《Vampire Beauty》


 Chapter 1: Mr. Mabel

    On the verge of death, perhaps.


    The little boy lay on the ground. With a slight turn of his eyeballs, he saw the ever - increasing pool of red liquid beside his face.


    It was of the most vibrant hue, carrying a faint warmth, oozing slowly from his skin.


    The little boy remained motionless, making no sound, yet a smile played on his lips.


    Maybe it was better to die. After all... no one needed him.


    Dying silently like this wasn''t so bad. His father and mother didn''t seem to care either.


    The little boy stared blankly at the cerulean sky and gradually closed his eyes.


    Why was it that no one needed him?


    A pair of gentle hands lifted him up, even cradling him in an embrace.


    The little boy opened his eyes groggily. His field of vision was a blur. All he could discern was a cross - shaped mark on her snow - white neck, which was etched in his vision.


    This embrace... it was so cold.


    Who was this? She gently kissed his wound and began to lick his flowing blood with urgency.


    Gulp, gulp.


    He heard the sound of liquid being swallowed. The little boy looked at the blurred face before him. Was she drinking his blood?


    "Are... you eating me?"


    The little boy spoke in a barely audible voice, already extremely feeble. His small face was ashen - pale.


    Yet, there was a glimmer of amusement in his eyes, and his tone took on a slight upward lilt, as if he had stumbled upon something delightful.


    Gulp, gulp.


    No one responded to him. Only the sound of continuous swallowing echoed in his ears.


    "Only you... need me. Hehe, eat, eat..."


    The little boy closed his eyes with a faint smile, and his hand dropped limply.


    The one who had been greedily swallowing the liquid suddenly realized something. She jerked her head up, her lips smeared with a vivid red.


    The little boy in her arms was motionless. She lowered her head to his chest and detected an extremely faint heartbeat.


    "Sorry... I''m so sorry!"


    The arms holding the little boy loosened, and she backed away in disarray, frantically wiping her mouth and repeating"sorry, sorry, sorry..." incessantly.


    "Ah¡ª¡ª!"


    With a startled cry, Amber Mason jolted awake from her bed.


    She surveyed the familiar furnishings of the room and realized she had had that nightmare once again.


    A faint red tinge gradually faded from the depths of her eyes. She checked the time. It was two - thirty in the morning.


    The lights outside were still twinkling. This was a city that refused to sleep, even at this hour.


    Amber Mason furrowed her brows and rose from the bed. Her loose nightgown failed to conceal her slender yet exquisitely contoured figure.


    The exposed skin was as white as alabaster, emanating a cool, pale glow.


    She stood veiled in darkness, gently parting the curtains to gaze at the nocturnal scene outside.


    Her delicate features and a cascade of slightly curled black hair were reflected in the glass window. With an appearance that should have been irresistibly sweet, the coldness in her eyes lent an edge.


    Especially in this inky darkness, the faint red glimmer in her eyes rendered Amber Mason an aura of danger.


    Contemplating the nightmare just past, Amber Mason''s brows furrowed even deeper.


    Twenty years had passed. How much longer would this dream continue to haunt her?


    Her vermilion lips parted slightly, revealing the sharp fangs hidden within.


    As a vampire, it was the first time her unbridled greed had nearly cost a human his life.


    The child in her arms had felt as cold as her own body at that moment, which finally roused her from her stupor.


    Amber Mason couldn''t help but cover her face with her hands, as if the sweet taste from that time could still be vividly recalled.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    It was so sweet that she had almost forgotten everything, consumed by the urge to devour him, bite by bite, until nothing remained!


    Buzz¡ª¡ª! Buzz¡ª¡ª!


    The sudden vibration of her mobile phone forcefully yanked her back to the present.


    "Amber, I knew the only one still awake at this hour was you!"


    An urgent voice came from the other end of the phone."I was supposed to pick someone up at the airport, but something unexpected cropped up, and I can''t go! I''ve called everyone I could think of, and only you, Amber, can come to my rescue!"


    "It''s fine. Send me the specific time and the pick - up location. I''m leaving right away."


    "Good heavens! You''re so dependable, Amber! I''ll treat you to a sumptuous meal! I''ll send the details right away!"


    The call ended. She tore off her nightgown in one swift motion. Her graceful form stood in the room, and within mere minutes, she had changed into clothes and tidied herself up.


