《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.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, 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.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    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.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    "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.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    "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.

 Chapter 5 The Source of the Nightmare

    Shortly, a hospital bed was wheeled out of the operating room, with Mabel lying on it.


    The wrist that had been brutally broken was now casted. Her once - pale, beautiful face had regained some of its rosy hue. She was out of danger.


    The hospital bed rolled past Beta and Amber Mason. The two of them sat there, not even sparing it a glance.


    Beta''s eyes swept over, watching as Mabel was pushed into a certain room. After a long while, he let out a sigh.


    Before he could speak, Amber Mason, who was sitting there, turned around. Her slightly dark - red eyes fixed on him."How can this contract be dissolved?"


    Beta''s narrow eyes narrowed slightly. His slender fingers reached out and pressed on the cross - shaped mark on her neck.


    "Have I not taught you that this place should never be touched casually? By no one."


    "It was an accident." Amber Mason keenly sensed his anger and was filled with remorse herself.


    Who could have expected that man to make such a move? His blood - stained fingers had reached out directly. She had reacted, but it was too late.


    Beta withdrew his hand, his tone ice - cold."It can''t be dissolved, unless he dies."


    His narrow eyes, peering through the lenses, stared into Amber Mason''s dark - red ones."This contract is indestructible, eternal."


    Indestructible, eternal!


    Only his death¡ª!


    Amber Mason sat there in a daze. For the past twenty years, she hadn''t even dared to suck blood with her fangs, let alone take a life!


    "Indestructible..." Amber Mason sat there, murmuring, unable to come to terms with it for a moment.


    Beta sighed again."His death must be either voluntary or natural. Otherwise, you''ll be trapped by this contract for all eternity."


    Amber Mason''s body trembled violently. A vampire like her, trapped by a human for all eternity?


    "A human''s lifespan is at most a hundred years. Consider him as a blood - bag to keep by your side," Beta said, the coldness in his voice having faded.


    "A hundred years isn''t too long an ordeal for us."


    Amber Mason turned to look at him."What do you mean?"


    "With the contract established, he becomes your sole source of blood - drinking," Beta continued, sitting there, paying no heed to Amber Mason''s outburst."You can no longer consume any other blood except his."The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    "What?!"


    "Not only that..." Beta''s lips curled into a cold smile."This contract is two - way. He offers himself as your sole sustenance, and you must respond to his call."


    "What does that mean?"


    Beta stood up and gently ruffled the top of Amber Mason''s hair."Whenever he calls you, no matter where you are, no matter when, and no matter what you''re doing... you''ll have to go to his side."


    Amber Mason''s eyes widened. Beta''s cold fingers traced the cross - shaped pattern on her neck, his eyes slightly squinted as he looked at the blood - colored chains on it.


    "Poor Amber, take good care of your only source of food."


    With that, Beta turned around and strode out.


    Amber Mason sat numbly in the corridor. Only Beta''s words echoed ceaselessly in her mind.


    No matter where, no matter what she was doing, she''d have to go to his side.


    Three days passed. Mabel lay in bed for three days before finally waking up slowly.


    For these three days, Amber Mason had been like a guardian spirit, sitting by the bedside day and night. She did nothing but watch the man lying on the hospital bed.


    She had watched for three days, yet still couldn''t figure out who he was.


    She was trapped by a complete stranger.


    Over these three days, within this hospital affiliated with the vampire clan, none of her kin recognized Mabel. Amber Mason was at last certain that he truly didn''t comprehend the words she''d spoken.


    He had no master previously, yet now, he did.


    "Ah..."


    She had lost count of how many times she''d sighed. Amber Mason rested her hand on her forehead, her mind in disarray.


    "Mmm..."


    The man who had been lying in the hospital bed for three days finally uttered a sound. Amber Mason sat there, motionless. The blood - red hue at the bottom of her eyes remained, and even the fangs in her mouth were no longer hidden.


    "Awake?"


    She inquired coldly, her gaze fixed on the man who was slowly opening his eyes on the bed. She noticed that upon seeing her, a faint glimmer seemed to flash in his docile eyes.


    "Miss Amber...?!"


    Amber Mason immediately rose and approached his bedside. Gazing at his arm immobilized by the cast, she arched her red lips, baring her fangs right before his eyes.


    "Miss Amber? Shouldn''t you have known who I am long ago?"


    The fangs emerging from her red lips glinted with a cold light. Mabel, lying there, had a sudden blush spreading across his fair face.


    His other uninjured hand reached up to caress his neck, gently stroking the area where the bite mark was.


    His long, curled eyelashes veiled his gaze, and all Amber Mason could see was the flush on his face.


    "... You''ve bitten me."


    This man¡ª!


    "Who exactly are you!"


    Amber Mason reached out with her palm, grasped his collar, and yanked his entire body off the hospital bed!


    His handsome face was suffused with shyness, and it seemed that a sheen of moisture was welling up in his eyes once more.


    Why... was he on the verge of crying again?


    His slender, attractive fingers slowly ascended the back of her hand. Upon feeling her frigid body temperature, a low groan escaped from the depths of his throat.


    His docile, deer - like eyes were filled with her reflection.


    "I''m the little boy you nearly devoured."


    His voice was soft, yet it struck Amber Mason''s mind like a sledgehammer.


    It was him, the one who had plagued her nightmares for two decades.


    Her icy hand swiftly attempted to withdraw, but was firmly held down by the warm fingers of the human.


    The fingers, imbued with body heat, slipped directly between her cold fingers, gripping her hand tightly. With a tug, his uninjured arm pulled her into his equally warm embrace.


    Amber Mason was still in a state of shock and didn''t notice at all that she was now held in his arms.


    The man''s head gently leaned against her shoulder, and his soft, fine hair brushed against her cheek.


    From the depths of his body, a sigh of utmost contentment escaped.


    "It''s all right now."


    Mabel murmured softly, his thin lips gently pressing a kiss on the cross - shaped mark that was within easy reach.


    "I''ve belonged to you... for a long time."

 Chapter 6 The Princess Carry

    With a resounding thud, accompanied by a muffled groan, Mabel was pinned to the bed, his neck firmly grasped.


    Amber exerted pressure with her fingers, observing as his features rapidly reddened due to lack of oxygen and listening intently to the rapid flow of blood coursing through his body. Abruptly, she released her hold.


    "Cough, cough!"


    Mabel coughed violently. Amber stepped back to the bedside. The cross - shaped mark on her neck still seemed to retain the searing warmth of the tender kiss bestowed moments ago.


    Witnessing how effortlessly she could inflict harm upon him, Amber''s pupils constricted slightly. In a fit of irritation, she kicked over the adjacent chair.


    Should she accidentally cause his death, the Blood Pact would remain unbreakable for all eternity.


    The shrill ring of the telephone pierced the air. Amber cast a glance at Mabel, whose face was flushed from coughing on the hospital bed, and with a hint of annoyance, pushed the door open and stepped out.


    Humans are indeed fragile. Had she not restrained herself in time, would he have met the same fate as last time...!


    The insistent ringing of the telephone jolted Amber from her reverie.


    "Are you at the hospital? You haven''t left, have you?"


    Beta''s cold, uninflected voice echoed from the other end of the line. Leaning against the wall, Amber exhaled a soft sigh."Of course I haven''t left. I wouldn''t abandon him in a place filled with our kin."


    Amber lifted her eyes slightly. A male and a female of their kind were leaning in the shadows of the corner, seemingly poised to seize the opportune moment.


    "You''re not entirely witless," Beta''s voice carried a faint trace of mockery."You''ve doubtless noticed, haven''t you? How our kin eye unclaimed sustenance."


    Amber responded with an affirmative murmur. The blood - red hue in her eyes churned. Had it not been for Beta''s presence earlier, at her age of less than fifty, the prey would have been snatched away long ago.


    "He''s no ordinary sustenance. If our kin were to lay hands on him and inadvertently cause his demise, Amber, you''re well - aware of the implications for you."


    Amber''s grip on the telephone tightened involuntarily. She took a deep breath, and Beta''s words gradually quelled the irritation that had flared within her moments ago. Listening to the faint growls of blood - lust resonating around her, she whispered softly,"Understood. I''ll attend to it immediately."


    The call disconnected. Amber pushed the door open and entered.


    Mabel, propped up on the hospital bed, still bore the blush on his cheeks. Sensing the change in her demeanor from moments before, he began,"Miss Amber, I..."


    Amber simply regarded him, and finally, let out a heavy sigh.


    She pierced her pearlescent white finger with the fangs in her mouth. Dark - red blood welled up from her finger and was presented before Mabel.


    Mabel''s face flushed instantaneously."What are you doing?"


    "Consume my blood. Once you do, the essence of my blood will permeate your being, and when other members of our kin encounter you, they''ll recognize your affiliation."This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    Amber extended her finger closer, only to find that he remained motionless. She furrowed her brows slightly.


    Not allowing Mabel the chance to demur, she leaned forward, one hand clasping his chin, compelling his mouth to part slightly.


    The blush on the man''s fair countenance deepened. He seemed to resist slightly, yet her slender, frigid fingers pressed in.


    The pungent aroma of blood exploded in Mabel''s mouth. With a cold expression on her delicate features, Amber''s actions were forceful, as if to ensure that he had indeed swallowed. Her fingers pressed firmly against his tongue.


    "If you value your life, drink it without hesitation."


