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The bar reeked of alcohol, the place filled with people in all sorts of costumes. Some wore them purely for the Halloween spirit—scary outfits that fit the holiday perfectly—while others clearly couldn’t be bothered, throwing on animal ear headbands and calling it a day.
The Last Drop—all thanks to Powder’s brilliant idea—had decided that their staff should join in on the Halloween fun, encouraging everyone to show up in costume.
And really, who even enjoys working on a holiday? Vi would’ve much rather been at home, feet propped on her coffee table, munching on cheesy chips while watching horror movies. But nope—apparently, when you’re part of the family business, you don’t get vacations.
Which was why Vi had half-heartedly ordered a cheap costume online: werewolf ears, a tail, and a pair of plastic fangs, just enough to make it look like she’d tried.
Now, she was standing behind the bar, rag in hand, regretting her life choices. The flashing lights blinded her, the smell of beer and sweat gave her a headache, and she couldn’t remember who ordered which drink.
Wait, she thought, wiping down a shot glass. Was this whiskey for the zombie or the witch?
Just then, Powder came skipping up, chewing on a piece of candy. She nudged Vi playfully, a devious smirk spreading across her lips as she kept munching.
“Heya, sis! Why so gloom?” she teased, eyes scanning the crowd. Then, without missing a beat, she added, “When’s the last time you got laid?”
Vi’s eyes widened, and she immediately put the shot glass down on the counter. “Powder!” she hissed, crossing her arms and arching a brow.
Powder only grinned wider. “What? I’m just saying, you look tense. Maybe you need a little—” she made a vague gesture with her hands “—stress relief.”
Vi groaned, rubbing her temple. “You’re unbelievable.”
“Thank you,” Powder said sweetly, popping another candy into her mouth. “But seriously, you’ve been cranky all week. Maybe someone needs to—”
“Don’t. Finish. That. Sentence.”
“Fine, fine," Powder snorted, clearly amused. "But you know, most women only enjoy Halloween because they get to dress up and seduce poor single women like you.”
Vi groaned, dragging a hand down her face. “Powder, I swear—”
“Relax!” Powder cut her off, grinning like a devil. “I’m just helping you out. You never know, sis, maybe tonight’s the night you finally stop being so… tense.”
Before Vi could even roll her eyes, Powder pulled something from her pocket—a candy necklace, the pastel beads clinking together as she dangled it in front of Vi’s face.
Vi stared. “…What the hell is that?”
“A gift,” Powder said proudly, looping it around Vi’s neck before she could protest. “See? Now you’ve got a costume accessory. Cute and edible. It’s called multitasking.”
Vi looked down at the candy sitting against her collarbone, then back at her sister with the deadest stare she could muster. “You’re unbelievable.”
“Yeah, but I’m right.” Powder winked, leaning closer with a conspiratorial whisper. “Besides, it’ll give the girls something to bite on.”
“Powder!”
Powder burst out laughing, doubling over against the counter while Vi tried not to laugh herself.
“Oh, come on, it’s funny!” Powder gasped between giggles. “And it matches your whole werewolf thing. You’re like… a sexy wolf with snacks.”
“Yeah, real intimidating,” Vi muttered, tugging at the necklace, though she didn’t take it off.
Powder’s laughter softened into a smug smile. “You’ll thank me later, big sis.”
Caitlyn couldn’t wait to leave.
Mel and Jayce had dragged her along to this bar in Zaun, insisting that she needed a night out—“Come on, Cait, it’s Halloween! You can’t spend it reading reports again!” Mel had said, all charm and determination.
So here she was. In The Last Drop. Surrounded by drunk strangers in cheap costumes and neon lights that gave her a migraine.
And to make matters worse, Mel had picked out her costume.
A vampire.
Not the dramatic kind from the old novels she secretly enjoyed—no, this one was far too suggestive. A fitted black corset that cinched her waist, a long slit skirt that brushed against her thighs when she moved, and a velvet cape that was more decorative than practical. A subtle pair of fangs completed the look, though she’d drawn the line at the glittery fake blood Mel tried to add.
“You look terrifyingly good,” Jayce had said when she’d stepped out.
Caitlyn had only rolled her eyes. “I look and feel ridiculous.”
Now, sitting at the bar with an untouched glass of wine, she tapped her manicured fingers against the rim, counting the minutes until she could politely excuse herself.
That was when her gaze wandered.