    Dressed in casual sportswear, a baseball cap perched on her head, a long ponytail swaying, she boasted an ageless face that looked just as radiant without makeup.


    Amber Mason drove out, heading straight for the airport.


    "Amber, the person you''re picking up is a newly - returned emerging star writer. The publishing house is interested in signing his works."


    The message arrived. Amber Mason cast a cursory glance at it and then focused on driving.


    "This is his information and the contract. Just give him the contract. I won''t trouble you with anything else! Amber, you''re my benefactor!"


    Amber Mason glanced at the transmitted files, replied with an emoji, and then refocused on driving.


    Arriving at the airport half an hour ahead of time, Amber Mason sat in her car, perusing the materials.


    Despite being described as"materials," there were merely a few lines of information: name, age, achievements, and a photo.


    The man in the photo boasted refined features and fair complexion. A warm aura emanated from between his brows. His jet - black hair was so sleek that not a single strand was out of place. The corners of his mouth curved upward ever so slightly, creating the illusion that he was perpetually smiling.


    Amber Mason regarded the photo and let out a gentle laugh. He was truly a youth as sunny as the sun itself.


    As the pick - up time approached, Amber Mason promptly alighted from the car and entered the pick - up hall. Unlike in the past, the hall was filled with a large number of people at this hour, the majority of whom were young.


    With a single glance, she could tell that they were a group waiting to receive a celebrity.


    Wearing a baseball cap, Amber Mason positioned herself in the corner at the back. She peered over the throng of people towards the pick - up gate. Even from this distance, her vision remained crystal - clear.


    Moments later, a commotion erupted at the pick - up gate. All the young people surged forward, creating a complete bottleneck.


    People continuously emerged from within, struggling to make their way through the dense crowd to the outside.


    A figure emerged, dragging a suitcase. He was simply attired in jeans and a T - shirt, and also wore a baseball cap.


    His figure was tall and slender, yet the exposed parts of his body were robust and muscular. With every subtle movement, his muscle contours were clearly visible.


    He tilted his face slightly upward, the face hidden beneath the baseball cap, as if searching for someone.


    Upon seeing him, several young girls waiting for the celebrity couldn''t help but let out an exclamation."Ah! That guy is so good - looking!"


    "Wow, is he some upcoming star who hasn''t debuted yet?"


    Sensing their gazes, the young man offered a faint smile, causing the girls'' cheeks to flush instantly.


    "Mr. Mabel?"


    Before she knew it, Amber Mason had made her way through the crowd and stood beside him.


    "Ah, I am," the young man was momentarily taken aback, his eyes meeting those of this beautiful woman standing before him, smiling.


    "Here''s my business card. It''s a last - minute arrangement. I''m here to pick you up," Amber Mason said as she extended the card. She then slightly stooped and retrieved the suitcase from the other side of his body.


    As she moved, her loose - fitting clothes revealed a stretch of her ivory - white neck, and the cross - shaped mark on it caught the man''s eye.


    "You''ve had a long journey. Let me take you to the hotel where you''ll be staying first."


    "Very well. Thank you for the trouble," the young man replied, a smile gracing his lips as he followed Amber Mason out of the airport.


    "My luggage is quite heavy. Allow me to handle it," the young man said with a smile as they reached the car. Without hesitation, he took the suitcase from Amber Mason''s grasp.


    Amber Mason smiled and did not insist."I''m truly sorry to have you do this."


    "It''s not a problem. I can''t possibly let a young lady carry my luggage," he said.


    His long, slender fingers grasped a handle of the suitcase, and with a firm heave, he lifted the suitcase into the vehicle.


    Whoosh¡ª¡ª!


    A sweet aroma, reminiscent of freshly baked cupcakes, rushed into Amber Mason''s nostrils.


    In a matter of seconds, a red tinge began to seep into Amber Mason''s eyes.


    Why? Why was this happening...


    She wasn''t a vampire who lost control at the mere scent of blood. She possessed self - control that even her fellow vampires found astonishing. She had never been captivated by the blood of any human.


    Except for that one incident twenty years ago.


    "Miss Amber? Are you alright? You don''t look well," the man inquired.


    "I''m fine. Perhaps it''s due to this last - minute arrangement. I didn''t get enough rest," Amber Mason quickly took a half - step back."Mr. Mabel, did you sustain an injury somewhere? It might be wise to check."