    The maiden''s blood - red eyes bore into him. Mabel''s long lashes quivered slightly, and his eyes once again welled with moisture, becoming misty.


    Gulp.


    Upon hearing the sound of his swallowing, Amber withdrew her fingers. Glancing at the translucent liquid on them, she wiped it directly onto Mabel''s garment.


    Sitting there with a flushed face, Mabel resembled a coy bride who had been forcefully claimed.


    Amber sighed inwardly at his expression. Now was not the time for such coyness.


    "Are you capable of walking?"


    Amber listened to the commotion around her and regarded the sluggish man on the hospital bed. She clicked her tongue in annoyance. Her cold arms reached out.


    One arm encircled his knees, and the other wrapped around his back.


    With a sudden heave, Mabel''s tall and slender form was lifted by the petite Amber.


    "Miss Amber, what is this?!"


    "Hold onto me tightly," Amber commanded coldly, watching as the blush spread to the man''s neck. Her brow twitched violently.


    Bang!


    The door was forcefully kicked open by Amber. Despite carrying the over - six - foot - tall Mabel, her pace remained unhindered, as if she were merely holding a tiny kitten or puppy.


    Swish! Swish!


    Two dark shadows darted forth from the gloom. With human eyesight, it was impossible to make out what they were.


    "Hold on tight and don''t fall."


    Amber murmured softly, nimbly dodging while cradling Mabel''s lithe form. The man in her embrace had a flicker in his jet - black eyes and couldn''t resist tightening his hold on her neck.


    So tightly that his throbbing artery was right beside Amber''s lips.


    "Move your neck away!"


    Amber roared, promptly raising her leg and delivering a fierce kick into the void!


    Bang!


    One of the shadows plummeted to the ground, instantly toppling a row of chairs.


    "Was that... one of your kin?"


    The man lifted his handsome countenance slightly, shifted his position, and gazed at Amber''s frigid profile. Her eyes blazed with intensity, and the cold arm supporting him was firm and steady, as if... she were shielding him.


    Amber, carrying Mabel in her arms, dashed straight towards the door at the end of the corridor, while the other shadow gave chase.


    Click!


    It was the sound of fangs being bared.


    A hand shot out forcefully from behind, lunging straight for Mabel''s head.


    Fangs even longer than Amber''s emerged from the darkness!


    Bang!


    A seemingly delicate fist struck that face!


    The shadow landed in a disheveled heap, accompanied by a resounding crash.


    Amber stooped to lift Mabel once more and, moving with remarkable speed, reached the door at the end.


    The two shadows rose from the ground, their blood - red eyes fixed on Amber''s departing figure as she passed through the door. They had no choice but to abandon their pursuit.


    "It''s all right now."


    Amber watched the disappearing figure on the other side of the door and couldn''t help but exhale deeply. Mabel in her arms gave a muffled grunt, his hand still tightly clutching her neck, showing no intention of getting down.


    Sensing his tremors, Amber sighed inwardly and carried him downstairs.


    "Was that just now... an attempt to seize food?"


    Mabel''s head nestled in the crook of her neck as he spoke in a low voice. Amber responded with a soft "mm" and, observing his struggle to hold on with one hand, gently said, "You could consider it a rule. A vampire lacking the ability to carry their own sustenance out of that floor doesn''t deserve to feast alone."


    "Is this the first time you''ve done this? Defending your food?"


    Without answering, Amber had already carried him to the first floor. She lowered her eyes slightly to look at him. "Aren''t you getting down yet? You should be able to walk on your own now, right?"


    The man''s fair complexion flushed again. His handsome face tilted upwards slightly, and his docile black eyes held a hint of shyness. "Miss Amber, my legs are weak. I''m truly sorry."


    Amber was taken aback. After a moment, she let out a soft sigh and carried him straight out of the stairwell.


    Although this was a private hospital affiliated with the vampire clan, it was also open to humans.


    A beautiful woman with a cold visage, carrying a slender man in a princess - carry, was quite a spectacle.


    In the hall, everyone''s eyes were drawn to them involuntarily.


    Amber stared straight ahead. What are you looking at? Haven''t you seen a princess - carry before?

 Chapter 7: Dont bite others

    Amber arranged for Mabel to be transferred to another hospital at the fastest possible speed.


    After making all the arrangements, Amber did not stay by his side any longer. The vampire clan has its own rules. Besides in hospitals related to the vampire clan, no hunting is allowed in other human hospitals.


    There were also disobedient vampires, but they were quickly dealt with.


    To survive in this city, whether human or of other races, one must abide by their respective rules.


    Although Amber is not gregarious, she understands what the rules are.


    She could safely leave Mabel there alone. During the few days she accompanied him, a lot of her work had piled up.


    After three days of being busy, Amber, upon returning home, finally found the time to check her phone.


    There were four or five voice messages from Mabel. Amber sat on the sofa and clicked to play them.


    "Ms. Amber, are you still working?"


    "Ms. Amber, are you busy?"


    "Ms. Amber..."


    Listening to the last call that was like a whisper, Amber''s throat instantly went dry. As if lured by his voice, the possibility of food instinctively surged through her mind.


    Hungry, extremely hungry. She wanted to eat, even if it was just a bite.


    In three days, her craving for food had been reduced to such an extent.


    "Open your window and wait for me."


    At night, the lights in the inpatient department of the hospital had not all been turned off. Amber, dressed in light clothing, swiftly entered the stairwell.


    After reaching the floor where Mabel was, it was already completely quiet inside. The door to the ward area was locked.


    In the dim corridor, Amber''s eyes gradually turned red. She walked to the window of the stairwell, took a leap, and jumped out.


    As if turning directly into a gentle breeze, her figure flitted past one window after another, her toes gently touching the window ledges until she saw the open window.


    Amber stepped on the window frame and jumped in, closing the window behind her.


    There was no sign of Mabel on the hospital bed. A rapid sound came from the bathroom, and the door was suddenly pushed open.


    "You''re here."


    The way he looked at her was like that of a lover who had been waiting for a long time. Amber was slightly taken aback. Looking at his pants that he hadn''t fully pulled up, she averted her eyes slightly.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    "Ah, sorry."


    Mabel''s face turned slightly red. He quickly pulled up his pants. Just as he was about to fasten his loosened collar, a cold hand touched it.


    Amber''s icy fingers, devoid of any warmth, pressed against the skin of his neck. Her dark red blood - colored eyes stared at the blood vessels pulsating beneath the skin.


    Her red lips parted slightly, and her sharp fangs emerged.


    The blush on Mabel''s face deepened. His entire body leaned against the wall as he felt Amber''s cold breath approaching.


    The slight pain came when her fangs pierced the skin.


    Gulp, gulp.


    The sound of her swallowing was her longing for his blood.


    Mabel lowered his eyes, his eyes hazy. He didn''t mind using his body to tie her down.


    "Ms. Amber..."


    A slightly trembling voice reached Amber''s ears. Amber raised her small face, looked at the blush on his face, and was just about to say something when the man''s tall and slender body seemed to slump to the ground as if losing all strength.


    "Mabel!"Amber hastily reached out to support his body. Although she was hungry, she had only taken a few sips. It was impossible for her to have caused him to become so anemic.


    Mabel, his face flushed, sat on the ground, gasping for breath. Amber could only reach out and lift him up into her arms once again.


    Carrying a man in a princess - carry time and time again was truly enough.


    The man in her arms lay on the bed. Just as Amber was about to withdraw, his hand grasped her arm.


    "Will you bite others?"


    Amber was stunned once more. Looking at the blush on his cheeks and his gently panting body, for a moment, she didn''t know what to say.


    "I''ll strive to recover and make myself healthy." The fingers gripping her arm tightened slightly. His eyes, filled with a misty sheen, penetrated deep into Amber''s eyes.


    "Don''t bite anyone else except me, please?"


    Amber looked at the tooth marks she had just left on his neck and attempted to pull her arm away, but the man''s fingers entwined around it.


    "You came to me because you desire me too."


    In a trembling voice, with those eyes on the verge of shedding tears, Amber was momentarily dazed. She had never been so close to a human before.


    After all, for twenty years, she had only dared to hold blood bags.


    Were all humans like him, offering their necks in such a devout manner, inviting her fangs to remain there?


    Twenty years ago, she fled in a panic.


    Twenty years later, he appeared before her, offering himself without room for refusal.


    The man''s murmur was like the serpent''s temptation in the Garden of Eden, luring Adam and Eve to pick the fruit and taste its incomparably sweet flavor.


    The blood - red color surged in Amber''s eyes. Her cold fingers slipped into his soft hair.


    Her lips descended onto his warm, thin lips.


    With a whimper, the man''s hand clasped the back of her head, and he arched his body, pushing his lips deeper.


    The soft lips were pierced by the fangs, and the smell of blood filled the mouth.


    Amber, panting, pulled away, but was pulled back down by the hand on the back of her head.


    "...That''s enough! Stop!"


    She shouted in a somewhat disheveled manner, directly reaching out to grasp his other wrist. "Do you want me to break your other hand too?"


    Mabel, his eyes hazy, murmured against her lips, "Sure, break it."


    "You...!"


    Amber''s eyes widened in shock, and her body jerked back instantly.


    In the night, Mabel slowly leaned back against the hospital bed. His cheeks were flushed, his dark eyes were clouded, and his hair was messily strewn across his cheeks.


    There was a trace of blood on his thin lips. His pink tongue protruded, gently licking it clean.


