Raina's POV

A cold chill ran up my spine, choking the breath from my lungs. The vampire stood unnervingly still, his gaze locked onto mine with an intensity that sent my instincts screaming. Every muscle in my body tensed, but I couldn't move, fear rooting me in place.

Mel.

The name curled around me like a whispered curse. I didn't know any Mel. At least, I didn't think I did. But the way he said it—like it was a name that belonged to me—sent a ripple of unease through me.

I forced myself to speak, drawing in a shaky breath. “You've got the wrong person.”

His lips curled, his fangs gleaming under the pale morning light. “No, I don't.”

My pulse thundered in my ears, my mind racing through options. Run? Scream? Attack? None of them seemed wise against a creature that had already proven it could kill. And from last night's research, I was outmatched in strength and speed. I didn't stand a chance.

“What do you want?” I asked, stalling for time.

The vampire titled his head slightly, his blackened veins pulsing as if something dark and unnatural ran beneath his skin. “So the rumors are true?” he murmured, almost to himself, disappointment flickering in his tone.

My chest tightened. “What rumours?”

“Hmm. Was that the price? Losing your memories?”

I gritted my teeth, irritation replacing fear. I hated feeling lost, like I was being played with.

“What the hell are you tal—”

Before I could finish, the vampire moved. My mouth opened to scream, thinking he was about to sink his fangs into me. But the sound caught in my throat as his lips—cold and soft—connected with mine.

I froze, my body suddenly reacting on sheer will. My hands tangled in his hair as I pulled him closer, letting my tongue roam freely in his mouth. The taste of iron lingered, sending a jolt through me.

The vampire abruptly pulled back, pushing me away with a bewildered look. “Something is wrong,” he stated, eyeing me intently.

I barely heard him. My mind was hazy, body aching to close the distance between us again. I moved toward him, but he took a step back.

“What did you do, Mel?”

Before I could answer, a voice called behind me. “Raina, is that you?”

I turned to find my co-worker, James, standing at the entrance with a garbage bag in hand, adjusting his glasses. “Who are you talking to?”

Remembering the vampire, I glanced back—but he was gone. Only a gust of wind remained, whipping my hair into my face.

“What the hell just happened?” I muttered, the burning need fading into an unsettling cringe.

James walked up to me, scanning the lot. “Raina, are you okay? I swear I saw you talking to someone.

“No,” I lied. “Just thinking.”

“Hmm.” He didn’t look convinced. “Well, better head inside. The manager’s been asking for you. I think you might be in trouble this time.”

“Great.”

I quickly closed my gas tank, throwing one last glance over my shoulder before heading inside.

“That's three times this week, Raina.” Frank frowned, leaning back in his chair.

“I can explain. My bike—”

“You told me you had it fixed two days ago.”

I paused, coming up with another excuse. “I did. But haven’t you heard? One of our honorary customers, Miss Agnes, went missing. Since I was the last person to see her, the police had questions.”

Frank scrutinized me. “Always an excuse with you.”

“Hey, it's not my fault things keep happening.”

He shot me a look, shutting me up. I avoided his gaze, focusing on anything but him.

“Fine. You can leave,” he sighed. “But one more strike, and that's it.”

I paused mid-stand. “You'd really fire me?”

“If you’re late again.” He returned to his paperwork, dismissing me.

“Wow.”

I walked out, heading for the dispatch room. The place was already bustling.

“Look, everyone, the boss has arrived,” Ava called, glancing at her empty wrist. “Over two hours late to give us our orders.”

I rolled my eyes. “Maybe if you saved up for a watch, you wouldn’t have to fake-check the time.”

Laughter rippled through the room, making Ava fume. I blew her a kiss, grabbed my list, and left. Somehow, she had it in her head that Frank and I had a thing. If she’d just talk to me instead of acting like a child, she’d know I wanted nothing to do with him. I wasn’t one to date my boss.

I picked up my packages. The first delivery was to some teenagers, which meant no tip. Great.

After that, I avoided a fight with two other rude customers before returning for my last package. On my way out again, I bumped into Ava. She smirked, brushing me on the shoulder as she walked past.

Suspicion gnawed at me, but I had bigger things to worry about. Like whether the vampire would still show up after our weird encounter this morning.

I secured my package, hopped onto my bike, and took off. Today's traffic was heavy, but I weaved through, glancing at my watch. I wasn’t behind schedule yet.

I pulled up to a bungalow, a German shepherd chained to the porch, It barked but wagged its tail.

“Hey, Max. Want some treats?” I tossed him a bone from my pocket. He devoured it without hesitation. “Good boy.” I scratched behind his ear, then rang the doorbell.

After delivering the package—and receiving a generous tip—I climbed back onto my bike. Loosening my ponytail, I let my hair flow in the night breeze.

The bridge road was open. No speed limits.

I set a timer, smirking as I took off. The wind rushed past, hair whipping behind me, my cap keeping it in place.

“Whoo!” I shouted into the wind, letting go of the handle bars for a split second.

This was the best part of my job.

I laughed to myself, raising my face to feel the wind in it.

Then I heard it.

A horn. Blaring.

No headlights. No sign of where it was coming from.

I hit the brakes—nothing.

I tried again. But it didn’t work.

My heart lurched. “Damn you, Ava!”

The truck came into view, barreling toward me. The driver was distracted, arguing with his pregnant wife.

“Hey!” I waved frantically.

Too late.

I swerved, crashing into the bridge’s side. The impact flung me over the edge.

A scream barely escaped my lips before the river swallowed me whole.

I couldn’t swim.

Lower and lower, I sank, swallowing mouthfuls as I struggled.

The water stung my eyes. My lungs burned.

Then—something fell from the sky.

A splash.

I reached out, fingers brushing against something solid. My vision blurred, but I recognized the eerie, empty void of nothingness staring back at me.

I blinked, trying to hold onto him, just as the last of my air escaped. My grip faltered, and I slipped away, drifting into the comforting embrace of darkness.