    The man was startled for a moment. His dark eyes belatedly shifted to his hand."Maybe I got scratched while handling the luggage just now. It''s nothing serious, just a minor cut."


    "Even a minor cut should be attended to. Don''t overlook it."


    No, this aroma was far too enticing...


    Amber Mason swallowed hard and swiftly retrieved a band - aid from her bag."You can take care of it later."


    Amber Mason practically fled into the car. In the rear - view mirror, she saw the red gradually emerging in the depths of her eyes.


    Her throat was parched, burning with thirst.


    The fangs in her mouth were faintly emerging from the surrounding flesh. With a click, the rear door opened.


    As the man entered, that overwhelmingly sweet scent, which was on the verge of driving her to lose control, filled the entire car.


    Amber Mason''s body shuddered violently. His wound remained untreated.


    "Why¡ª¡ª!" A momentary lapse in control caused Amber Mason''s voice to rise sharply. She quickly regained command of her nearly - unruly emotions."Mr. Mabel, why haven''t you treated your wound?"


    "Oh, it''s not a big deal. I don''t want to cover a small cut," the man replied with a light laugh as he settled into the back seat. He reclined casually, his tall frame relaxing against the seat."I''m a bit sleepy. Please wake me when we arrive."


    "...Alright."


    At 4 a.m., the car navigated through the city, which had finally slipped into tranquility.


    Streetlights passed by outside at intervals, casting light into the quiet interior of the car.


    Shadows occasionally fell over the rear seat. The man, with his baseball cap covering his face, had his hand resting languidly on his knee. There was a fresh cut on his index finger.


    Inside the car, there was the steady rhythm of his breathing, Amber Mason''s occasional swallowing sounds, and beneath the baseball cap, the corners of his mouth slowly curving upward.

 Chapter 2: The 20 - year Nightmare

    Amber Mason all but fled from the side of Mr. Mabel.


    After arriving at the hotel, registering for the room, and sending the contract to his email, Amber Mason took off in a rush.


    If she didn''t leave quickly, she feared she wouldn''t be able to suppress the urge to sink her teeth into that fair neck.


    On the way back, her fangs had fully extended, and she could barely keep them hidden. Had it not been the dead of night with no one around, Amber Mason wouldn''t have dared to get out of the car.


    Gasping for breath, she reached home. Only after the last trace of the sweet smell of that blood had completely dissipated did she start to wash up.


    Twenty years of ascetic practice, and she almost lost control. She was still too weak.


    In the glass mirror, her pallid skin was devoid of any color. Her sweet - featured face, when she smiled, resembled a bright moon, yet her eyes were as cold as the depths of winter.


    Her prominent fangs peeked out beneath her red lips. Amber Mason slightly opened her mouth, and the two protruding fangs were like sharp blades, capable of piercing a throat with a single strike.


    Her eyes, which had turned red due to the stimulation of the sweet - scented blood, had quietly reverted to a completely human - like appearance.


    How long had it been since her last meal this time?


    Amber Mason gave a self - deprecating smile. It had only been ten days, yet she had become so desperate for blood. It was just a small wound, and she had been on the verge of turning into a wild beast the next second.


    Buzz, buzz.


    A message came through on her phone. It was from Beta, her onlyͬ×å friend in this city.


    "Ten days. It''s time for you to feed. Come over."


    Looking at the cold words on the screen, Amber Mason let out a soft sigh.


    Got it. I''ll come at the usual time tonight.


    In this world, spirits, demons, and ghosts are all drawn to the human world because it offers a warmth and liveliness unlike the other side. Especially for her kind, only by walking among humans can they feel truly alive.


    The warm blood and bodies of humans are things they can no longer hope for after becoming what they are. Eternal life also means eternal coldness and solitude.


    The chime of the email notification rang out. Amber Mason immediately checked and was surprised to find that it was an email from the young Mr. Mabel from yesterday.


    Dear Miss Amber, there are some details regarding the contract that need to be discussed. Do you have the time? Could we meet?


    The cold characters suddenly evoked the sweet memories from yesterday that had driven her to the brink of madness.


    Her slender, white fingers immediately typed a reply without the slightest hesitation.


    I''m truly sorry. Yesterday was just a temporary arrangement. Other colleagues will follow up on the subsequent issues of the contract. A dedicated person will contact you, Mr. Mabel.