    On the skin at the collar, small, bright red tooth marks were imprinted. His beautiful collarbone and slightly bulging muscles seemed to issue a silent invitation.


    Whoosh!


    The window was flung open in an instant, and Amber fled.


    Perhaps this was the most embarrassing moment in her decades as a vampire, running away in disgrace in front of a human.


    Watching her figure leap out of the window, Mabel slowly raised the corners of his lips.


    His long, elegant fingers gently caressed the wound on his lip pierced by the fangs, rubbing back and forth with lingering affection.


    I won''t let you run away again. This time, don''t even think about it.

 Chapter 8锛歄nly He Can Satisfy You

    "What are you doing here instead of properly watching over your food?"


    In Beta''s house, Amber huddled in the sofa, her small body curled up into a ball, her face buried in the sofa, resembling a frightened little beast.


    Beta, wearing gold - rimmed glasses, irritably tore off the tie around his neck."Amber, do you hear me?"


    His long, narrow almond - shaped eyes fixed on Amber, who remained motionless in the sofa. He sighed and asked,


    "Is he still in the hospital?"


    Amber gave a soft "mm" and replied,"But he should be getting better soon, I guess."


    It had been five days since she fled in embarrassment that day. Amber hadn''t gone to see him, no matter how parched her throat was or how ravenous she felt.


    "He is your food now, and of extraordinary significance. I don''t need to teach you more, do I?"


    Beta walked over, and with his cold, emotionless hand, he forcefully lifted her out of the sofa."If you don''t want to be trapped forever, keep him safe."


    Amber was lifted up listlessly, her fangs exposed. Her throat felt as if it was ablaze, and the blood - red color in her eyes was so intense that it seemed as if blood was flowing.


    The moment Beta saw this, his brows knitted tightly. He yanked her in front of him."How many days have you gone without drinking blood?"


    "Five days."


    Amber answered feebly."I don''t want to become too dependent on my food."


    Beta narrowed his eyes."So, you''ve been enduring until now? And you still want to keep enduring?"


    Amber nodded. Beta looked at her in this state, let out a cold laugh, and threw her back onto the sofa.


    He opened the refrigerator and tossed a blood bag directly into Amber''s hand.


    As if unable to control herself, Amber opened her mouth and bit through the blood bag, gulping down the blood, no longer sipping it gently as before. Now she was like a ferocious beast that had been starved for days.


    Blood spurted out from the bag, flowing onto her hands and body.


    Gulp, gulp.


    Blood flowed into her mouth and entered her body, yet her hunger wasn''t alleviated in the slightest.


    Amber suddenly looked up, staring at Beta in confusion.


    The 300 - year - old vampire looked at her coldly, walked over, and took the broken blood bag from her hand."Haven''t I told you that apart from his blood, you can''t consume any other?"


    Amber, with blood all over her face, stared at the blood bag. Indeed, she had drunk blood, eaten, but it was as if she had never eaten at all. Her throat, though rinsed with blood, was still parched!


    "Only he can satiate your hunger."


    Beta looked at Amber, covered in blood, his gaze cold and sinister."Do you want to kill him with your next bite because of your foolish persistence? Just like you did 20 years ago."


    These words made Amber completely sober. She stared blankly at the blood in her hand. Before, this could clearly fill her stomach, but now... she didn''t want it at all.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    "Do I need to teach you how terrifying a vampire is when they haven''t eaten for days?" Beta said, pulling Amber up."Change your clothes and go. You''re filthy."


    Appearing at the hospital again, Amber uncontrollably pushed open the door of Mabel''s ward. He had already changed out of the hospital gown, and the plaster on his arm had been removed, with only a simple bandage hanging in front of his chest.


    Seeing her appear, Mabel raised the corners of his lips."Are you here to pick me up?"


    In Amber''s ears, his voice was soft and faint, as if floating from afar. Five days of continuous hunger made her only able to hear the sound of his pulse beating.


    Thump, thump, as if saying, come on, bite.


    "You haven''t replied to my messages these days. Were you busy?" Mabel walked over with a smile."Did you come here after seeing my messages?"


    As his figure approached, Amber could barely make out his features. In her blood - red vision, only the blood vessels beneath the skin, with blood flowing through them, were clearly visible.


    Biting the place where the pulse was beating the fastest must be delicious.


    "Amber?"


    Mabel called out softly. Amber tilted her head slightly. The man saw her blood - filled eyes and instantly understood what was happening.


    Especially her involuntary swallowing motion made Mabel''s body tremble slightly.


    A cold hand touched his neck, accompanied by an equally frigid aura as Amber pressed herself against him.


    A figure passed by outside the ward door. The man reached out, pushed open the bathroom door in the room, and with Amber in his arms, they slipped inside.


    In the narrow bathroom, the man''s lean waist pressed against the cold washstand. In the mirror, Amber''s blood - red eyes exuded an otherworldly charm, and her sharp fangs emerged from her mouth, biting down towards his neck.


    "Ugh!"


    The fangs pierced much deeper, and Mabel couldn''t help but hold her even tighter. A blush quickly crept up his cheeks.


    He could feel his warm blood flowing out from the wound, caught by her lips and tongue, and then sent into her mouth.


    The woman in his arms was delicate and soft, yet completely devoid of warmth.


    Mabel''s arm encircled her slender waist, pulling her even closer to his embrace. His body heat couldn''t penetrate hers, except perhaps through the warm blood he offered.


    "Mr. Mabel, have you finished packing? The discharge procedures are all done."


    The nurse''s voice sounded outside, and her figure entered from outside the frosted glass of the bathroom. Mabel listened to the sound of Amber swallowing blood. She was still feeding and showed no sign of stopping.


    The man, his cheeks slightly flushed, spoke softly. "Thank you. I''m a bit... ugh."


    As if displeased by the interruption, Amber''s teeth moved sharply, and Mabel let out a muffled groan.


    "Mr. Mabel, is there still discomfort in your wrist?"


    The nurse''s figure stood outside the door. Mabel reached out, gently stroking Amber''s black hair, and gasped softly. "It''s okay. I can handle it myself. Thank you for your trouble."


    "All right, then I''ll go out first."


    The nurse left. Meanwhile, Amber slowly raised her head. The hunger that had been satiated finally subsided. The blood she had consumed in her ravenous state was as delicious as long - awaited rain in a drought.


    Amber was a bit dazed, lying in the man''s warm embrace, gasping gently, struggling to regain her senses.


    The craving for food, the intense yearning for this sole source of sustenance.


    Beta was right. If she continued to persist like this, would she completely lose control next time and bite him to death?


    Had she taken too much blood just now?


    Coming to her senses, Amber tried to pull away. "Are you all right? I was a bit...!"


    The man''s hand pressed against her waist, his arm still around her, and his head gently leaned on her shoulder.


    "Don''t move. Let me hold you like this for a while."


    "Are you dizzy?"


    Mabel chuckled, his forehead resting on her shoulder. Finding that she didn''t resist, he simply leaned his entire body against her. "¡­Yes."


    Thinking he was truly dizzy, Amber quickly took on his full weight. "What were you saying to me just now? Are you being discharged today?"


    Mabel replied feebly with a "mm." "Didn''t you come to pick me up?"


    Amber''s voice caught. After a long while, "¡­Yes."


    Beta had investigated Mabel. He had no connection with any of their kind. As a human, he couldn''t possibly know about the blood contract.


    Everything was indeed an accident, for both her and him.


    Amber put her arms around Mabel. "Can''t you stand up yet?" Since only his blood could satisfy her, she should probably do something for her food source.


    Amber slightly furrowed her brows. Friendly co - existence was quite nice.


    He never resisted her when she fed on his blood. For the vampire clan, he was a rare and valuable food source.


    "Not yet. Let me rest a bit longer."


    Mabel leaned his whole body against her, still speaking in a weak voice.


    "Should I carry you out?"


    The man smiled. He wouldn''t mind being carried in a princess - carry again, but... he didn''t want to always be the one in her arms.

 Chapter 9 To my place

    Mabel sat in the car and gave the address of a hotel. Amber didn''t ask any further questions.


    The man sitting in the back looked somewhat pallid. Ever since he met Amber, it seemed that only when his blood was being sucked did a hint of color return to his face.


    Recalling the several hard bites she had just given, Amber couldn''t help but sigh inwardly. It was her fault; she had overestimated herself.


    "Take a rest for a while. I''ll wake you up when we arrive."


    Amber started the car and heard a soft "mm" from the back, which sounded rather feeble.


    All the way, Amber focused on driving. Mabel, who was sitting in the back, seemed extremely tired and fell asleep. With his eyes closed, his long eyelashes were even more distinct.


    Mabel, who was dozing off with his eyes closed in the back seat, resembled Cupid who had temporarily laid down his bow and arrow. Even in his slumber, it seemed as if a light was flowing over his body.


    As Amber looked at the constantly changing scenery and the flow of traffic outside the window, she thought that he was a human living in a world filled with light, yet now he was bound to her, a member of the vampire clan that thrived in the darkness.


    Amber couldn''t help but grip the steering wheel tightly, and a sigh echoed within the car.


    Upon reaching the hotel, a doorman came forward to open the door. Mabel, who was sitting in the back, woke up.


    Seeing how exhausted he looked, Amber supported him and helped him sit in the hotel lobby, then went to handle the check-in procedures for him.


    The man''s slender body leaned against the sofa in the lobby, and he seemed on the verge of dozing off again.


    "Mabel, wake up."


