Walles Town Center is endlessly busy, and the heaviest traffic occurs at dawn. Jayden Gavian pushed his black hat even further to cover his red hair and bangs that pierced his eyes.
The sound of the pedestrian bridge marking was active, provoking a brief smile from the tall, long-legged man.
Jay has the perfect proportions that male models who grace magazine covers usually have the ‘Men of The Year’
title. Unfortunately, he believes everything that flashes is annoying, such as the blinkers. One of the reasons Jay thinks his choice to do activities under the sun is the right thing, even if it's against the rules.While carrying the bag, Jay took a step—slower than the busy beats of other humans around him. Every time he passed them, Jay puffed up his chest. He solemnly inhaled the air that swirled around his nose, attaching a scent. Occasionally, he licked his lips.
Interesting. Humans always apply fragrance under the ears, especially the neck.
For Jay, it was like the smell of melting butter at breakfast.
The building in front of the pedestrian bridge has a logo of two red eyes as if welcoming its owner—the glass door split. After Jay attached his identity card, the face of the gossipmonger, James Sandreas, turned away from the tablefront office and wiped his crew cut. He was trying to act cool to accompany the boss on his walk.
“Oh, you're doing that again… where's your luxury car going, Mr. Billionaire Vampire?” James asked. He pressed the elevator without looking away.
The elevator was empty, so Jay seemed to relax his shoulder muscles in satisfaction.
"How do you know? No, wait,” Jay hissed, glancing suspiciously at his friend. “What does it have to do with you? You think I'll give it to you because I don't use it?”
"Hey! That's not it, friend. I'm just curious why you don't take advantage of your wealth. Even though you're still young," said James.
“Those are all human habits. I help them spend money for happiness. They will eat a lot if they are happy, and the rest is my job.”
Jay's answer made James nervous. Unsurprisingly, he continued to follow him to Jay's office. “Based on your thinking, does that mean you are wasting your assets? Oh, wait! Did you secretly donate it?”
Jay stripped off his jacket, plopping himself down on the plush chair with wheels.
"Of course, our company does it for the sake of image," he explained, opening one by one the black folders with gold ribbons as a symbol exclusive, chosen for the best.
“I mean—” James huffed in resignation. "Ah, never mind. Have you got your choice?"
"Umm ... yes ... I think so," said Jay.
Even though the photo is half-body, there is a different aura.
This is a portrait of a charming girl with a long, wavy black mane. Her aquatic blue eyes are covered in droopy lids. Her dense lips looked supple, and Jay swallowed hard.
The red ruby necklace around the girl's neck seemed to flash on the surface of her warm olive skin. It was an enchanting presentation of 'food.'
“Oh, right! She made me lose focus!” James pointed out, making Jay slightly uncomfortable because he suddenly leaned over his desk.
“Crystal Zetaruby.” Jay read the name as if he was considering it.
“As beautiful as the person, right? But look… at the scar.”
Jay followed James' index finger. A streak of scars, shaped like dry, red leaves, adorned the middle of his nose's bridge.
“She has an eternal disease. Prurigo, sweet blood, means he probably has a lot of scars. Are you okay?"
Diseases that should be avoided are like seasonings. The slower a human wound heals, the more enjoyable it is.
Jay smiled. “I choose her.”
***
“I told you! That fool chose me! Here, take a look!”
Ruby jumped into the wicker chair, holding the cell phone in her hand at each of her group's eyes.
Jayden Gavian invites you to the Loveroom.
The five northern wolves spontaneously cheered, except for Glenn Maximoff, who nodded proudly. The alpha is slow clapping, full of respect.
"You are a true queen," said Glenn.
“Thank the Beta brain of the northern wolf pride.” Ruby threw her chin at Haris Razzega, who was calmly reading a vampire journal. Realizing that several eyes were glued to him, Haris took a sip of his coffee for a moment.
"It is nothing. Basic vampire knowledge is elementary to learn.”