    Moments later, a reply email arrived.


    Very well. Thank you for your help yesterday, Miss Amber.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Amber Mason replied with"You''re welcome. It''s my duty" and promptly closed the computer. She got herself ready in the shortest possible time and went out to work.


    She was a junior editor at a publishing house, usually tasked with running errands and revising documents. She never took on outstanding tasks and had no ambition to strive for advancement.


    If she wanted to remain in the human world for the long term, she had to learn to hide herself.


    "Amber, do you have time tonight? I''d like to invite you to dinner!"


    It was the group chief editor in charge of signing books who had asked for her help yesterday. He leaned in affectionately."Thanks to you for saving the situation yesterday. I really must treat you to a meal."


    The blood vessels hidden beneath her skin throbbed, as if issuing the most sincere invitation.


    Amber Mason put some distance between them."Alva, I have an appointment tonight. Maybe next time."


    "Oh~ I see. Is it your boyfriend, right?"


    Amber Mason smiled, remembering that once, Beta had come to pick her up personally for fear that she might run into trouble if she didn''t feed in time. He had been mistaken for her boyfriend.


    After that, the news that she had a boyfriend had deterred many men who had wanted to get close to her. Amber Mason neither confirmed nor denied it.


    "All right then. I won''t be the one to break you two up. Tomorrow! Make sure you''re available for me!" Alva patted her on the shoulder and turned to enter the office.


    Amber Mason returned to her seat. The bright, warm sunlight poured in directly from outside and landed on the back of her hand.


    Those beautiful eyes slightly narrowed, and she gave a gentle smile. The vampire clan in the new century had evolved to no longer fear sunlight, garlic, or crosses.


    The ability to walk in the sunlight is the sole boon bestowed upon them by evolution.


    The phone rang again. It was Beta.


    Don''t forget. Otherwise, I''ll come and fetch you myself.


    Amber Mason couldn''t help but laugh. Before she could reply to the message, the phone call came through.


    Beta''s voice was like the most frigid spring water, devoid of any emotional warmth, deliberate and icily piercing.


    "Seven o''clock. If I don''t see you, I''ll come and seize you."


    Amber Mason twitched the corners of her mouth. "Got it, you nagging old man."


    A soft chuckle came from the other end of the line. "Kids should be obedient and not throw tantrums at every turn."


    Amber Mason promptly hung up the phone and let out a sigh.


    A 300 - year - old vampire, what else could he be but an old man?


    At precisely seven in the evening, neither early nor late, as soon as Amber Mason stood at the door, the door was opened from the inside.


    His supple black hair was simply tied back. A pair of gold - rimmed glasses with a strong scholarly air adorned his straight nose, concealing the beast - like sharp eyes behind them.


    His handsome and refined features wore a faint, lazy smile. Dressed in simple and clean home clothes, he exuded a touch of earthly warmth.


    "Very punctual, kid."


    "How could I dare to let you come and grab me?" Amber Mason grinned, revealing her two fangs. Beta also smiled, his fangs faintly visible.


    Amber Mason strode in, casually tossing her bag on the ground and kicking her shoes aside as well.


    "Give it to me. I''m starving."


    Beta laughed, stepped over her shoes, and walked to the refrigerator. A blood bag was taken out.


    Amber Mason took it and started gulping it down. "This is... from whose body? It actually tastes quite good."


    Watching Amber Mason hungrily down the blood bag, Beta sat on the sofa. "A vampire who doesn''t use her fangs to suck blood and can only drink from blood bags. Do you know how many of our kind mock you for being finicky and timid?"


    "Let them say whatever they want. I don''t care anyway."


    In just a few minutes, the blood bag was emptied.


    Amber Mason extended her tongue to lick the bloodstains on the edge of the blood - bag opening, not wanting to waste a single drop. Ever since that incident twenty years ago, she could no longer use her fangs to suck blood.


    Beta, who knew about this, had silently taken on the responsibility of taking care of her diet. Every once in a while, he would prepare blood bags for her.


    "Still can''t forget it?"


    Beta rose and walked over, his pale, well - defined fingers gently stroking her head.


    "Ah... I can''t."


    Amber Mason raised the corners of her mouth bitterly. "Every time I''m about to bite down, that scene plays out in my mind. My hands are covered in blood, and the person in my arms... is as cold as I am."


