JBs Bookworms - Character Interview, Gabriel Erhard

JBs Bookworms - Character Interview

Gabriel Erhard 

 Caressed by the Edge of Darkness

Thank you for joining us today. 

 

(Gabriel settles his large frame in the chair.)

Tell us a little bit about your story.

Gabriel: I’m not the sharing type, but…like most stories, mine starts off with attraction. Vampire finds an irresistible woman, Jordan, and decides to claim her—you know how it goes. Before I could place her under my protection, she was taken by my enemies.  I vowed to rescue her.  I did every, and I mean everything, to get her back.  But, being the unfeeling bastard that I am…  (Clears his throat) … that I was, even after I had her in my arms I had a…difficult time accepting who she what she meant to me.  I’m still learning how to deal with these new emotions.

Is there anything you would want changed if the Author asked you?

Gabriel: My search for Jordan could’ve been shorter. I spent months raiding slave houses and attacking my enemy’s strongholds in the hope of finding her. I hate that Jordan was held captive or so long.

How would you describe your Author?

Gabriel: She’s truly the only one who knows my entire life story and I’d like to keep it that way—we have an understanding.

 She outlines ours stories, but she allows us free reign here and there.  (Smirks) I know I surprised the hell out of her in Chapter 19. So much so that she sat back and blinked at the screen then went and told her husband, “You will not believe what Gabriel just did.”

Mrs. Greene is crafty though and has been keeping her plans for the series under lock and key. None of the Rulers of Darkness knows what will happen next. Not even Dimitri, and he has the gift of sight.

Do you feel like she portrayed you correctly?

Gabriel: Like I said, we have an understanding, and I didn’t make it easy for her to balance my cold-hearted, emotionless, occasional brutality with my soft, cuddly side. But, yes, I think she did a bang up job portraying me. She managed to show just how ruthless I can be, but just how much of a love-struck fool I can be for my mate.

How about others in the story. Do you feel she did well with them?

Gabriel:  (Grins.) Mrs. Greene gave me the most kick-ass mate in the Rulers of Darkness series and I sincerely thank her for it. Jordan understands me and she’s far from quiet and retiring.

She also revealed more of Gannon, my second in command, and his relationship with the Shaw High Priestess, Silvie. I believe their book will be next. Those two… (Shakes his head) I can’t tell if that is a match made in heaven or hell.

You might be wondering why I’m wearing a scarf on a hot sunny day. It’s not that I don’t trust you, (Tightens the scarf), or anything. I’m just deathly allergic to vampire venom. You know like some people are with bees? So please don’t bite me.

Gabriel:  (His crystalline green gaze sharpens and flickers with shards of black for just a breath. He smiles, revealing the razor tips of his fangs and then relaxes back on his seat. )

I’ve never enjoyed taking directly from the source and avoided feeding as much as I could. Until I met Jordan, I kept my fridge stalked with bagged blood. Jordan’s blood is all I want. (His eyes flash black again.) All I crave. 

Okay, now that that’s settled. Who created you in the story?

Gabriel: (Visibly tenses.) This isn’t something I speak of often. (He draws in a deep breath and focuses his stare on the interviewer, who shifts uncomfortably in her seat).

When I was a mortal man, I was sold to a Lady Ingrid. To her slaves she was known as Madame Sideth. She kept me for years and feared Death would one day claim her favorite slave. She changed me against my will. She made me into a monster. For centuries I endured her torture. Oh, how she loved to torment her pets. (He spat the last word.)

Dimitri, the sage type guy I mentioned earlier, he helped me escape. He taught me how to control my strength and master my hunger. 

Have you seen any more stories in the recesses of your Author’s mind?

Gabriel: I’ve caught glimpses into other worlds. She is currently working another series, Under Realm Assassins, and I know she plans to release Wicked Passion, the third book, in the next few months. But there is so much more. She really just needs to find the time to sit down and work. 

If so, do you get to play a part in any of those stories?

Gabriel: I’ll be in Caressed by Dawn, the next Rulers of Darkness installment. Gannon will play the lead and I’ll be there to support him anyway I am able. 

You’re no stranger to darkness. What is your Author’s darkest secret?

Gabriel: (Laughs) I can’t share much, but I will say his name is Gregory Wrothston and his book is one she’s been rewriting for at least 10 years. She keeps it low key, but she is beyond excited for his book. Just got to work the fine details and decide:  standalone, trilogy, or series?