Page 13 of Her Vampire Hero

“I like to go here at night to get away from it all. It’s peaceful.”

For a moment, they sat in comfortable silence. Then Jenny’s curiosity got the better of her. "So, how does a vampire end up in a place like this?"

Rook's lips curved into a wry smile. "It's a long story."

Jenny leaned back, crossing her arms. "Well, I've got nowhere to be. Unless you've got some coffins to alphabetize or something."

Rook chuckled, but there was a hint of sadness in his eyes. "Very well. I was born in England in the mid-18th century, the second son of a minor aristocrat. I was not a good man. I was arrogant, selfish, and cruel at times. When I was turned, those traits were only amplified."

Jenny listened, fascinated despite herself, as Rook painted a picture of his early years as a vampire. The parties, the excess, the casual disregard for human life. It was like something out of a horror novel.

"What changed?" she asked.

Rook's eyes were distant, lost in memory. "I came to America after the Revolutionary War, thinking it would be a new hunting ground. But something happened that I didn't expect. I fell in love."

Jenny's heart skipped a beat and unfamiliar jealousy coiled in her gut. "With whom?"

"A human woman," Rook said softly. "She was everything I wasn't. Kind, compassionate, full of life. For the first time, I saw humans as more than just prey. But..."

"But?" Jenny prompted when he trailed off.

Rook's expression was pained. "But I was still a monster. I couldn't control my thirst. One night, I almost killed her when I took her blood. The look of fear in her eyes when she realized what I was broke something in me. I ran, and I kept running until I found myself here, in Beastly Falls."

Jenny was quiet for a long moment, processing everything she'd heard. Part of her was horrified by Rook's past. But another part, a larger part than she cared to admit, saw the pain and regret in his eyes and wanted nothing more than to comfort him.

"Thank you for telling me."

Rook looked at her, his eyes searching. "Does it change how you see me?"

Jenny considered the question carefully. "Yes," she said honestly. "But not necessarily in a bad way. We've all got baggage, Rook. At least you're trying to be better."

"Thank you. Your acceptance means more than you know."

The moment was charged with an intensity that made Jenny's heart race. She found herself leaning in, drawn by some invisible force. Rook's eyes darkened, his gaze dropping to her lips. This was it. He was going to kiss her, and she was all in for that. But before anything could happen, a familiar growl shattered the moment.

"Well, well," Grayson's voice rang out, dripping with disdain. "Isn't this cozy?"

Jenny jumped to her feet, her heart pounding for an entirely different reason now. "Grayson. Didn't anyone ever tell you it's rude to interrupt?"

The werewolf stalked towards them, his massive form casting a shadow in the moonlight. "I'm not here for etiquette lessons, sweetheart. I'm here to talk some sense into you."

Rook stood, placing himself slightly in front of Jenny. "I believe Jenny has made her feelings quite clear. It's time you moved on."

Grayson's laugh was harsh. "Moved on? From my mate? I don't think so, bloodsucker. Jenny just doesn't realize what she's missing yet."

Jenny’s temper flared. "Now listen here, Fido. I am not your mate, your sweetheart, or your anything. The only thing I'm missing is my patience for this macho bullshit. So why don't you take your Alpha male routine and stuff it where the sun don't shine?"

For a moment, Grayson looked stunned. Then his eyes narrowed dangerously. "I’m not going to let you get away."

Rook's voice was low and dangerous. "That's enough, Grayson. Leave. Now. Before I show you why vampires are the most feared creatures of the night."

There was a tense moment where Jenny thought Grayson might actually attack. But then the werewolf's shoulders slumped, and he turned away with a snarl. "This isn't fair," he growled as he disappeared into the shadows.

Jenny let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. "Well," she said, aiming for levity, "I guess the Beastly Falls Welcome Wagon doesn't believe in quitting, huh?"

Rook turned to her. "I'm so sorry about that. Grayson can be persistent."

Jenny waved off his concern, though her heart was still racing. "What does finding his mate give him?”

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