    "As a vampire, you''re actually afraid of human death?" Beta shook his head helplessly. "Well, blood bags aren''t so bad either."


    Amber Mason gave a lopsided smile. Precisely because of this, she never attended any gatherings of their kind. Apart from Beta, she didn''t like interacting with any of her fellow vampires.


    "Are you staying tonight?"


    "Mmm..."


    Amber Mason mumbled vaguely as she nestled into the sofa. Only here could she temporarily forget that sweet, suffocating taste.


    In her dream, the little boy in her arms had bright eyes that were filled with the sight of her covered in blood.


    There was no fear in those eyes, only a smile and an unknown vortex.


    As if trying to pull her down with him.


    Amber Mason frowned slightly. It''s been twenty years. Who on earth are you? Let me go.

 Chapter 3: Not the Finger, but Here

    Amber Mason never expected that, on the following day, the young Mr. Mabel would arrive at the editorial department.


    Alva introduced everyone with a smile,"Everyone, this is Mabel, who recently won a literary award, the most promising writer of the year!"


    Everyone couldn''t help but rise to their feet and applaud. Amber Mason also stood up, gazing at that handsome face adorned with a shy smile, and those eyes seemed to hold a clear spring.


    His good looks prompted many to ask,"Mr. Mabel, do you have a girlfriend yet?"


    "If not, would you consider someone in the industry?"


    Mabel blushed even more shyly, a faint pink tinting his cheeks. His eyes, as timid as a startled fawn, darted around nervously. In that instant, his gaze met Amber Mason''s.


    "Miss Amber!"


    Upon hearing this call, Amber Mason was taken aback. Her colleagues all turned their heads."Amber''s out of the question. She already has a boyfriend!"


    Mabel, standing there, was stunned. His cheeks seemed to redden even further."No, that''s not what I meant..."


    His bashful, fawn - like eyes turned towards her."Thank you for picking me up that day."


    Amber Mason raised the corners of her mouth."You''re welcome."


    "All right, you all get back to work. Come on, let''s talk over here."


    Mabel nodded to everyone and followed Alva into the office. The colleagues couldn''t help but chatter."Wow, he looks so cute!"


    "He clearly comes from a well - to - do family. With his looks, he could easily make it in the entertainment industry."


    "I think Alva has the same idea. Judging by how he reacted to seeing Mabel in person, it''s probably not just about signing a book deal."


    Amber Mason looked around the editing room. The air was still filled with the smell of blood. It seemed that the small wound she had suffered that day had not yet fully healed. Fortunately...she had already eaten blood yesterday, so there was not much reaction.


    Amber Mason rose and walked into the pantry. The kettle was boiling water. She opened the cabinet on the top shelf where the beverages were stored.


    The coffee was at the back. She stretched on her tiptoes several times but couldn''t reach it.


    "Is this what you need?"


    A figure appeared right behind her, so close that she could hear the rush of blood in his veins.


    "Here you are."


    A packet of coffee was handed to her. The person behind her looked down at her with a smile. Amber Mason was startled."Th - thank you."


    Mabel gave a soft laugh, closed the cabinet above, and took a half - step back."Could you make me a cup too?"


    The pantry wasn''t very large, and it felt a bit cramped with two people inside.


    "Have a seat over there. I''ll make it for you."


    "All right."


    Mabel sat on the small counter nearby. Amber Mason waited for the water to boil, her mind wandering. The faint scent of blood wafted through the air. Soon, the water boiled.


    "Here''s your coffee."


    She handed the coffee over as quickly as possible and then, with her own cup, quickly made her way out. Just then, there was a crashing sound.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    "I''m so sorry!"


    Coffee spilled all over the floor from the broken cup, wisps of steam rising from it. Amber Mason turned around and saw his slender fingers reaching for the broken pieces.


    In the blink of an eye, the shattered shard sliced a gash in his finger.


    The scent bloomed like a flower in an instant, so sweet that Amber Mason stood there, transfixed, unable to tear her eyes away.


    So fragrant, so sweet, I want to...


    "Miss Amber..." A very shy call brought Amber Mason back to her senses. In front of her was a strikingly handsome face, blushing profusely. His eyelashes fluttered, and there seemed to be tears welling up in his eyes.


    The injured finger was right by her lips.