    Amber gently patted his cheek. The man sitting there opened his eyes in a daze, and upon seeing Amber, he smiled and said, "Amber..."


    "I''ll help you go up and rest. Come on."


    Amber extended her hand. Despite her seemingly petite stature, with a sudden exertion of strength, she lifted Mabel, who was sitting on the sofa, surprising the staff who had intended to come forward to offer assistance.


    Mabel, who was a head taller than Amber, leaned completely on her. Nevertheless, Amber still walked briskly.


    Entering the elevator, she pressed the floor number. Mabel, in a dazed state, leaned against her, looking rather disoriented.


    "I took some painkillers and feel a bit sleepy."


    A muffled voice came from him as he leaned against her shoulder. Amber responded with an "mm" and said, "We''ll be there soon. You can have a good rest later."


    When the elevator doors opened, there was a long corridor covered with a carpet in front of them. The lighting wasn''t very bright; only the wall-mounted lamps, spaced at intervals, were on.


    Outside, it was broad daylight, but this corridor seemed like a passage into the night.This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    The thick carpet muffled their footsteps almost completely. Besides them, no other guests were in sight.


    Amber looked at the room numbers, searching for Mabel''s room.


    Creak.


    An extremely soft sound of footsteps emerged in front of them.


    Amber''s hand reached around from behind and encircled the man''s slender waist.


    At the end of the corridor, a figure slowly emerged.


    Amber squinted slightly. With just one glance, she could determine each other''s identity.


    It was one of her own kind!


    Slap!


    Her hand immediately exerted force from the back, pulling the man beside her into her embrace.


    Accompanied by a gust of dark wind, the figure at the end of the corridor flashed past Mabel''s head. With a dull thud, it landed on the wall, turned around, and rushed back!


    Crack!


    The figure seemed to take flight, and its sharp fangs were fully exposed!


    Amber, holding the man in her arms, instantly crouched down. With a sudden push of her leg upwards!


    Bang!


    The dark figure was kicked flying and sent straight to the end of the corridor!


    Without hesitation, she slid one hand beneath his knees and wrapped the other around his waist, lifting him up in a princess carry!


    "Mabel, don''t fall asleep yet. Wake up!"


    Amber quickened her pace. The man in her arms, however, remained drowsy. The figure that had been kicked to the end of the corridor promptly got up and gave chase!


    Bang!


    Amber kicked open the door to the staircase with a powerful thrust of her foot. With a firm grip, she hoisted the man''s body higher in her arms.


    "Hold onto me tightly. Do you hear me!"


    As she rushed downstairs, she glanced at the height outside the window. The blood-red hue in Amber''s eyes began to spread. At 35 stories high, it was an intimidating drop, especially when she was carrying a human.


    The man''s striking black eyes fluttered open. As if by instinct, he raised his arms and clung tightly to her neck.


    Hearing the commotion of the pursuers behind them, the blood-red tint in Amber''s eyes grew deeper. Barely out of the hospital, she was already being tracked down by one of her own kind.


    Damn it!


    In the past, she had faced her fair share of trouble, but she had always stuck to feeding on blood bags, avoiding using her fangs. Now, things were different. Word had spread about her having a "source of sustenance," and she had a new vulnerability.


    With her blood-red eyes fixed on the drowsy Mabel in her arms, she knew that because of her, he had become a target for many vampires.


    He would be maliciously toyed with, bitten, and drained of blood, or perhaps even subjected to worse.


    For a human like him, he never should have been dragged into this world.


    Bang, bang, bang!


    The pursuing vampire was getting closer. Amber looked at the height outside the window and tightened her hold on Mabel.


    Crack!


    She kicked out a pane of glass, and the wind rushed in from outside.


    "Don''t be afraid. I''ll protect you," Amber murmured softly.


    All she heard in response was a faint "mm" from the man in her arms. Without a moment''s hesitation, she leaped out of the window!


    The wind howled wildly, whipping the woman''s long black hair into disarray.


    Her tousled locks intertwined with the man''s shorter hair, partially obscuring their faces.


    Mabel''s black eyes fluttered open slightly, and he found himself gazing into a pair of eyes that seemed to blaze with blood.


    Her sharp fangs were bared, and her red lips curled into a faint smile. "Hold on tight. Don''t let go."


    As the wind roared past their ears, Mabel squinted his black eyes and tightened his grip, pulling her firmly into his embrace. He looked at the scenery rushing past as they plummeted and actually smiled.


    Whoosh!


    Amber, clutching Mabel, plummeted rapidly from the 20th floor of the hotel!


    "Shit! Someone''s falling?"


    The hotel guests who witnessed the scene rushed to the window, but to their surprise, there was nothing to be seen. "Was it just my imagination?"


    Bang!


    A woman landed gracefully on the ground, still holding a man in her arms.


    This was the hotel''s rear garbage dump. Amber looked up; the vampire who had been chasing them had not followed.


    Slowly, she retracted her fangs. As she had suspected, it was all just a malicious game.


    Amber continued to carry Mabel in her arms, striding forward with determination. She then leaped over the closed mesh gate of the garbage dump.


    She couldn''t let him out of her sight.


    "...Where are you taking me?"


    Mabel mumbled groggily, his breath gently brushing against Amber''s ear.


    The woman holding him paused briefly, then resumed her brisk pace. Amber replied in a low voice, "To my place."

 Chapter 10 This Way We Cant Hear Them

    "I can''t get involved. This is your own food," Beta''s icy words came through the phone. "No matter how much I look out for you, I won''t intervene in this matter."


    Amber sat on the sofa, her hand involuntarily running through her hair, tousling it. Mabel lay on her bed, drifting in and out of sleep.


    "Gramps, how long are they going to keep provoking us?"


    "They''ll keep at it until they get bored, or until you give him up voluntarily and find other food."


    "How could I possibly...!"


    "Other than me, no other members of our clan know that you''ve made a blood contract with him. The others just think he''s the food you''ve taken a fancy to." Beta sounded irritated as he continued, "Keep him by your side until they lose interest."


    "I understand." After hanging up the phone, Amber let out a long sigh as she sat on the sofa. His life was now in her hands.


    The next day, Mabel woke up in bed, looking momentarily confused.


    Amber leaned against the doorframe, clearly having stayed up all night. "Yesterday... you were attacked by a vampire."


    After a moment of silence, Mabel spoke softly, "You saved me."


    "To be more accurate, you were attacked because of me."


    Amber furrowed her brows tightly. "If it weren''t for me, you wouldn''t have encountered all this."


    "But you also protected me well, didn''t you?" Mabel looked up, and there seemed to be a glimmer in his eyes. Amber couldn''t help but look away.


    "More of our clan members will be waiting for a chance to make a move on you in the future. You can''t leave my sight." Amber took a deep breath. "I might have to follow you around closely."


    "Follow me, like never leaving my side?"


    Mabel''s hand slowly clenched into a fist. "Is it to protect me?"


    "Yeah... I won''t interfere with your freedom, but you must stay within my line of sight." Amber thought of the teasing from her clan members, and her fangs involuntarily emerged. "They... have no limits."


    She had witnessed too many unrestrained behaviors of the vampire clan. To them, humans were nothing more than food, something to be toyed with at will, or even... have their lives taken away.


    They would bewitch, play with, and suck the blood of humans to nourish their own bodies and ease their hunger.


    They would mock, deceive, and show no regard for human emotions.


    "Alright, I understand. I''ll do as you say."


    That night, Mabel had already fallen asleep in the bedroom. Gentle, even breaths could be heard coming from within. Amber''s laptop in front of her was on, and someone had arrived outside the door.


    She stood up, and a hint of bloodlust appeared in her eyes.


    "Bang! Bang, bang!"


    Suddenly, the door was pounded with great force, as if it would be broken down any second.


    The entire door seemed to vibrate slightly under the immense pressure. Amber stood behind the door, her hand pressing down on it with all her might.


    "Hahaha!"


    Outside the door, there were boisterous laughs, which abruptly stopped as the knocking became even more forceful.


    "Amber...?" Inside the bedroom, the sleeping man rubbed his eyes and got up, coming to the door. Amber stood at the door without turning around, her hand still against the door.


    "Go back and don''t come over."


    "Bang!"


    The knocking sound that she had thought wouldn''t appear came again, this time even more urgent and fierce.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    Mabel, who was standing there, swayed slightly. It seemed that he understood something, and he obediently retreated back into the bedroom, disappearing completely into the darkness.


    "Are they your clan members?"


    Amber let out a soft "mm". Her blood-red eyes sparkled brightly in the dark night, much like the sheen of the finest red wine shining through a glass.


    Quickly stepping into the bedroom, she pulled Mabel, who was standing at the door, onto the bed, and then Amber climbed up onto the bed swiftly as well.


    His cheeks seemed to start blushing again.


    "Amber?"


    He felt a bit awkward and even shuffled to the side. Amber rolled over and lay down beside him. Her cold hand clasped his ear. "Just go to sleep."


    "Bang, bang!"


    The rapid pounding on the door resounded again. In the quiet night, it was quite startling, yet miraculously, it didn''t wake up the other residents.


    "This is their usual way of teasing. I don''t care, but you can''t endure it."


    Amber looked at his somewhat pale complexion and let out a sigh. "For humans, a few days of poor sleep are enough to break you down."


    "Alright, I understand."


    Mabel spoke in a low voice. His slender body moved slightly on the bed and slid to Amber''s side. His uninjured arm naturally draped over her waist.