"So true! Who would have thought that diabetes could trick them? Real vampires are greedy.” Ruby shook her head.
“When do we give that imbecile vampire a reckoning?” Thomas interrupted, "I can't wait to break his fangs!"
Plaque.
Shey, it's sad. Gamma looked annoyed at his lover to the point of hitting Thom on the head.
“You're the stupid one!” Shey said, speaking five octaves, "We have to be careful. If it's found out, there could be World War Three!"
"I'm just asking, my beloved Shey Harumi," groaned Thomas, stroking his head. He narrowed his eyes to return Shey's glare.
"If you continue to be violent, the most handsome Delta of the century, Thomas Xavier, will not marry you," he threatened.
"Then, I'll just marry Glenn." Shey clicked her tongue, deliberately linking her hands.
Shey's temple rested against Glenn's bicep while the man's forefinger scratched the tip of his scarred eyebrow.
Amid the household commotion, Ruby's breathing became heavy. She was half stunned while racking her brain hard. The green light was in front of her eyes, but the road she was on was full of mines.
Ruby would enter the cage of blood-sucking creatures. She always hated those careless creatures, even for no reason. No, he could have invented a thousand excuses.
The main goal is clear. Fed up, Ruby's hot blood boiled every time the Baskerville police arrived. The vampire company dumped their food carcasses into the Basker forest near the northern wolves' residence.
Whatever was found in the forest, the wolf village of Baskerville was an easy target for investigation. Even though they are always careful when hunting, the lives of northern wolves are threatened at the slightest gap. Ruby also has to keep Baskerville from being touched by humans.
"What do you think? Have any other difficulties?” Glenn whispered.
Ruby gasped. Shey and Thomas had just realized they had left the gazebo table. The young couple transformed into wolves, fighting in the yard. Barlie Yu, the Omega, just returned after helping his mother. He distributed some snacks and joined in watching the ordinary scene with Haris.
“Are you nervous?” Glenn asked once again.
“A little,” said Ruby, “this is the first time I've faced an outside man. Pretending to date without any knowledge makes me afraid of messing up.”
“Why not ask for help My Luna? She's smart about this," said Glenn.
“You know, Anna is avoiding me. I consider her a friend, but not with her. She sees me as a rival, and maybe forever," said Ruby, flicking her side bangs to cover her sadness.
"Let me do the talking."
Ruby rolled her eyes. “Come on, it'll get worse. She was jealous that I could freely roam around you while she was training the female wolf pack.”
“You guys are so complicated. Even though you play an important role for us." Glenn was lost for words.
“You don't understand, Glenn,” Haris snapped.
“Women's self-confidence is like a bubble. It breaks easily when hit by more vigorous bubbles. Baskerville has many muscular werewolves, but only Ruby can defeat a hundred alphas, and she is close to you.”
Glenn's groan sounded awkward. He styled his mullet hair with thin bangs that reached his eyebrows, forming a comma inspired by the gangster film.
"Then, how? I don't want to die stupidly defeated by the descendant of the wolf queen; it's better to serve her.”
"What are you talking about?" Ruby scrambled to get up, banging on the wooden table until her legs broke.
"That's enough. I'm going to town and picking out pretty dresses for the date!” he shouted. "Harris, do you want to give me a lift?"
"With pleasure, Your Majesty," said the curly man with distinctive dimples.
Glenn's forehead furrowed faintly. "I can't come?" he asked, voice heavy.
"Not if you can carry your Luna to the car.
***
The car exhaust emits smoke, indicating that the engine is heating up. In other words, it is ready to roll. Haris opens the door for Ruby. He makes a detour. At the same time, the rear seat door opens; it is his turn to get behind the wheel.
Haris and Ruby were surprised to know that Anna was sitting there calmly. The blonde girl hugged.
“Your Highness, you allow me to help, right?” Anna offered softly.