    What was she doing!


    Amber Mason instinctively reached for her lips. There was no blood. Thank goodness, thank goodness...


    "You''re hurt. Don''t move. I''ll get someone to come and bandage it." Amber Mason shot up, and in a rather flustered manner, pushed the door open and rushed out.


    She had clearly fed yesterday. Why was she on the verge of baring her fangs just now!


    Fangs, fangs... she had actually been thinking of biting him with her fangs!


    "Amber, you look so pale. What''s wrong?"


    "In the pantry, Mr. Mabel cut his finger. Could you..."


    "My goodness, got it! If you''re squeamish about blood, don''t go. Leave it to me."


    Amber Mason nodded. The door of the pantry opened, and the sweet scent that drove her wild once again rushed out.


    Amber Mason immediately asked for leave and fled back to her home as if her life depended on it.


    Was it because she hadn''t fed enough? Or had the interval between feedings been too long this time, so that even after having a meal, she still had such an intense craving...


    What on earth was wrong with her?


    Buzz¡ª¡ª


    Amber Mason looked at the screen. It was a completely unfamiliar number. She answered it and heard a panicked, apologetic voice.


    "Miss Amber, I got your phone number from your colleague. I just found out you have hemophobia. I''m really sorry for scaring you just now."


    A flush of blood rushed to the bottom of Amber Mason''s eyes. Her throat felt unusually dry because of his voice."It''s okay. I took a leave to go home and rest."


    "It''s that serious? It''s all my fault. Do you need to go to the hospital for a check - up? What''s your home address? I''ll take you there right now..."


    "No need. There''s someone taking care of me."


    "Oh, right. Your boyfriend is there. Well, all right then. I''m truly sorry."


    "Thanks for your concern. I''m really fine. I''ll hang up now."


    Amber Mason hung up the phone, buried herself under the covers, and struggled to breathe. Her throat was getting drier and drier. Should she go to Beta? Should she have another blood - bag...


    She lay there, drowsy. She didn''t know when, but the maddening craving finally subsided a bit.


    Only then did Amber Mason stick her head out from under the covers. The sky outside had darkened.


    She should go to Beta. She probably hadn''t fed enough, and maybe another blood - bag would completely relieve her.


    Amber Mason pushed the door open and stepped out. A dark figure crouched by the door suddenly stirred. A pair of bright eyes appeared."Miss Amber, are you feeling better?"


    The figure in the shadows stood up. She could barely make out his expression in the dim light, only seeing those perpetually moist eyes and the faint shadows cast by his eyelashes on his cheeks.


    "What are you doing here? How do you know my address?"


    "I didn''t know you were so severely affected by hemophobia. I was worried about you, so Alva told me your address." Mabel looked into the dark room."Didn''t you say someone was taking care of you?"


    "He left earlier." Amber Mason looked at him."I''m really okay, as you can see." She gave a faint smile."It was just an unexpected situation during the day."


    "Unexpected situation..." Mabel smiled shyly."I''m glad you''re okay. Are you going out for dinner now?"


    Amber Mason took a deep breath. The scent of blood lingering around him was still there, but it wasn''t strong. It seemed the wound had been properly bandaged.


    "No, I''m planning to go out and buy some ingredients to cook at home."


    "That''s perfect. I bought some things too. Let me help you carry them in!"


    ¡­¡­¡­¡­


    Amber Mason never expected he could respond like this. She could only give a stiff"um" and say,"You can just leave them at the door. I still need to go out and buy something."


    "All right."


    Mabel walked into the entrance hall with the things in his hands. His dark eyes fell on the men''s slippers placed below.


    His cheeks turned slightly red. The bandage on the wound of his finger had somehow disappeared.


    He forcefully squeezed the wound, and fresh blood oozed out again from the split wound.


    Mabel heard a distinct gasp from behind.


    He slowly turned around, still wearing that bashful look."Miss Amber, I''ve put the things away."


    The blood - stained finger, whether intentionally or not, swayed in front of Amber Mason.


    "Miss Amber?"


    Slap!


    His hand was suddenly grabbed by Amber Mason. Her hand was as cold as ice, and her eyes were fixed on his wound, unable to look away for a long time.


    The man''s lips curved slowly. He let her hold his palm, and with his other arm, he reached over and closed the door again.