    He buried his head in her embrace. "This way, I won''t be able to hear it."


    Amber was forced to hold him. Just as she was about to say something, the knocking sound outside the door came again.


    The man in her arms showed no reaction at all, as if he really couldn''t hear it.


    She pursed her lips slightly, placed her hand on his ear, leaned her back against the headboard, and stared out at the deep night with her blood-red eyes.


    This kind of teasing would only get worse. Previously, it was only aimed at her, but this time... it wasn''t just about her anymore.


    Fortunately, Mabel recovered quickly. A few days later, his hand had returned to normal. Such a rapid recovery was also due to the fact that he had drunk her blood.


    The blood of the vampire clan has extremely strong self-healing abilities. Without special means, the lives of the vampire clan cannot be easily ended.


    Since his hand had recovered, Mabel still stayed at Amber''s home. After the hotel incident and the continuous late-night door knocking, Amber was certain that her clan members wouldn''t let him go for the time being.


    "Amber, I need to go out for a while. It''s about my new book..."


    "Okay, I see."


    Amber stood up and glanced at the item hanging around Mabel''s neck. It was a tiny piece of glass, and the drop of bright red blood inside it came from her.


    It was like a collar, placed around him, a human.


    "You''ve been with me for so many days. What about your work?"


    In the car, Mabel, who was sitting in the back, spoke softly. Amber let out a faint laugh. "My work doesn''t have to be done only in the office. It won''t be affected."


    "I see. I thought you had quit your job, and I was just about to pull you to work by my side."


    The man sitting in the back let out a soft chuckle. He wore a baseball cap and a casual outfit, exuding a youthful and sunny charm, looking like an innocent college student who was yet to be fully exposed to the ways of the world.


    Amber smiled, glanced at the building ahead, and slightly arched her eyebrows. Gramps'' company was located here as well.


    In the office building, there were numerous men and women dressed in professional suits. The elevator lobby was almost always packed to the brim.


    Mabel needed to go to the 45th floor. Climbing the stairs was out of the question.


    Ding.


    The elevator doors opened, and the people inside filed out one by one. Amber was the first to step in and stood in the innermost corner. Mabel positioned himself in front of her.


    "Everyone, squeeze in a bit. We can still fit a few more."


    In the overcrowded elevator lobby, as a few more people entered, the entire crowd started to shift backward. Amber saw Mabel turn around to face her. Due to the crush of the crowd, he was pressed directly against her.


    "S-sorry."


    His arm was braced above Amber''s head, attempting to maintain some distance between them. However, as the crowd surged again, the man''s slender body pressed against her once more.


    Amber suddenly looked up and, noticing his ears were bright red, reached out her cold hand and firmly placed it on his waist.


    She felt as if she was enveloped by his aura. In her ears, she could hear his soft, rapid breaths and the increasingly accelerated thumping of his heart.


    The elevator continued to operate, but at each stop, more people got on.


    It wasn''t until after the 30th floor that the number of people in the elevator started to decrease. Only then did Mabel straighten up and stand beside Amber.


    The 35th floor arrived. When the elevator doors opened, several people got off, and several others got on.


    Amber''s black eyes swept over and she caught a glimpse of someone who entered the elevator.


    The eyes behind the glasses were as cold as ever. When the person saw Amber, his thin lips curved slightly. "Accompanying him?"


    Amber twitched the corners of her mouth. "Yeah."


    Beta stepped in and directly stood on the other side of Amber. The people following him also entered, and the elevator doors closed again.


    No one spoke. Apart from the mechanical sounds of the elevator, there was complete silence.


    The 45th floor arrived. Mabel stepped out first. Just as Amber was about to follow, Beta spoke up. "I''ve already warned those who were pounding on the door at night."


    Amber was taken aback, then turned around and smiled. "Thanks."


    Beta looked at the small fangs in her mouth, and finally, a hint of a smile appeared in his eyes. Mabel''s voice calling from outside the elevator reached them. "Amber?"


    "Go ahead."Beta said coldly, and the elevator doors closed. With Beta''s words, Amber felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from her heart. "From today onwards, you should be able to have a good night''s sleep."


    "Hmm? Really?"


    His beautiful and clear eyes drooped slightly as he looked at the smile on her lips. "Did... someone help you solve it?"


    Amber let out a soft laugh. "Yeah, it''s already been taken care of."


    "That''s great."


    Mabel''s eyes curved into a gentle crescent shape when he smiled. But when he looked up again, his eyes were filled with a deep, unfathomable look.

 Chapter 11 Youre Welcome

    Mabel had arrived at a mainstream publishing house that had brought out numerous renowned works. Amber was seated outside, waiting. The publishing house she was affiliated with merely had moderate achievements. Should this particular one engage in talks with Mabel... Alva likely stood no chance.


    Someone tapped gently on the glass door. Amber turned her head to look. A tall and beautiful woman stood outside. Upon noticing Amber''s gaze, she lightly pointed at her.


    Amber arched her eyebrows and rose to her feet, then walked over.


    "Mr. Beta wishes to see you. Follow me," said the woman. When she laid eyes on Amber, she first cast a bold, all-encompassing glance from head to toe. After sizing her up, the corners of her mouth lifted slightly."Miss Amber?"


    Amber let out a sigh and stood up. She glanced back into the publishing house. Mabel would still require some time to conclude his discussion. Moreover, this was Gramps'' domain.


    None of their fellow clan members had the audacity to create a disturbance on Beta''s territory, especially not with her as the target.


    Stepping into the elevator, Amber tilted her head back slightly and took a look. The woman beside her was half a head taller.


    She would indeed seem quite well-matched with Beta.


    Her hair was arranged in a meticulously neat bun at the back, with not a single strand out of place.


    Amber''s gaze swept over the area just below the woman''s neck. Through the collar, two faint red marks were discernible.


    Gramps had changed his companion yet again.


    The entire 55th floor was occupied by Beta''s company. As a 300-year-old vampire, he had amassed a considerable amount of wealth in the human world and also held a certain level of social standing.


    Amber trailed behind the tall woman and made her way to the innermost location.


    "Mr. Beta has only fifteen minutes to spare. Go on in," the woman said.


    Without further ado, Amber pushed open the door and stepped inside. The door closed behind her, and Beta''s voice sounded from within."Kiddo, you''re here."


    This voice lacked the usual icy edge. The woman found it difficult to contain her emotions."Kiddo"... this was the "Kiddo" that Beta addressed so affectionately.


    Holding a document in her hand, she scurried out on her high heels.


    In the stairwell, the woman crouched down, nearly crumpling the document in her grasp. She suppressed her sobs, her mind filled with Beta''s warm utterance of "Kiddo".


    How could that short and unimpressive girl be worthy of Beta''s favor!


    "Miss, are you all right?"


    A gentle and warm voice sounded. A graceful hand extended a tissue."Is there something bothering you? Why are you in such distress?"


    The woman was taken aback, thanked the person, and accepted the tissue.


    The man did not leave. Instead, he bent down and sat down. The baseball cap on his head obscured most of his features, revealing only his well-shaped, rounded chin and his slightly upturned thin lips.


    "If you''re willing, feel free to confide in me, a stranger, about what exactly transpired," he said.


    In the stairwell, the woman who had been weeping just moments ago had already risen to her feet. She expressed her gratitude several times, then pushed open the door and went back.


    The man, who was sitting there with his back against the wall, listened to the lively clicking of her high heels. He pressed down on the baseball cap on his head, and the corners of his mouth curved up even more."You''re welcome."


    When Amber returned, Mabel still did not appear to have finished his discussion. She once again sat outside, waiting in silence, pondering over the words that Beta had spoken to her earlier.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    "With your capabilities, protecting him is rather a stretch," Beta said.


    Beta was seated in a chair, his fingers lightly tapping on the table. Despite his seemingly refined exterior, he inadvertently exuded the coldness and aggression characteristic of the vampire clan.


    "It is somewhat challenging, considering I''m not yet 50 years old," Amber replied.


    Amber plopped down unceremoniously in the chair opposite him."But you yourself said that you can''t get involved in this matter."


    "Amber, was jumping off a building your only option when you were fleeing?"


    Amber, who was sitting there, was startled. Beta''s eyes were as frigid as a winter''s day."Do you have any idea how many humans witnessed that scene? And how much effort I have to exert to erase those memories?"


    "How can you hold me accountable for that! They were the ones who chased after me! I knew I couldn''t defeat them. What else was I supposed to do but run!"


    Was jumping off a building the only choice? Is that what I taught you?"


    Beta''s gaze bore down on her, and Amber shrank back."Well, I just... didn''t think of anything else."


    "If I don''t intervene, I''m afraid that within a few days, you''ll be the headline news on every TV channel."


    Amber remained seated there in silence. The vampire clan concealed themselves within human society, meticulously observing and emulating every action and behavior of the humans, all with the sole aim of becoming more adept at hunting their prey.


    For the vampire clan, an individual under the age of 50 was but a mere "Kiddo" who could be bullied at will.


    Yet, this very "Kiddo" had accomplished something that even Beta dared not do: she had entered into a blood contract with a human.


    In Beta''s perspective, if expressed in human terms, it was equivalent to a kindergarten child returning home and announcing, "I''m married."


    "Would you care to join me here?" Beta let out a gentle sigh. "In the past, I refrained from interfering in your affairs. You were free to do as you pleased, but the situation is different now."