"Oh, um, yeah, thanks," said Ruby, scratching her temple, which didn't itch. Covering her clumsiness, Ruby straightened her body position straight forward. She felt he always had to be careful, maintaining an attitude of not offending her. Ruby wants peace. Unfortunately, Ruby once caught Anna arguing with Glenn about herself.
“You think having a Zeta in our clan is a blessing? See how his title and powers make that much of a difference? She didn't make this village rich. We still survive each other. She's not that special. Stop serving her."
Every time Anna's words rang out, Ruby's heart fluttered. This is the right moment, and Ruby proves her role.
"We're looking for a shop near Jay's company. As well as observing."
Haris nodded. "I understand."
The mute journey took forty minutes. The glass window rolled down; Ruby poked her head out a little. Observe the building decorated with the red eye logo.
Cursed place.
People wore formal clothes, with identity cards hanging from their necks. They go in and out without being suspected of being murderous monsters. Meanwhile, the wolf clan must face tricky questions. Ruby was willing to bet that the employee's coffee cups contained fresh human blood.
Should she run now and make them shed blood on the streets? Ruby's teeth gritted in annoyance.
Ruby felt a vibration above her jeans. The long-awaited message. It's surprising indeed. After receiving Jay's chat room invitation, the man waited to send a message. Instead, he sent a chain message.
“Thank you for the opportunity to chat, Beautiful Lady. Let me introduce myself: Jayden Gavian. I am twenty-five years old and have worked as CEO at the company that developed the application we are playing. Please check my data using the link I sent if you don't believe me.”
“However, I don't think it's that important because our communication is the most important thing. How? Are you willing to continue our conversation?"
Rigid, boring, narcissistic. The lowest caste of men are those who consider all women to be materialistic.
Without being asked, he immediately told me his job. Or to look fabulous? Ruby pursed her lips, constantly grumbling inside. Anyway, the opening greeting could have been better. Ruby's speech was still good, as she had written it in elementary school.
However, what Ruby typed was the opposite.
"Wow! Is it the owner of Vousme who contacted me? Is it not a problem? Is this part of application testing?”
Flash reply in.“Haha, Miss Crystal seems to be a pleasant person. Of course not, darling. Behind the desk, I am a lonely man interested in you.”
“You are hilarious, sir. We have to plan a meeting soon; I can't wait to meet a great man. What an honor.”
“Tomorrow is the weekend. I prepared the most beautiful dinner. How?"
“Accepted.”
Ruby's moaning was just a diversion. She was itching to laugh at the vampire's innocence. He restrained himself. It was too early. Jay hadn't completely fallen into the trap yet.
“If you would like, send me your address. My driver will pick you up, darling.”
"That's ridiculous," said Ruby, shuddering.
"Why? What's so ridiculous?” said Haris.
Anna's eyebrows also raised in curiosity.
“He dared to call me darling many times! Honestly, this is our first time chatting. Are all rich vampires flirtatious like this?” Ruby scolded.
This situation is far from ordinary. Never mind being given sweet nicknames if the male wolves outside Glenn's pack want to talk to her; it's already the world's eighth wonder.
A word of ‘No’, the maximum version they commonly say to Ruby is, 'I don't know, Your Highness.'
Meanwhile, the female wolves have more freedom with Anna. At a certain point, the fate that she was the only descendant of a Lycaon woman was burdensome for Ruby. Adult male wolves like Lycaon and the wolf king usually wear Title Zeta. Ruby has proven the existence of Zeta women. But it cannot be denied; he needs to accept that his life differs from that of others.
There were moments when Ruby wished her ancestors hadn't acted so foolishly against the gods hundreds of centuries ago so that it does not need to control themselves desperately—no need to be afraid of destroying what they touched.
The dream of a free life is too far from reality.
"You'll get used to it later. Just imagine this as a simulation of when you find real love." Haris calmed Ruby.
"I doubt I'll ever go through that phase."
"Ey, all creatures are destined to pair up," Anna interjected.
Ruby chuckled awkwardly. "Says one person, an officer destined with Alpha from the beginning.”