    Her red lips were about to touch the split wound when her slender neck was suddenly clasped by him. Her small face, already somewhat lost in the sweet scent, was lifted up.


    The handsome face, which usually seemed harmless, now showed an inexplicable excitement.


    He moved his fingertips away and smeared the blood on his own lips.


    Slowly, he lowered his body and brought his thin lips closer.


    "Not the finger, but here."

 Chapter 4: The Blood Pact

    What a delicious and enticing flavor. Just one taste, and she simply couldn''t stop.


    She yearned to drain him dry, to suck every last drop...!


    Suddenly, she regained her senses!


    Amber Mason stared at the handsome, thin lips inches away, along with the fresh blood smeared on them. Her dark - red pupils constricted violently.


    Slap!


    Her seemingly soft and slender palm clamped around the man''s neck in front of her, lifting his entire body off the ground!


    The fangs in her mouth emerged instantly, and her dark - red blood - colored eyes stared at Mabel menacingly."Who sent you!"


    Amber Mason was seething with anger. Among her own kind, there were far too many who harbored ill - will towards an outcast like her. Knowing full well that she couldn''t feed with her fangs, they had repeatedly presented her with sweet - blooded prey.


    It had happened time and time again. These people, in various ways, wanted to see her make a fool of herself.


    She had never fallen for it before, except this time, with this man named Mabel!


    The taste of his blood had her on the verge of losing control, making it almost impossible for her to resist!


    Amber Mason narrowed her eyes slightly. Those guys really went all out this time.


    "Cough, cough!"


    Mabel, whose neck was being choked, had his cheeks turn a rapid shade of red, making the blood on his lips even more conspicuous. Hearing the frenzied flow of his blood, Amber Mason suddenly released her grip.


    "Get out. Tell your master this trick won''t work on me."


    "What master? I don''t understand what you''re talking about."


    Mabel, who had fallen to the ground, spoke with a red face, looking rather disheveled. Amber Mason narrowed her eyes and crouched down in front of him.


    "You claim not to understand me, yet you knew to use blood to tempt me on purpose?"


    Her dark - red eyes fixed on the still - bleeding wound on his finger. She sneered."Your blood is indeed alluring, but that''s all there is to it."


    Those bright, fawn - like eyes, upon hearing her words, had their pupils contract sharply.


    "That''s all... You''re not interested in me...? You don''t need me anymore!"


    The last words were almost a hysterical shout.


    Slap!


    His palm firmly pressed on Amber Mason''s shoulder, pushing her down to the ground.


    "Let go!"


    Amber Mason reached out. For a vulnerable human like him, she could snap his neck with just one move! Slap! Slap!


    Clear tears suddenly welled up in his eyes and fell. Amber Mason''s hand froze in mid - air, and she lay there, stunned.


    The cold yet scalding tears landed on her face, one after another.


    Why was he crying?!


    Amber Mason was so shocked that she couldn''t react for a moment. The man pressing her down, who couldn''t stop crying, had his body trembling slightly, and his hands tightly held her shoulders.


    The tears washed his eyes even clearer, and in them was her reflection.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    "You can''t abandon me... You can''t..."


    His blood - stained fingers trembled as they caressed the red - cross mark on her neck, leaving his blood on it.


    When Amber Mason realized what he had done, her dark - red eyes flashed with a fierce light!


    Crack!


    She snapped his slender wrist without hesitation!


    It was too late. The blood smeared on the cross mark was quickly absorbed, seeping into her body.


    "Damn it... Damn it!"


    Amber Mason let out a furious roar and kicked the man in front of her.


    Bang!


    The slender body was slammed forcefully against the wall. The broken hand hung limply below. He looked up, and in the blink of an eye, Amber Mason, who had been across from him a second ago, was already right in front of him.


    His fair neck was lifted by her slender fingers, and a powerful force from the woman''s palm pushed his head to the side.


    On the neck, the blood - pulsing blood vessel slowly became visible.


    At this moment, Amber Mason was panting heavily. The red in her eyes had become so intense that it seemed on the verge of dripping.


    The fangs in her mouth eagerly protruded. In her entire world, there was only this man in front of her, the throbbing sound on his neck, and the sound of blood flowing beneath his skin.


    She desperately wanted to... She really wanted to... Bite down!


    Gulp, it was the sound of her swallowing saliva.


