A Hunger to Share ( Book Two )

chapter 28

Artyom 

Gideon walked them through the Brooks' spacious front yard, the beautifully designed house, and into the kitchen where Grace, Ada's mother, was making lunch. She offered Artyom a warm glass of blood which he gratefuly accepted.

"This is Artyom. James's friend." Gideon introduced him to Jack, and a brown haired girl sitting beside him.

They were perched in wooden chairs, sharing a cigarette, and drinking coffee.

The chairs were placed on a wooden platform that was sorrunded by trees, and could be accessed by a couple of steps. There was also a pit fire burning in the middle, fighting the cold. It created a cozy atomosphere.

They put out their cigarettes, and stood up. Jack smiled at Artyom. "Yeah I know him."

The girl also smiled, holding out her hand. "I'm Nora."

Artyom took her strong hand, and shook it. "Nice to meet you."

"You two know each other too?" Jack gestured between Gideon and Artyom.

Gideon nodded. "Artyom used to live with us. He still swings by from time to time, although not often enough." He glared playfuly at his friend.

Artyom held up his hands. "You know I've been busy with work."

"So you're Jame's friend, huh? Nice." Nora said with a smirk.

Artyom was saved from having to answer when James, and a tall girl who had to be Ada walked into the back yard.

With long blond hair, and captivating blue eyes she was a beauty but he could see James truly didn't care about that. His glowing eyes were fixed on Artyom.

"Hey. I'm glad you decided to come in."

Artyom smiled. "Gideon dragged me in, but yeah me too."

"You must be James's friend." The girl said, sticking out her hand. "I'm Ada."

"Yes, I figured." Artyom answered politely, and shook her hand, noticing her prominant stomach.

"He's not my friend." James walked towards Artyom with confidence and kissed him deeply on the mouth. "He's my boyfriend." James took his hand.

Artyom blinked, trying to get rid of tears of love, and geattitude. He wanted to say something, but his throat was closed up with overwhelming emotions, so he just squeezed James's hand.

Nora smiled softly at them. "That's great. I'm really happy for you."

"Us too." Ada and Gideon added with geniune kindness. "You made my day." Ada added with an amused chuckle.

James grinned. "Thanks. I thought you'd be more surprised. I'm thankful for your support."

"They can detect my scent mixed with yours. When two people are sexually, or romantically involved their scents get mingled together." Artyom explained.

"Oh." James blushed. "Right."

"No need to be shy James." Gideon smirked. "We're all adaults here."

James cleared his throat, rubbing the back of his head. "I'm not shy, it's just new to me."

Ada nudged Gideon in the ribs. "Stop embarrassing the father of my child."

"Ouch. I didn't start this. Blame your sister. I was being nice. I swear."

"I'll get us some coffee, and blood." Nora anounced with a sheepish smile. "Any of you want something else?" 

They agreed her offered drinks were good, and sat down in the wooden chairs. Ada and Gideon took the first two, James, and Artyom the remaining ones.

There was none left so Nora  probably had to sit on Jack's lap. Artyom wished he could change seats with Jack so he could have James closer to him.

"How did you two meet?" Ada asked after Nora handed her a glass of blood.

James looked at Artyom and he nodded. "I went to his club for a job interview, and to put it simple I thought he was attractive as fuck. He made the first move because I was too scared to admit I liked him and asked me to dance and then we kissed and I realized I liked men as much as wemon."

Artyom kissed his lover's temple, feeling proud of him for being true to himself.

Ada beamed. "That's so cute."

"Thanks but I wish I knew I was bisexual sooner." James admitted with a pinch of regret. "I feel like most people know their sexuality pretty early on but I was always busy with hunting and life, barely had any time to think about such things."

"No it's different for everyone James and it's not a competition." Ada reassured him. "I'm so glad you figured out this important truth about yourself and you're not ashamed of it."

James smiled and leaned into Artyom. "Thank you. Me too."

"Hooking up with the boss. We need details." Nora said excitey ,holding her coffee mug in her hands, sitting sideways on Jack's lap, feet draped over the armrest.

"We really don't." Jack made a face. "I do not need to know anything about my little brother's sex life."

Nora rolled her eyes. "Ugh you're no fun. I didn't mean sexual ones you idiot. I'm here for the fluff."

"And yet you're dating my boring ass."

"Sometimes I wonder why."

"Because I'm pretty?" Jack fluttered his black eyelashes at her.

Nora pinched his cheek. "True, and you also smell like fresh air after rain."

Jack rose a black eyebrow at that. "I do?"

"Oh yeah, I love it."

"What do you smell like?"

"Blood oranges."

"Sexy." Jack kissed her cheek.

"Bleh, all of you stop with this sappy romantic shit before I puke in my mouth." Gideon complained playfuly, sipping at his coffee.

"Jealous?" Nora teased him, looking meaningfully at her sister which she ignored.

"Nah, I'm good."

"Yeah, I'm sure."