The next few days passed in the blur , though I couldn't stop thinking about her .
The woman from that night ,those sharp eyes and that impossible kiss . Every time I closed my eyes . I saw her again . May be it was adrenaline or may be I'd imagined it .
Either way , I tried to bury it beneath work , bill and my son's smile .
But on the fourth evening , I was arranging magazines on the counter , the bell above the shop chimed softly. I looked up and --
nearly dropped everything.
She stood there .
Her beauty didn't belong to this world . Pale skin , jet black hair and eyes like a wine under the moonlight . The air around felt heavier and colder .
" You , " I whispered.
" Rin , Rin Kurozawa, my name . And we meet again " She said .
" Ami , Ami Takahara , " I said managing my weak smile . " That night , we should be careful . "
" You are one to talk " Rin chuckled, " helping stranger at night . "
Her lips curved slightly. Then she set a black card on the counter - Noctis Corporation engraved in silver . " Come work for me . As my assistant. "
I blinked . " What ? You're kidding ,right ? Why ? "
" Because I trust you . " She said . But her gaze lingered on my neck for a heartbeat too long .
Before I could reply , the lights flickered . A gust of freezing air burst through the door .
The smell of rust filled with my nose -- no blood .
Something crashed outside .
Rin's eyes sharpened instantly . " Stay behind me . "
Beside I could react , the glasses scattered and a figure lunged through the doorway -
A man or what used to be one , his eyes red, his veins black across his face . He hissed like a animal , teeth glinting.
" Blood -- her scent . "
He came straight for me . I stumbled back heart slamming against my ribs. Rin moved faster than sight . One second she was front of me. The next her hand caught his throat .
The vampire snarled , swiping with unnatural speed -- but Rin twisted , graceful and merciless. The sound of bones snapping echoed through the store . She threw him through the window in a blur motion .
I could barely breathe.
When she turned back , her eyes glowed a deep , impossible crimson. Fangs gleamed between her lips .
" You're..... You're like him . " I stammered.
She said nothing. Blood streaked her cheek as she walked toward me . Her expression unreadable --- cold yet soft at the edges .
" He came for you , Ami . " Rin said quietly.
" The kiss that night ... bound you to me.....
my scent . That's my mistake . "
I couldn't speak . My body trembled , torn between terror and disbelief.
She reached out , brushing a finger against my chin . Her touch was cold but somehow comforting . " If you value your life , you'll accept my offer . " She whispered , " Work for me and I'll protect you . "
Her gaze locked with mine - dark , endless , beautiful.
That night I learned something , monster were real .
And one of them had just offered me a job .