    Amber was taken aback. She was on the verge of declining but forcibly held her tongue.


    Beta regarded her with a mocking glint in his eye. "On your own, you are utterly incapable of protecting your ''food''. You should think this through carefully."


    Amber, who was sitting there waiting, furrowed her brows tightly. Gramps had never meddled in her business before, and she truly had the freedom to do whatever she desired. However, his sudden offer now signified...


    Those who intended to cause trouble harbored more than just mischievous intentions.


    Beta''s words resurfaced in Amber''s mind once more: "Putting aside other considerations, his blood is of superior quality among humans. If he were not your ''food'', I would not hesitate to try and take him for myself."


    Amber''s delicate features almost contorted with concern. Take him... As long as a vampire over a hundred years old showed up, she would have no choice but to watch helplessly as Mabel was snatched away.


    Contemplating the blood contract between them, Amber''s gaze dropped to the floor.


    She had no wish to be forever imprisoned within the confines of a single contract.


    Footsteps approached, and Amber looked up. Mabel emerged with a brisk and lively gait, accompanied by a highly renowned editor in the publishing world.


    The two of them engaged in animated conversation. Mabel, with his youthful demeanor, smiled somewhat shyly.


    "Very well, it''s settled then. We''ll be anticipating your new book."


    "Thank you so much for your kind attention and support."


    "You''re being too modest. Talented individuals like you deserve all the attention they can get."


    "Then I''ll take my leave for now. I''ll get in touch with you later regarding the selection of materials for the new book."


    "Certainly, we can chat at any time later."


    The editor personally escorted Mabel out. It seemed evident that Mabel''s next book would be published by this company. Amber smiled helplessly. Alva really didn''t stand a chance.


    "Have you been waiting for a long time?" Mabel walked over, his black eyes brimming with tenderness. He felt extremely at ease, as if he were a soft and fluffy cloud.


    "No, let''s go."


    Amber stood up, and the two of them entered the elevator together. As they chatted casually, the elevator came to a stop at one of the floors.


    More than a dozen people entered, chatting and laughing merrily. The elevator was immediately filled to capacity.


    Just as on the way in, Mabel positioned himself facing Amber, separating her from the others. Amber tilted her head slightly. Why was he blushing again?


    "Ouch, I think I got scratched by something. There''s blood."


    "Let me have a look. It''s nothing serious, just a small cut."


    "Still, you should be more careful..."


    For a human, this was a wound so trivial that it was almost insignificant. However, for Amber, even the faintest whiff of blood deeply stimulated her brain.


    She lowered her head in a somewhat flustered manner, her fangs threatening to protrude uncontrollably.


    His slender fingers found the fangs she was trying to hide and gently pried them out.


    Unable to conceal them, her fangs sliced through the pad of his finger, and his blood flowed into her mouth.


    The people in the elevator continued to chat and laugh, but Amber seemed oblivious to it all. All she could see was the man towering over her. Beneath the baseball cap, his handsome face was slightly flushed.


    In his clear eyes, there seemed to be a swirling vortex of emotions. His fingers, without giving her a chance to refuse, pushed deeper into her mouth, even pressing down on her tongue.


    Gulp.


    Upon hearing the sound of her swallowing, Mabel raised the corners of his mouth. His bleeding finger caressed the inside of her mouth as he watched, captivated, as the red in her eyes grew more and more intense.


    A few more people entered the elevator. Mabel''s body pressed closer to hers, and he gently withdrew his finger from her mouth.


    Breathing lightly, he leaned against Amber''s shoulder.


    Her cold hand once again found its way to his waist, and Mabel''s body gave a slight tremor.


    "Are you all right?"


    Her voice sounded in his ear, and the red on Mabel''s cheeks deepened even further.


    How could he possibly be all right... He was in a state of bliss that was almost beyond description.

 Chapter 12 Youve Tasted It All

    Mabel was assisted out of the elevator by Amber. His cheeks were slightly flushed, and fortunately, the baseball cap he wore provided some cover. He leaned half of his body against Amber.


    After getting into the car, he reclined against the backrest, appearing somewhat fatigued.


    Amber felt a sense of disquiet. Although he seemed slender in build, he actually had a fair amount of muscle. When she picked him up, she could feel his substantial weight.


    He wasn''t as delicate as he seemed on the surface. However, each time his blood was drawn, he became so weak that he could scarcely stand.


    Had she taken too much blood...


    Amber began to reflect. In the past, she had always consumed blood from bags and had always been precise with the dosage. But now, using her fangs directly, she had no clear idea of how much blood she had actually ingested.


    The more she thought about it, the more remorseful she felt. Beta had never instructed her on the most appropriate amount of blood to take at one time.


    "Would you like... to go and have a meal?"


    Amber turned around and looked at Mabel, who was nestled in the backseat. She heard him let out a soft chuckle."Sure, I''m actually feeling quite hungry."


    "All right. What would you like to eat? You can choose anything you like."


    Amber''s voice rose in pitch. Mabel sat there and murmured softly,"Japanese cuisine, perhaps. It''s relatively tranquil."


    As for Amber, she had also accumulated her own wealth. Although it wasn''t as substantial as Beta''s, it was ample enough to ensure a comfortable life for her in the human world without any financial concerns.


    They arrived at a high-end Japanese restaurant. The waiter led the two of them to a private room. Mabel removed his baseball cap, and the flush on his face gradually faded.


    They sat across from each other, with Amber and Mabel both engrossed in their mobile phones.


    The waiter who brought the dishes was a charming young man. While serving the food, he couldn''t help stealing numerous glances at Amber.


    Amber was so absorbed in her phone that she didn''t notice at all.


    The young man had slender and clean fingers. He seemed rather bashful, and his fondness for Amber was evident."Hello, this is your..."


    The dishes were placed in front of Amber. Only then did she murmur a word of thanks in a low voice.


    "I, I''d like to introduce to you. This is the newly arrived dish today..."


    The young man summoned up his courage to speak, hoping to capture Amber''s attention. Mabel, who was sitting across from her, put down his phone and chuckled."He''s making an effort to introduce the dishes to you. You should put your phone aside for a while."


    Amber let out an "oh" and glanced at the table laden with food. Anyway, it all tasted the same to her.


    The young man gave Mabel a grateful look. Mabel smiled at him and then resumed looking at his phone.


    "All your dishes have been served. Please enjoy your meal."


    The young man, feeling dejected at not receiving a response from Amber, walked out. Mabel looked at Amber, who showed no intention of picking up her chopsticks, and smiled.


    "Do you not like the food, or is there some other reason you can''t eat it?"Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    "I can eat it. It just all tastes the same." Amber let out a sigh."You go ahead and eat. I don''t feel like having even a bite."


    Mabel replied with an "okay" and then manipulated his chopsticks. He gracefully picked up a piece of translucent sashimi and gently placed it in his mouth.


    "Amber, would someone like that young man we just met appeal to you?"


    "What?"


    Mabel picked up a shrimp and began to peel it gently.


    "I mean the young man who was introducing the dishes to you. Would he be the type you prefer, Amber? I''m referring to... in terms of feeding."


    Amber arched her eyebrows and watched as Mabel gently tugged at the shrimp''s head, detaching it from the body. The bright red shrimp paste inside, resembling blood, stained his fingertips.


    "It''s hard to say. It depends on personal preference. But generally, the criteria for something being considered delicious, when there''s a consensus..." Amber thought carefully."It should be someone who is a virgin, and the younger the better."


    Mabel smiled. He peeled off the entire shrimp shell. His slender fingers glided gently along the back of the shrimp, as if caressing the graceful curves of a young maiden.


    "Then that''s quite something. Amber has already had a taste."


    Amber was taken aback. She looked at Mabel, who was elegantly eating the shrimp across from her. As the shrimp entered his mouth, his eyes remained fixed on her.


    It was as if he wasn''t consuming a shrimp but rather her.


    "What you said is true. You were still a child 20 years ago." Amber twitched the corners of her mouth. Just the mention of 20 years ago made her feel a twinge of discomfort.


    "No, I mean both criteria apply to me."


    Amber furrowed her brows."Except for you, I haven''t bitten anyone else with my fangs, let alone someone who is a virgin..."


    Mabel''s fair cheeks flushed slightly. He gently placed his fingers, stained with bright red shrimp paste, into his mouth and licked them clean with his tongue.


    "Can''t I be that someone?"


    "W-well, you can." Amber averted her gaze in a bit of a fluster. It was truly unexpected that Mabel, as a human, was inexperienced in such matters.


    Given his circumstances, it is simply inconceivable that members of the opposite sex would not be drawn to him.


    "You just said you only bit me with your teeth. Is that true?"


    "Yes. Is there an issue with that?" Amber let out a sigh. Had he not reappeared, she would have continued to rely on blood bags for the next several decades.


    Mabel''s cheeks flushed a bit more. For some inexplicable reason, the shrimp shell in his hand gently nicked his finger.


    A faint trace of red seeped out, just a tiny amount, yet it caused Amber to swallow awkwardly.


    Outside the door, someone was whispering softly.


    Mabel looked up and, observing Amber''s action of swallowing, extended his finger towards her. Amber was taken aback. Here?


    "Don''t worry. No one will see us."


    Outside, the young man who had served them earlier, under the urging of his colleagues, was blushing as he prepared to open the door of the private room.


    His blood was like the most irresistible temptation to Amber.


    With her eyes slightly reddened, she pressed her lips against the wound.


