Nocturnal Journal–Mandy M. Roth

Blood Lines Prequel: Currents

Mechele Armstrong

A long time ago, I started writing a book called Blood Lines: Blood Kiss. While this book was to be male/female, my vampires were bisexual. And my hero, Nick, introduced his mentor, Henri Baptiste and his lover, Nathan. Henri had a few short scenes. But I loved he and Nathan and the play between them.

Other books were written, Conduit and Crimson’s Rose. Each featured Henri and Nathan in some manner. And my love affair with them grew. They were such intriguing characters and fun to write.

One day, Henri said, “Write my story.” He wanted the story of he and Nathan told.

I answered back that I’d never written male/male before, and I wasn’t sure I could do it justice.

And then, I wrote a ménage, which featured a male/male couple, who bring a woman into their relationship.

Henri stated asking again, but even though I pointed out the ménage was different, he wouldn’t be stilled. I had to tell his story with Nathan.

I was so nervous about doing a male/male story. It was a challenge to me because I’m not a guy and I had to write two guys’ POV’s and their POV’s during sex. But I found writing it, that it was so much fun to write. And ultimately, their story was a love story, which I do know how to tell (I think!).

Henri is called to his former lover’s side as she is dying. She also happens to be Nathan’s mother. Nathan has no idea that Henri is a vampire, nor does he have a clue as to his own power. Nathan can siphon off emotion. As Henri is feeling animalistic, Nathan’s pulling emotion helps him to keep his humanity. Unfortunately, another vampire has discovered Nathan’s powers and wants them for himself. Can Henri keep Nathan safe or will the currents between them escalate into something he can’t control?

Blood Lines Prequel: Currents is a book of my heart. Henri and Nathan are the characters that drove me to write their story.