I've been walking away from Melania's place for a while now, yet her quiet sobbing keeps echoing in my head. Seeing her cry, beg, and fall apart like that really hit me—never thought she'd feel that kind of way about me. Then again, it's not like she ever gave me a reason to notice. She's always treated me the same since the day we met. And honestly, knowing how jealous I am, it could never work between us. I'd live in constant paranoia, waiting for the moment she'd get horny and spread her legs for the first guy who crosses her path—something Isabelle has never done and never will.

«I'll never be with anyone else again, I swear on my life! I love you, Ren!» Her words still echo inside me like a distant echo.

What does she even know about love? She's thirteen. At that age, couples promise eternal love after fifteen minutes together. So why am I still thinking about it? Why do I keep repeating to myself that I only love Isabelle and that I'll stay by her side forever? What a pain...

«I disappear for three weeks and when I come back, you're suddenly a father—with a trail of broken hearts behind you? Can't leave you alone for a second, huh?»

A playful female voice echoes behind me. A familiar one. Too familiar. One I honestly never thought I'd hear again. Brianne Leviantis.

I spin around instantly. She's in perfect shape and as gorgeous as ever, wearing her usual tracksuit. Deep down, I'm actually glad to see her again after all this time, but she's still a Monster Reaper—it'd be weird if I showed it.

«And how do you even know that? Don't tell me you've started stalking me again before even letting me know you were back—and eavesdropped on my talk with Melania?» I reply, pretending to sound annoyed.

«Well, obviously. I'm your shadow, remember?» she smirks. «I gave you three weeks of vacation out of trust—hoping you didn't kill anyone in the meantime—but now I'm back, more fired up than ever to watch over you 24/7.»

«Lucky me, huh? A vampire so lucky to be watched 24/7,» I mutter with a sarcastic grin that fades the instant her expression turns serious—deadly serious.

«Ren, we need to talk. Now.» Her voice is so sharp and firm it sends a cold chill down my spine.

What the hell now? She suddenly shows up after three weeks and talks like some angry mom about to lecture her kid? Yeah, this doesn't sound good.

«Sure, go ahead,» I answer, trying to look calm and relaxed. I think my conscience is clean, but she's got that typical cop tone that makes you feel guilty and scared even when you haven't done a damn thing.

«Not here. We'll talk at my place. My parents aren't back yet—I came home two days earlier, so don't worry—we've got the house to ourselves,» she says. And it's definitely not the tone of a girl inviting her boyfriend over while the parents are away. Whatever she wants to tell me, it must be something serious—really serious. And that only makes my nerves worse.

Or maybe... she wants to kill me? Could it be an execution?

«I don't mean you any harm, I just want to talk,» she insists—she must've noticed my hesitation and the nervous look on my face. «It'll only take about half an hour, no more. Then I'll let you go home safe and sound, I promise.»

«Alright, I'll follow you,» I answer, but she shakes her head in disapproval.

«We'll take separate routes—can't be too careful. You remember where I live?»

I nod.

«Good. Keep going that way, I'll take a parallel street. See you there.»

Without even giving me a chance to reply, she walks off quickly, glancing around as if checking every shadow, leaving me drowning in confusion.

Her place is about thirty minutes on foot from here, but thanks to my superhuman athletic abilities, I make it in less than ten. I could've done it in half the time if I really tried, but seeing a guy sprint faster than a car would look a little suspicious.

I look around—no sign of her, not from the left nor the right side of the long street where her apartment building stands. Well, that was predictable. Guess I should've taken it slower; now I'll probably have to wait for who knows how long. But then...

«Come on up, I'm waiting for you.»

Brianne's voice rings from the intercom.

Seriously? She got here before me and even had time to go upstairs? Sure, she's a Monster Reaper, but still—she's human. I didn't expect her to be that fast besides being insanely strong. It's a damn good thing she's not my enemy anymore, though with the progress I've made these past weeks, maybe I could actually give her a fight... Yeah, right, better not test that theory on my own skin.

I rush up the twelve floors separating me from her apartment, leaping like a cat from landing to landing without even touching the steps.

The door is slightly ajar—it opens the moment I touch it.

«Lock the door and hurry up, I've been waiting ages,» Brianne orders.

She's been waiting ages? What is she, a missile? Super speed, insane strength... and now enhanced hearing too? Seriously, is she human or vampire? At this point, I'm starting to have doubts.

The keys are already in the lock; I turn them twice and secure the door. Moving quietly, I follow the light coming from the only illuminated room in the apartment—her bedroom.

Of all places to talk... the bedroom? We could've easily talked on the living room couch, or even at the kitchen table. Why there, then? Unless... those three weeks away from me gave her the courage to make the big move? Sure, she already confessed her feelings and we've even kissed twice—one of those times right in this room—but nothing more ever happened. Why do they all decide to confess now? It's like they've made a pact to wait until I'm no longer available before making a move... Damn, it's a conspiracy!

I reach the threshold of her bedroom and...

Oh God...

I freeze at the doorway for what feels like an eternity. My eyes lock on her; I can't look away. Something big, hard, and eager starts throbbing beneath my pants—too thin to hide it properly. No, damn it—get a grip!

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