Page 29 of Her Vampire Hero

"Thought you could use a pick-me-up," he said, offering her a mug of what smelled like his latest tea creation.

Jenny accepted it gratefully, breathing in the aromatic steam. "Mmmm, is that a hint of dragon's breath I detect?"

Rook's eyes twinkled. "Just a touch. Gives it a nice smoky flavor, don't you think?"

They sipped their tea in comfortable silence, enjoying the moment of quiet togetherness. Through the open garage doors, Jenny could see Rook's tea shop next door, its windows glowing warmly in the twilight.

"Oh," Rook said suddenly, "I spoke with the wedding planner today. She assures me she can source enough glow-worms to light the entire ceremony."

Jenny chuckled. "A nighttime outdoor wedding lit by magical insects. If someone had told me when I was a kid that this would be my life..."

"Having second thoughts?" Rook asked, a hint of worry creeping into his voice.

Jenny set down her mug and wrapped her arms around him. "Not a chance, vampire-mine. This is better than any dream I could have cooked up on my own."

Rook relaxed into her embrace, nuzzling her neck affectionately. Jenny felt a pleasant tingle where his fangs grazed her skin—a reminder of their unbreakable bond.

"I'm glad," Rook said. "Though I do worry sometimes that you miss the excitement of the outside world."

Jenny pulled back to look him in the eye. "Are you kidding? Just yesterday I had to recalibrate a werewolf's transmission so it wouldn't slip during full moons. Trust me, there's more than enough excitement right here."

As if to prove her point, a harried-looking fairy zipped into the garage, trailing sparkles and smoke.

"Jenny! Emergency! My flying car's wings keep molting!"

"Duty calls," Jenny said with a grin, pressing a quick kiss to Rook's cheek before turning to her newest client. "All right, let's take a look at those wings..."

Later that evening, as the garage quieted and the last customer drove (or flew) away, Jenny decided it was time for Rook's latest lesson.

"Okay, honey," she said, leading him to a beat-up old junker she kept for practice. "Today we're going to learn how to change the oil."

Rook eyed the car warily. "Are you sure that's wise? You remember what happened with the tire rotation..."

Jenny laughed at the memory. "Hey, no one got hurt. Much. Besides, you can't be a proper auto shop spouse without knowing the basics."

With exaggerated care, Rook accepted the wrench Jenny handed him. "Very well. I place myself in your capable hands."

What followed was a comedy of errors that would have put any slapstick routine to shame. Rook managed to get oil everywhere except where it was supposed to go, turning himself into a slippery, grease-covered mess in the process.

"I think," he said, peering at Jenny through oil-smeared glasses, "that I may not be cut out for mechanical work."

Jenny, who hadn't fared much better in her attempts to help, burst out laughing. "Maybe not. But you sure know how to make it entertaining."

She pulled him close, not caring about the mess, and kissed him soundly. When they parted, Jenny had a greasy smudge on her cheek to match Rook's.

"What do you say we close up shop and head home?" Jenny suggested, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "I think we both need a long, hot shower."

Rook's answering grin was positively wicked. "I do believe that's the best idea you've had all day, my love."

As they locked up the garage, Jenny looked out at the twinkling lights of Beastly Falls. The town had changed since the curse broke—people could come and go freely now—but it had lost none of its magic.

"Hey Rook?" she said as they walked hand-in-hand down the street.

"Yes, darling?"

"I'm really glad my car broke down here."

Rook squeezed her hand. "As am I, my dear. As am I."

They continued on, two imperfect, oil-stained figures silhouetted against the starry sky. And if you looked closely, you might just see the faint shimmer of magic that connected them—a bond forged in love, strengthened by choice, and destined to last for eternity.