    Mabel watched her cautious movements with a smile and softly said, "Don''t be afraid of hurting me. You can apply a bit more pressure."


    "But you...!"


    As if sensing her concerns, Mabel smiled gently. Listening to the commotion behind the door, he said in a low voice, "I''ve had my fill. Now... it''s my turn to feed you."


    The hand that was about to open the door trembled violently. The young man quickly scurried away, his face crimson with embarrassment.


    After just a few gentle licks, the wound ceased to bleed.


    Mabel observed her furrow her beautiful brows and stick out her delicate pink tongue. His eyes darkened instantly. "Doesn''t it taste good?"


    "No, it''s not that. These dishes don''t appeal to me."


    Amber pointed at the delectable cuisine on the table. "When your finger got some of the food on it earlier, I couldn''t discern any flavor."


    Mabel rose to his feet with a soft laugh. "I''m satisfied. Let''s be on our way."


    "Are you sure you''ve had enough, considering you ate so little?"


    Amber was genuinely puzzled. After all, he was a man. How could he consume less than the women she had encountered?


    "More than sufficient." Mabel opened the door and strode out.


    If he didn''t leave this place promptly, he wasn''t certain what imprudent actions he might be tempted to take.


    "Please be careful!" As this wish for a safe journey echoed, the young man who had served them earlier stood at the door, the flush still lingering on his face.


    As Amber stepped out, she turned her head slightly to glance back.


    The young man seemed on the verge of saying something. Mabel approached. Despite his tall and slender frame, at that moment, he exuded an imposing presence.


    With a sweep of his dark eyes, the flush drained from the young man''s face, and he even took a step backward.


    Even after Mabel and Amber had walked a considerable distance, the young man remained somewhat dazed.


    "Wow, her boyfriend seemed so shy and gentle at first glance, yet he''s surprisingly alluring."


    "Yeah, the things they said in that room were quite daring. He''s so uninhibited."


    "Maybe this is what they call a milk dog in front of people, a wolf dog behind people?"


    Listening to the teasing of his colleagues, the young man walked into the restroom with a pale face. He clenched his fists tightly, his hands still trembling uncontrollably.

 Chapter 13 The Gentle Kiss

    That night, the knocking on the door did not sound again, yet Mabel slept extremely restlessly.


    From time to time, there were sounds of him tossing and turning in bed, accompanied by faint sighs.


    Amber, who was working in the living room, initially paid no heed. However, when such noises persisted until 2 o''clock in the morning, she couldn''t help but get up and go over.


    The man on the bed had his back to her, his entire face buried in the quilt, and his body curled up into a ball.


    In the previous few nights, even with the knocking at midnight, he had slept more soundly than this.


    Soft whispers emanated from his side. Amber stood at the door and listened intently for a few minutes. The more she listened, the more she felt that something was amiss.


    It didn''t seem like he was simply having a nightmare.


    Confirming this, Amber quickly approached the bed. The moment her cold aura drew near, the man suddenly reached out his arm and firmly grasped her.


    "Don''t leave," he said, encircling her with his arm and pulling her directly into his embrace. "Please don''t leave me."


    Mabel''s head nestled against her, burying itself directly into her bosom. His arm tightened around her waist, and a trace of cool liquid trickled down his face, landing on Amber''s neck.


    There was a faint light outside, and Mabel''s handsome side profile was slightly revealed. Amber extended her fingers to touch it, and she felt the tears of a human.


    The man holding her pressed her tightly against him. The chaotic breathing and murmured words that had been there just moments ago vanished quickly after he nestled into her embrace.


    Just like in the previous nights when they had slept in each other''s arms, he was as docile as a sleeping cat in her embrace.


    Amber let out a sigh and could only lie there helplessly. However, the man''s arm around her waist was too tight, so Amber shifted her body slightly.


    Before she could move much, the pressure on her waist increased sharply.


    Amber''s black eyes narrowed slightly. It didn''t seem advisable to break his arm.


    With a muffled groan, her cold hand slowly reached up to the top of Mabel''s head. Amber stroked it somewhat clumsily. She vaguely remembered that Beta had kept a cat ten years ago and had stroked it in this very way.


    Whenever he stroked the cat''s head, it would lie there obediently, allowing him to play with it.


    Under such gentle strokes, the arm around Amber''s waist gradually loosened, and Mabel relaxed completely, leaning against her.


    His gentle breaths fanned out against Amber''s chest. His arm still did not move away but continued to keep her snugly in his embrace.


    Amber glanced at the alarm clock on the bedside table and then slowly closed her eyes.


    Crack!


    A sound suddenly rang out in the silent night.


    Amber''s eyes snapped open, and a hint of blood quickly welled up in her eyes.


    Crack, crack!


    It seemed that something was tapping on the window outside.


    Crack, crack, crack!


    This time, it wasn''t just the bedroom but also the living room.


    Mabel was awakened by the noise and furrowed his brows slightly. Before he could speak, Amber grabbed the blanket, lifted it, and covered him completely.


    "What''s going on!"


    Mabel''s voice came out muffled from under the blanket. Amber did not answer his question. Instead, she used her slender hand to pull him, blanket and all, and hoisted him onto her shoulder.


    "Amber?!"


    Mabel was completely wrapped in the blanket, and his voice was filled with panic. Amber pushed open the bedroom door and rushed towards the living room and then towards the front door.


    Crash!


    The sound of glass shattering filled the air, and two dark figures instantly rushed in!


    At that moment, Amber, wearing a set of pajamas and slippers, carried Mabel and ran out of the door!


    Despite carrying a man who was almost 1.8 meters tall, Amber still ran at a remarkable speed. Fortunately, it was late at night, and the only figure dashing through the staircase was hers.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    Mabel, who was wrapped in the blanket, seemed to realize that something was wrong and remained silent, allowing her to carry him all the way downstairs.


    From the staircase behind them, there were sounds of pursuit, moving at a rapid pace, accompanied by soft laughter.


    Amber''s expression turned cold. She had lost count of how many times she had been toyed with like this.


    She had been naive to think that Gramps'' warning would make them back off.


    Amber carried Mabel and rushed out of the building in a hurry. The pursuit behind them seemed to stop quietly.


    "It seems we''ve angered them, and they''re going even further," Amber said in a low voice. The blood in her eyes gradually faded. She was afraid that there might be their kind lying in wait in the parking lot, and she wasn''t going to walk right into a trap.


    The man wrapped in the blanket spoke up, "I... I''m having a bit of trouble breathing."


    Amber quickly put him down and yanked the blanket off him. There were many shards of broken glass on it.


    "I hope you''re not scratched, are you?"


    Amber''s eyes quickly scanned him. Mabel shook his head. "What was that all about just now?"


    "What do you think? They''ve come looking for us," Amber said, sounding a bit annoyed. Logically speaking, everyone understood without saying that no one would cause trouble in a vampire''s lair. But for her, this rule could be completely ignored.


    After all, a vampire under 50 years old was someone that anyone could step on.


    Her so-called lair was no longer safe.


    She could only go to Gramps. Otherwise... Mabel, being by her side, might not last more than a few days.


    "Come on, let''s go to a safe place," Amber said. Mabel let out a soft hum and obediently followed behind. However, it was Amber who stopped first.


    She turned around and saw the man''s bare feet.


    With a soft sigh, her cold body approached. Under the man''s shy and evasive gaze, she picked him up in her arms once again.


    "Are you worried that my feet will get scratched and bleed?"


    Mabel looked at her beautiful face and leaned his arm against her, as if being carried princess-style by a girl wasn''t something to be ashamed of.


    "Yes. Wounds on the feet are difficult to deal with, and... they don''t taste good," Amber said.


    Mabel let out a soft laugh and hummed in agreement. He wrapped his arms around her neck and buried his face in her cold neck.


    The quiet street was sparsely populated with passersby. Otherwise, there would surely be countless curious glances cast their way.


    A taxi pulled up in front of Amber. The driver watched as she deftly placed the man in her arms onto the back seat and couldn''t help but speak up.


    "You''re quite strong, young lady," the driver remarked.


    Amber got into the taxi as well and offered the driver a faint smile. "I''m into weightlifting," she replied.


    The driver gave her a thumbs-up. Amber provided an address, which was Beta''s.


    During the ride, Amber had intended to send Beta a message, but she realized she had left her phone behind. Mabel had his phone with him, but Amber couldn''t recall Beta''s exact number.


    "Here we are, young lady. This is an upscale community, and taxis aren''t allowed inside. You''ll have to walk from here," the driver said.


    "All right," Amber responded.


    She got out of the taxi and bent down to pick up Mabel again. She did it with such ease that there wasn''t even a moment''s hesitation. The driver, who was still sitting in the cab, was left gaping in astonishment.


    "Young girls these days are really something else," he muttered.


    The security guard at the entrance nodded at Amber as she approached. Amber returned the nod and carried Mabel inside.


    The man in her arms, as docile as a fawn, lifted his eyes slightly, and a hint of darkness shadowed his irises.


    They encountered no obstacles on their way. Amber correctly entered all the passcodes until they reached Beta''s door.


    Mabel stood beside her and watched as she entered a series of numbers. The door opened.


    The man''s eyes seemed to blend completely into the surrounding darkness.


    Amber pushed the door open and walked in, pulling Mabel along with her.


    The door opened to a pitch-black interior.


    A spacious living room lay before them, connected to an open kitchen.