“Who knows, your destiny is not the capitalist vampire, but his wealth? Haha, it's like a storyline in a telenovela!” Annaliese laughed back
"Wait, I thought of two funny words: capitalist vampire," said Anna. Her banter still has an intonation like a sweet lullaby.
Haris laughed, glancing at the rearview mirror. “Miss, your terms are hilarious. Nowadays, people call them billionaires. She said it was cooler."
"There's nothing cooler than a bunch of master liars," said Ruby.
Anna's palm suddenly landed on Ruby's shoulder. “Sorry to say this, but could you tone down your anger? Isn't your role here an innocent and naive human who is looking for true love?"
"Why have you changed even though you were so angry with me?"
Ruby to the point.
Anna's awkward laughter started a tense atmosphere in the car. Haris automatically kept his mouth shut; it felt like he was on the verge of a dangerous conflict between women."I appreciate your sacrifice for us. I like that idea, too. Come on, let's do our best?”“Anna, if you're hoping I'll date a vampire guy, don't bother helping me. It is impossible. But it is far more impossible for my relationship with Glenn to be as you fear."Silence fell until the sound of wheels scraping the asphalt. Ruby no longer waited for an answer. It didn't matter. What was important was that he felt he had done something so that Anna's anxiety would disappear."Actually—”Anna's voice stopped Ruby's grip on the door handle."I sincerely hope for your success," continued Anna.Ruby sighed with a faint smile, then turned her head. "Okay. Pick me the prettiest red dress.”***The curtain parted, revealing another queen from the rest. Eliminate the words elegant, charming, and polite from the dictionary.
It felt like a giant hammer had fallen from the sky and stuck straight into Ruby's heart.She hurriedly hid her knuckles under the table, squeezing her dress. A wolf's nails will lengthen when it faces a threat."What do you mean? What kind of ridiculous statement is that?” Ruby's words added a chuckle. She searched longer for the meaning behind Jay's mysterious gaze."I mean, I know that blue-eyed humans are scarce, and I have to say yours is the prettiest," said Jay.Only then did Ruby's nails shrink. Ruby breathed a sigh of relief while Jay pulled himself back into his seat.“Why do you look tense, darling?”“Because of your… flattery? And, we are rather intimate, too.” Rubi was half honest, half evasive. Next, ask the question back."How about you? Are your eyes red? Are you wearing eye lenses or a vampire?”A boomerang. Ruby hugged, proud of her bright idea.“Vampire?” Jay laughed. “You like watching movies, don't you? What a cute girl!”A vampire's pinch is similar to a crab's
Jay's wild hands provoked Ruby into submission. The target was to make Ruby sigh and surrender to looking up, thus opening up Jay's path even more.Ruby couldn't help but feel the pleasure of those touches.Memories of the hardships her clan had gone through came flooding back. The wolf cubs are afraid whenever humans are strangers. The herd worked extra hard, missed their prey, and faced humans who often caused commotion. Ruby poured out a little of her hidden strength, pushing Jay inside while continuing to crush.What's wrong with this woman? She wouldn't budge, Jay thought. His adrenaline increased, and he was challenged to turn things around. Jay's hand skillfully slipped between Ruby's thighs, creating the effect of fluttering butterfly wings on her stomach.Jay didn't waste this opportunity. He succeeded in stuffing his mouth into Ruby's neck while lifting the girl's body and throwing her straight onto the bed. However, Jay also fell helplessly.Nightshade coursed through the v
A small thump ushered in the passing of Jay's big sister. Such is the effect that will never change for Jay.“Amora really represents a true doctor, right? I hope you often thank her from now on.”Instead of occupying the slim-legged chair next to the bed, Jay plopped his butt down on the edge of the mattress. Ruby's legs closed reflexively, worried about touching a sensitive area and making strange assumptions. Her task now was to react like a human girl. The fragile side is an additional point: let Jay think in control. Remember to sharpen your claws.The rules of disguise came to mind, and miraculously, Haris' voice came into view."It seems what happened last night really shook you," Jay said gloomily."I'd better thank you for the terrible date, Mr. Jayden Gavian," said Ruby curtly.“I understand your anger, Miss. I apologize."“Is your company okay?” Ruby went straight to the point she wanted to hear."How do you know?" Jay asked again with a frown.“Yeah… because they said they
