Page 61 of The Vampire and the Tattooist (The Vampire and Series Book 4)
“Well, that was a good day’s work, boys,” AJ said, looking around Hunter”s room. Everything had been fixed and repainted. “All that’s left is to restock.”
“It is. I’ll get on to reordering things tonight,” Hunter replied.
“AJ, fancy coming to the Pig and Whistle? I’m sure Matt would love to see you,” Luke said from the doorway.
“Well, it would be rude not to drop in for a quick one. Are you all coming?”
Everyone said yes.
“Then let’s pack up and head out. Hunter, will Gavin join us?” AJ asked.
Hunter pulled out his phone. “Let’s find out.”
H: We’re off to the Pig and Whistle. Fancy coming?
“I’ve sent him a message, so hopefully he’ll come. I might need to go and pick him up, though.”
“That’s no problem if you do,” AJ said.
Just then, Hunter”s phone pinged. He looked and saw a reply from Gavin.
G: Sounds good. I’ll meet you there.
Perfect,Hunter sent back. Love you x
G: Love you, too x
“Gavin said he would meet us there,” Hunter told them as he put his phone away.
“Excellent,” AJ said, collecting up his tools.
* * *
Gavin was hard at work.He had pulled off everything he could find on one computer and was now going through another when he received Hunter’s text.
Of course, he said yes to meeting up with everyone, but that meant he would have to go to the pub on his own. Sure, he was getting better at going out by himself, but— No, no buts, he could go and meet the others by himself.
“You okay there, Gav?” Ivan asked him. “You look a little stressed.”
Gavin looked up and made a so-so gesture before signing.
“So Hunter’s going out drinking with everyone and invited you, but because you’re basically a hermit, you’re nervous about going alone. And yes, I did add that hermit bit in myself,” Ivan said, grinning at him.
Gavin poked his tongue out at him.
“How about if I drive? We could both do with a break.”
Gavin nodded and signed, “Thank you.”
“So where are we going?” Ivan asked, standing up.
Gavin stood as well and signed.
Ivan stared at him in confusion. “I’m sorry to say I have no idea what you just signed.”
Gavin gave a silent laugh. He wasn’t sure many people would have worked that out. He picked up a pen and his notebook and wrote The Pig and Whistle Pub.
He handed it to Ivan, who burst out laughing. “No way would I have got that. I also don’t think I’ve been there before, so Google the postcode for me and I’ll let Seth know we’re leaving for a bit.”
It didn’t take Gavin or Ivan long to get to the pub; in fact, it was surprisingly close.
Gavin paused just in front of the door and took a breath.
Ivan touched his shoulder. “Just remember you have friends in there as well as your Hunter.”
Gavin nodded and signed, “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, little brother. Ready?”
Gavin nodded and, pushing the door open, the two vampires walked in.
The pub was busy. All the tables were full and music was playing. Gavin looked around for Hunter and saw him and the others sitting at a large table, laughing and joking.
Hunter looked up and saw Gavin, and his face split into a massive grin as he jumped up, walking over to the two of them and pulling Gavin in for a kiss. He kept it short and sweet before pulling back and saying hello.
Gavin smiled and mouthed hello back before Hunter took his hand and led him over to their group.
Shelby and Luke jumped up and hugged Gavin hello. Shelby pulled back, looking Gavin over. “I told you, you looked good in this outfit. I can’t wait to go shopping with you again.”
AJ stood up and pulled Gavin into a hug. “I’m glad you could come. Have you met Matt, the owner?”
“He has,” Matt said, walking over with a tray of drinks. “Hey, Gavin.”
“Everyone, this is Ivan,” Hunter said, waving at the vampire.
“I ordered you a whisky,” Owen told him.
“Thanks,” Ivan replied.
“Gavin, Hunter ordered you a coke,” Matt told him.
Gavin signed, “Thank you,” and then smiled at Hunter and sat down next to him.
“My mum wants to meet you sometime, Gavin. She saw you and Hunter out and wants to meet the ‘handsome young man who captured our Hunter.’ Her words not mine,” Matt said.
Gavin blushed and nodded.
“We can do that,” Hunter said, then looked at Gavin. “You’ll love Rhea. She’s awesome.”
“I’ll text you, Hunt, and we can arrange something,” Matt said.
“Sounds like a plan,” he replied, smiling as Matt was called away.
“How did the repairs go?” Ivan asked the group.
“We got everything done. Hunter just needs to restock now,” AJ said. “I can start on the hall wall tomorrow.”
“Has there been any word from David?” Owen asked.
“He’s been in contact with Seth, who has sent people off to different places, but I don’t know what they found. I’m hoping we’ll be updated at dinner,” Ivan told him.
Just then, the pub door opened, and a man came stumbling in.
Matt rushed over to help him. “Careful,” he said, wrapping an arm around the man.
Gavin looked up and saw Adrian. He nudged Ivan, who looked to the door, jumped up, and ran to his side, wrapping an arm around him. He looked at Matt. “I’ve got him,” Ivan said before he looked at the man. “What happened, Adrian?” he asked, leading him over to their table.
Adrian looked beyond tired, and his hair showed lots of white. He practically fell onto the chair. “There was a car accident. I stopped to help. A young child was badly hurt, but I fixed most of her injuries. Her father was unconscious and had a head injury. They were both lucky to be alive.”
Matt stood to the side of the table, looking concerned. “Is there anything I can do? Shall I call an ambulance for your friend?”
“No thanks, Matt. We’re gonna take Adrian home so he can rest,” Owen said.
Matt nodded. “Phone me if you need anything.”
“Will do, thanks, Matt,” Hunter replied.
“Adrian, can I have your car keys and I’ll drive you home? You shouldn’t drive in your condition,” Owen said softly.
Adrian nodded and handed them over.
“Come on, let’s get you back,” Ivan said, standing up.
“Let’s all head off. Shell, Luke, we’ll see you tomorrow,” Taha added, standing up. And with that, all those who lived in the coven left, leaving a concerned-looking Matt watching Adrian go.