    A man in a sharply tailored suit stood with his back to them in the kitchen. A woman, gasping for breath and with a flush on her face, was clinging to him.


    Long, slender fingers quickly covered Amber''s eyes and led her back a step.


    In the darkness, Beta, who was standing there, turned his head slightly. His eyes were filled with a menacing red glow, and his fangs were stained with fresh blood.


    Although her eyes were covered, Amber could smell the scent of blood and instantly understood the situation.


    She quickly stepped back, opened the door, and pulled Mabel out with her.


    Click.


    The door that had just been opened closed again, as if nothing had ever happened.


    There was no need to explain what was going on inside.


    Amber, standing outside the door, resembled a child who had been scolded by a teacher and sent out to stand in punishment. Mabel was completely shrouded in the darkness, with only his eyes shining with an enigmatic light.


    "Is that your... boyfriend?" Mabel asked.


    Amber was taken aback. A faint sound came from behind the door, and she furrowed her brows slightly. "No, I don''t have a partner," she replied.


    The intense darkness in Mabel''s eyes gradually faded. "Has Amber ever done something like that?" he asked.


    "Something like what?" Amber looked at him with a puzzled expression, noticing his slightly reddened handsome face and the faint glimmer in his eyes.


    "What''s happening behind this door," Mabel clarified.


    Amber fell silent for a moment. She let out a soft sigh. "No, I haven''t. I prefer biting into blood bags. I''m not into embracing people," she said.


    "Is it more enjoyable to drink blood this way?" Mabel inquired.


    Amber raised an eyebrow. She didn''t see anything wrong with the question and simply attributed it to his curiosity. "Maybe. After all, the human blood is flowing the fastest and the person is most excited at this time. The taste of the blood might be different from usual," she speculated.


    Just as she noticed his eyes flickering a few more times, the door opened. The red glow in Beta''s eyes hadn''t faded, and he hadn''t even retracted his fangs.


    Before Amber could speak, Beta, as if anticipating her words, shot her a cold glance. "Next door. The passcode is the same," he said.


    Bang!


    The door closed again, and it seemed that even louder sounds were coming from inside.


    Amber was startled. She grabbed Mabel and quickly made her way to the next door. She opened it, then closed it behind them.


    Without turning on the lights, Amber sank into the large sofa, letting out a long sigh of relief.


    She finally felt that she could get a good night''s sleep on Beta''s turf.


    "Go to bed. It''s safe here," Amber said from the depths of the sofa, sounding as if she had no intention of getting up. When she didn''t hear any movement from Mabel, she quickly sat up.


    However, as she lifted her body, she accidentally bumped into his handsome face, which had leaned in closer.


    Their breaths were now only a hair''s breadth apart.


    His warm lips gently pressed against her forehead. Before Amber could react, he pulled away.


    His tall figure pushed open a door in the darkness and disappeared inside. Amber sat on the sofa, her hand instinctively reaching up to touch her forehead.


    It seemed that the warmth of his touch still lingered there.

 Chapter 14 Not Bad, Youve Grown Up

    Without Amber having to say a word, the items from her previous residence were quickly packed and delivered.


    Beta didn''t even make an appearance. Looking at the numerous packed boxes, Amber twitched the corners of her mouth. As expected of Gramps.


    Amber first took out her phone and computer. Then, she quickly pulled out a set of clothes, changed into them, and immediately opened the door and walked out.


    Mabel would be safe on Beta''s territory.


    She no longer needed to constantly stay by his side, which was truly a relief for Amber.


    "Amber, you''re finally back at work?"


    Amber, who hadn''t been to the company for several days, was greeted with much concern as soon as she showed up. She had taken a leave of absence for nearly ten days on the pretext of being sick.


    Fortunately, she had always completed her work well and efficiently, and she had a good rapport with her colleagues, so she hadn''t been the subject of gossip.


    "Are you feeling any better? You still don''t seem to have fully recovered. Do you want to take a few more days off?"


    "No, I''m much better now."


    Amber took a seat. When she left, Mabel didn''t seem to have woken up yet. She sent him a message telling him not to go out unless necessary.


    She also sent a message to Beta. After waiting for a long time, neither of them replied to her.


    Mabel might still be asleep, but Beta...


    Amber twitched the corners of her mouth. This wasn''t the first time she had interrupted such a situation. The first time, she had been so flustered that she had accidentally bumped into the door frame when she ran out, and Beta had laughed at her for a long time.


    He, who had lived for 300 years, had told her that savoring food was an art, and one should consume the most delicious food at the optimal moment.


    In the end, Beta had laughed and gently patted the top of Amber''s head.


    "Kiddo, you''d better stick to your blood bags."


    Amber looked at her phone. Gramps strongly disliked being disturbed while savoring his food. If it weren''t for her, the person who disturbed him would have been thrown out.


    "Changing partners so often. Aren''t you afraid of overindulging?" Amber murmured softly, focusing on her work.


    "Amber, come here for a moment."


    Alva pushed open the door and called out. Amber quickly went in. It was obvious that she was a bit dejected about not having signed Mabel''s new book.


    "This is a new author we''ve signed on a short-term contract. You''ll be responsible for following up with him and urging him to submit his manuscript on time."


    "All right."This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    Amber took the document and heard Alva let out a sigh. "I had high hopes for Mabel. As expected... our reputation is still too small."


    "Alva, just keep trying next time."


    "Okay, go and get to work."


    Amber pushed the door open and happened to bump into a colleague head-on. She could have easily dodged, but that speed was clearly beyond what a human should be capable of.


    "Ah, I''m so sorry, Amber. Did I hurt you?"


    The colleague quickly apologized and instinctively reached out to help her up. Amber quickly stepped back. "It''s okay. I need to get back to work."


    She hurried back to her seat, still preoccupied with her phone. Still, no one had sent her a message.


    A busy day passed, and at 8 o''clock in the evening, Amber returned to the place next door that Beta had prepared for her.


    She looked at Beta''s door, let out a sigh, and decided to wait for Gramps to calm down.


    She pushed open the door. The boxes in the living room were still arranged as they were when she left, but all the lights in the house were on.


    From the room where Mabel was, there were faint sounds of keyboard tapping and a phone call.


    Amber continued to unpack the things that had been delivered. After checking the time, she got up and walked into the bathroom.


    The house that Beta had prepared for her was exactly the same as his, with the same layout. It was spacious, bright, and fully furnished.


    Amber stood in the cold water, listening to the sounds outside. Mabel seemed to be having a phone seminar, and the discussion was still going on.


    A faint sense of hunger came from her stomach. Amber furrowed her brows slightly. Had she already become hungry after just a day and a half?


    As if to overcome this hunger, the sound of the running water intensified, and the cold water continued to rush over her.


    Outside, Mabel walked out of the room and saw the coat placed on the sofa. For a moment, there was a flash of surprise in his eyes.


    He hadn''t seen her all day, and now, she was finally back.


    His slender fingers picked up her coat, but the moment he brought it to his nose, his hand froze in mid-air.


    The man slowly narrowed his eyes. Why did her clothes carry the scent of someone else?


    "Ah, is your phone discussion over?"


    Amber emerged from the bathroom with slightly damp hair. Mabel stood beside the sofa and smiled faintly at her. "Yes, it''s over. Did you just get back?"


    "Yes. I''ll continue to unpack. You should go to bed early," Amber said as she walked over, bypassing Mabel directly. The man''s fingers gently grasped her wrist. "Did you go anywhere else today?" he asked.


    Amber turned her head. Mabel''s eyes were fixed on her. With a gentle tug, he pulled her into his embrace.


    "Mabel?"


    Amber quickly stepped back and leaned against the sofa behind her.


    His arms then dropped, resting on the sofa on either side of her. He slightly lowered his body, forcing her to lean further back.


    "Do you like men''s perfume?" he asked softly, his eyes never leaving hers. "It''s just that this scent doesn''t quite suit you."


    "What men''s perfume..." Amber remembered bumping into someone during the day. Perhaps she had accidentally picked up the scent then. But was his sense of smell too sharp?


    "You..." Amber furrowed her brows. Only then did Mabel step back, giving her the space to stand up straight.


    "Are you hungry?"


    His slender fingers tugged at his collar a few times, revealing his fair neck.


    Mabel stood there with moist eyes. He took a slight step back and leaned against the counter in the middle of the open kitchen.


    Amber looked at the exposed neck. The sound of the blood flowing beneath it was truly wonderful.


    Mabel slightly spread his arms, adopting a posture of being at her disposal.


    As if under a spell, Amber walked over.


    The man''s dark eyes drooped slightly, and he took the opportunity to pull her into his arms. The moment her fangs emerged, his thin lips pressed against hers.


    A wound opened on his lips, and blood gushed out. Amber desperately sucked at it. Mabel, from whom she was feeding, had a slightly reddened handsome face. He placed his hand on the back of her head, not allowing her to pull away.


    Blood trickled down from his fair skin and dripped onto his clothes. Amber gasped for breath and pulled away from his lips, then bit into his neck.


    With a muffled groan, Mabel lifted her up by the waist.


    Click.


    At that moment, the door was opened. A figure entered silently. Looking at the embracing couple, there was no change in expression.


    Beta leaned against the door. His dark eyes behind the glasses were fixed on Amber, who was lost in the taste of Mabel''s blood, watching as her small fangs pierced the fair skin.


    And her eyes, which were gradually turning red from the blood.


    Beta slowly raised the corners of his mouth. "Not bad, Kiddo. You''ve grown up."