her eyes lit up again when she saw him. Or maybe she was just trying not to laugh at his fro.

“What are your guys’ plans for today?” he asked her.

“Gerard said he would show me around.” Jade smiled in excitement.

“You should get started then; there’s lots to see.” Bob laughed.

“I still have to take her to see Asani.” I added, grinning at Ray’s blush. “Are you ready to go now?” I looked over at Jade.

“Yeah, who’s Asani?” Jade asked. Ray smiled and his eyes glazed over.

“My cousin, and Ray’s mate.” I explained as I scooped her out of my bed and cradled her in my arms. Jade seemed a bit uncomfortable, like she wanted to be affectionate but she was embarrassed about it. I set her down just outside the door and wrapped an arm around her waist. I led her down the hall, holding her close with my friends a little ways behind. We came to a juncture where the one hallway turned into six others to choose from. I looked at Jade and on her face was the cutest ‘confused’ look I’d ever seen.

The guys said farewell and disappeared into another hallway, heading to the gathering place for food. I was trying not to laugh at the look on Jade’s face. She was amazed by the architecture; every now and then she would reach out her hand and let it drag against the wall as we walked. In her trance, she didn’t notice we made it to Asani’s home. Her home, I realized, looked like the houses in the village around Jade’s manor.

I knocked on the door, wondering what my beloved cousin was up to today. She answered the door after a moment, wearing a dress and shawl of deep red that suited her well.

“Gerard! What a lovely surprise!” Asani said happily. “What brings you here today?” she asked. I gently pulled Jade in front of me, my hands gracing her hips.

“Asani, this is Jade. She’s in need of new clothes.” I explained.

“Of course, come in!” Asani said warmly. We stood in her living room while she gathered some supplies. Jade was examining the décor when Asani returned. Asani took Jade back to her dressing room while I took a seat in the living room. It could be awhile. I tried to distract myself; I didn’t want to eavesdrop. But with superhuman hearing, it’s impossible to mind your own business. I could hear Asani chattering effortlessly with Jade, who was probably very uncomfortable. Poor girl.

“Gerard told me that you’re Ray’s mate?” Jade asked. At least she was trying to be conversational. I pictured her playing with her hair, her eyes large and innocent, trying to appear in control. I chuckled to myself. She was so damn cute.

“That’s correct. Why do you ask?” Asani replied, probably with a smile.

“What exactly is a mate?” Jade asked. She was probably blushing. How cute.

“It’s a lot like what humans call a husband or wife, except we’re equals. I’ve heard that men are the dominant sex of humans?” Asani asked.

“That’s true. They decide everything. What we eat, where we live, who we marry.” Jade sounded so miserable. How could someone sell her off so cruelly?

“That’s tragic.” Asani comforted Jade. “We pick our own mates, and it must be mutual to be official. The men pick a woman, but we get the final say. It’s fair that way. No one wants to spend eternity stuck with someone they don’t love.”

“That would be terrible.” Jade agreed. “How long have you and Ray been…um…is married the right word?” She is so cute! I thought with a smile.

“I suppose it is. We’ve been mates for about…oh five hundred years.” Asani said, the warm glow of happiness dripping from her voice.

“Wow. Um…how old are you; if I may ask?”

“Of course you may. I myself am five hundred and twenty-three. Ray is five hundred and twenty-seven, as is Gerard.” Asani explained. Oh shit, why did she have to bring me into this? I guess it was only a matter of time before I told Jade how old I really am.

“Five hundred and twenty-seven?” Jade squeaked. This is bad. She’s probably going to freak. Please don’t let her freak out.

“Yes, that’s correct. How old are you?” Asani asked.

“I’m approaching my twentieth year.” Jade said quietly.

“Goodness! You’re still a child! This is a predicament. It seems odd, doesn’t it?” Asani asked, trying her best to comfort Jade. Asani was talented at knowing what people needed to hear to make them feel better. Jade was probably very upset over the age difference. I don’t look five hundred and twenty-seven, do I? I only look twenty-seven! The extra five hundred years don’t count. “He’s a wonderful choice, Jade. No one will ever be as good, at least not to you.” That was true for me too. I’d never be able to find a woman like Jade even if I spent eternity looking for her. She was my only chance at true love, and I would fight for her with everything in me. So far she’s the woman of my dreams. How long until that dream shattered? I can’t think like that! I don’t want to imagine a future without Jade. I will love her forever, and she will love me. I hope.

I heard a strangled sob, and my heart jumped into my throat. I stood up to go comfort Jade and myself, but Asani chose that moment to return. When had she left? I was probably too busy thinking to notice.

“Don’t fret, my dear. I promise you; Gerard is the man you’ve been dreaming of.” Asani whispered; she was probably hugging Jade as she cried. “Don’t be afraid to let your heart lead.”

“How did you…are you…reading my mind?” Jade asked. Asani chuckled.

“No dear; it’s written all over your face. You look so frightened.” Asani paused. “Gerard is perfect for you; you are perfect for him. He will always love you and protect you with every fiber in his being.”

“How do you know?” Jade whispered.

“Gerard is very easy to read. Now try this on. I’ve a feeling you’ll look radiant in it.” I heard some rustling of fabric for a few moments, then a stammered,

“Oh my god! It’s…amazing!” from Jade.

“I just knew you’d have the body for it! Gerard very well may faint when he sees you.” Asani laughed. Oh no. What should I say when I see her? What if I do faint? Calm down, Gerard. Freaking out won’t help you. After a few more moments of hair, makeup, jewelry, and shoes, Asani paraded Jade out for me to see.

“Asani, wait!” Jade panicked at the last minute. Asani ignored her plea and presented her to me with a flourish. Jade blushed and tried to hide behind Asani. Asani yanked her back into view, toward me, knocking her off balance and into my arms. I caught her around the waist and held her back to look her up and down. I’ve never seen anything so beautiful in all my years of existence. I wanted her so bad right then. Stop swimming in the gutter, Gerard!

“Beautiful as always, Asani. How much is it?” I asked, going through my pockets.

“For this girl, free. The only payment I ask is a smile and gossip about you.” Asani crossed her arms. “We’ve become fast friends. Enjoy yourselves today. It’s a wonderful night to fall in love.” She said, bidding us farewell.

“We will. Thank you, Asani.” I said.

“Bye Asani, thank you!” Jade called as we left for her tour of what I hoped would be her new home.