The thud of knees kneeling on the side of the bed awakened Shey's consciousness. After a while, the convulsions got worse. Luckily, Barlie sped up and immediately drank the potion. Shey's muscles relaxed while Ruby's grip strengthened.“What happened to her? What happened to Baskerville?” Ruby wondered, looking at her friends one by one.Everyone threw gloom: Haris, Barlie, and finally, Glenn.Wait. Ruby was stunned. No wonder their situation was utterly shrouded in silence. She lost one friend, who should be the most noisy now."Where's Thomas?"Shey's pale lips trembled, letting out a thin sob. She pulled one arm up, covering both eyes.“We'd better talk outside. Soon, the influence of the drug will make her fall asleep," said Barlie.Ruby's heart sank, and her feet tripped. She wanted to wait for Shey's crying to subside, to hear the complaints and problems that seemed to center on her—feelings of guilt creep in. Ruby should have postponed her date, finalized her plans longer, and
Jay's warning raises two presumptions. Either he prevented Ruby from moving because of his pride, or Jay was good at guessing Haris' strategy, who could attack at any time. Therefore, keeping the distance is the best step.As expected, the target changed. The tip of Haris' shoe kicked Jay's stomach before finally holding Ruby in his arms. Even though she struggled as if she wanted to be free, Haris knew that what Ruby was asking for was the opposite. The veins in Haris' arms popped out, pressing on Ruby's chest, leaving almost no room for breathing."Good work. Now, throw my body on the table. As hard as possible until it breaks.""What?"Their telepathy is suspended in doubt.“I managed to get the key we needed. Eliminate my traces."Jay stood up, rattling his bones."You better let her go, or I'm calling a mental hospital," Jay threatened.“So your date continues? That's good; it gives me an idea of what to do.” Haris laughed.“Stop playing around! I still have a lot to do! What do
"If that woman is an only child, then who is the man who went with Ruby?"Jay's index finger skinned the dry skin of his thumb. His thighs shook up and down as fast as thoughts formed strange conclusions.Jay felt like he was missing something.Ruby.Would he have been fooled from the start? Jay memorized every word the woman said."He must be someone sent by a gang of attackers and trying to make us scapegoats."The male wrestler never revealed his identity as part of the gang; Ruby made Jay believe so. Even if Ruby was guessing because of her cleverness in piecing together the clues of the poison gas, the strange man, and the attacker—Jay felt awkward.It was as if he was being dragged into someone else's scenario. Moreover, the short fight just now was started by a deceptive lie. How stupid Jay was not to check the truth in the first second, as soon as the story began, precisely when Ruby rushed towards him in fear.It was a too-contrasting change. Ruby, who was initially afraid, s
"Jayden Gavian, what are you actually thinking?"The mini wheels that supported the chair shook, lifting one side due to the passenger's kneeling. Jay's feet strengthened his footing so he wouldn't topple over. The white sclera of his eyes was almost too late to return the pupil to the center. Luckily, the sunshine helped wake up the nerves.As Jay remembers, a dark blue sky enveloped the city when he returned to the office. Suddenly, a new day has begun."Wait, don't tell me you didn't take the anti-drowsiness pill?""Give me one." Jay turned his palms up.Jay swallowed the orange pill that James had swallowed, then staggered to the cupboard, drinking a bottle of blood. "Ah, so fresh.""Jay?""We're at the office." Jay warned James about his attitude."Yes, I mean, Mr Director. Tell me the whole chronology. I missed a lot of things, especially the reason you allowed the laboratory to be broken into, you were drunk, right?""No," Jay dismissed, packing his things, "who cares about a l