    In Amber Mason''s eyes, the blood - colored light flickered. The hand holding his head had started to tremble and sweat. The craving for blood was overwhelming her. If she took that bite... she would surely be doomed.


    No, no, she couldn''t!


    Slap!


    Suddenly, a palm tightly grasped the back of her head, and the fangs were pressed against the fair neck.


    Splat!


    The sharp fangs pierced the fair skin, and the warm, sweet blood beneath gushed out!


    It was like the sweetest nectar, like the first rain that nourishes the parched earth.


    As the blood trickled down her throat, her fangs involuntarily sank deeper, inflicting further wounds.


    So sweet, so sweet, so sweet...


    Gulp, gulp, gulp.


    The woman hungrily lapped at the man''s neck, her form slumped over his. The man leaned against the wall, his broken hand hanging limply below, while his uninjured hand gently pressed the back of her head.


    His thin lips curved slowly, and a soft blush gradually colored his cheeks.


    His palm tenderly stroked her hair, filled with deep - seated affection.


    Feed.


    Devour me.


    I am yours entirely.


    "Hah, hah, hah..."


    Amber Mason lifted her face, as if in a drunken stupor. The sharp bite - mark on her fair neck was a glaring reminder of what she had done.


    As if roused from a sudden slumber, she recoiled in horror. The hand that had been supporting her seemed to lose its strength and dropped limply to her side.


    "Wake up... Wake up!"


    Amber Mason slapped Mabel''s face vigorously, but he remained unresponsive, merely propped against the wall. In a panic, she pressed her ear to his chest, and his heartbeat was barely discernible.


    "Beta, I think I''ve killed someone again... Beta!"


    Amber Mason, in a state of utter disarray, fumbled to dial Beta''s phone number. On the other end, Beta abruptly pushed the woman in his arms aside, grabbed his coat, and hastened out.


    "Where are you? I''m coming to you."


    When Beta opened the door, he saw Amber Mason sitting there, dazed and at a loss. Her lips were smeared with bloodstains.


    His narrow eyes, hidden behind the lenses, narrowed slightly. Had she used her fangs?


    That man...!


    The man by the wall seemed to be sitting there motionless. Beta strode over, and the sharp bite - mark on the man''s neck told the whole story.


    "Beta, is he dead?!"


    "He''s not dead, but he''s on the verge."


    With a single heave, Beta slung the unconscious Mabel over his shoulder, his eyes cold."Twenty years, and you''ve finally broken your fast."


    "This isn''t the time for such talk!" Amber Mason followed him, wiping the blood from her lips."I don''t know him. He came to me on his own accord..."


    Beta''s eyebrows shot up. With Mabel on his shoulder, he briskly walked out."Follow me. When this human wakes up, you''ll have to send him back."


    Amber Mason murmured in agreement, her hand instinctively reaching for the cross - mark on her neck.


    Send him back?


    In a private hospital in City T, Mabel, with his faint heartbeat, drew numerous curious glances as he was brought in.


    "Beta, do you also have moments of frenzy? Nearly killed your meal?"


    Beta sat outside, his expression stony, enduring the jests from their fellow vampires.


    This was a private hospital run by the vampire clan, dedicated to handling the safety issues of humans who had been over - drained of blood.


    "I''ll send him back once he wakes up."


    Seeing her still in a daze, Beta couldn''t help but sigh. He reached out and gently ruffled her hair."He won''t die."


    Amber Mason sat beside him, looking dazed. She forced a bitter smile."Send him back... I''m afraid it won''t be that simple."


    Beta raised an eyebrow."What, are you planning to keep a human around as your food source? That lad''s blood is indeed good, but you clearly can''t control yourself..."


    Amber Mason shook her head and pulled open her collar, revealing the cross - mark on her neck.


    On the cross - mark, a chain emerged distinctly, coiling tightly around the mark from top to bottom.


    Beta''s pupils constricted."Foolishness!"


    "How could you...!"


    Amber Mason covered her face with her hands, sitting there, unable to utter a word.


    The cross - mark was the soul - imprint that every vampire possessed. Hers was located on her neck.


    The vampire clan, existing in tandem with time, boasted indestructible bodies and eternal souls.


    For those who offered their blood to this mark, the vampire clan bestowed their most profound affection.


    Bound by blood, their souls were united in an unbreakable bond, achieving immortality.