Behind the counter, a woman moved with lazy efficiency—cleaning glasses, pouring drinks, flashing smiles that didn’t quite reach her eyes. Pink hair poked out from under a pair of fuzzy wolf ears, and the fake tail clipped to her belt swayed as she turned. The dim light glinted against the metal of her piercings and the edge of her tattoos that disappeared beneath rolled-up sleeves.
Caitlyn blinked.
The woman’s outfit was simple, cheap, even half-assed—but gods, she pulled it off. There was something magnetic about her—the kind of confidence that came from not caring what anyone thought.
The werewolf had a white tank top on, black jorts with a noticeable carabiner hanging onto the belt loop. She also had a black leather jacket on, and when she turned around, Caitlyn could clearly see the two wild looking dogs printed behind her jacket.
It suited her, Caitlyn thought. The chaos, the bite, the don’t mess with me energy that radiated off her even as she wiped down the counter.
The werewolf’s jaw flexed slightly as she worked, her expression caught somewhere between bored and irritated. But even in that, Caitlyn found something captivating—the kind of raw, unpolished beauty that came from not trying too hard.
And it was clear that Caitlyn wasn’t the only one captivated by the werewolf’s charisma.
A blonde woman sauntered up to the bar, hips swaying a little too deliberately. Her corset was light blue and far too tight, squeezing her waist until Caitlyn wondered how she was even breathing. A glittery skirt hung unevenly from her hips, and her hair—tied into a high bun—was coming loose at the sides.
A poor attempt at Cinderella, Caitlyn thought dryly, swirling the wine in her glass. No fairy godmother could save that one.
Caitlyn’s eyes flicked back to the werewolf behind the bar—Vi, according to the small nametag pinned askew to her jacket. She was leaning forward, listening as Cinderella giggled and brushed her fingers against Vi’s wrist in what was clearly not an accident.
Vi didn’t pull away.
Her smile was easy, practiced—the kind she probably gave to every flirtatious customer. Still, something in Caitlyn’s chest tightened at the sight. Irritation? Amusement? She wasn’t sure.
Cinderella leaned closer, whispering something that made Vi chuckle under her breath. The sound was low and rough, and Caitlyn found herself gripping the stem of her glass a little tighter than she meant to.
“Oh, this should be good,” she muttered, watching Vi pour the blonde another drink.
The glass slid across the counter, smooth and effortless, but the way Vi’s lips quirked at the corner told Caitlyn she was fully aware of the effect she had.
And gods, did she have it.
Caitlyn took a slow sip, eyes never leaving the bar. The neon lights painted the werewolf in pink and purple hues, the candy necklace catching the glow each time she moved.
Then Cinderella made her move, giggling before coming closer, taking a bite off Vi's candy necklace.
The vampire smiled faintly into her drink.
Oh, how bold, Caitlyn thought, amusement curling at the edge of her lips as she watched the scene unfold. The blonde laughed, clearly pleased with herself, while Vi froze for half a heartbeat—eyes flicking down to the bitten candy, then up at the woman leaning far too close.
It was subtle, but Caitlyn caught it—the slight raise of Vi’s brow, the slow exhale through her nose. A polite smile, nothing more. She wasn’t into it. The werewolf had the patience of a saint, though, offering a half-hearted laugh before smoothly stepping back and pretending to busy herself with a row of glasses behind the bar.
Cinderella, unfortunately, didn’t take the hint. She tried to follow, resting her elbows on the counter, her cleavage pressed against the edge as she purred something too low for Caitlyn to hear.
Caitlyn tipped her glass toward the two of them, lips quirking. Desperate little thing, aren’t you?
Her amusement shifted to something else entirely when Vi turned again—head tilted, pink hair slipping forward as she leaned in to say something that made Cinderella pout dramatically. Then Vi smiled. A real one this time, sharp and quick. The kind that said, I’m being nice, but you’re pushing it.
And gods, it suited her.
Before Caitlyn realized it, her feet were already moving. She rose from her stool, smoothing the fabric of her skirt as her cape slid from her shoulders like shadow. The crowd parted easily for her—Zaunites instinctively giving space to the tall, pale woman with the calm, predatory gaze.
When she reached the bar, she didn’t hesitate. She stepped right into the space between Cinderella and Vi, the faintest smile playing on her lips as she set her empty glass down on the counter.
“Another glass of red,” she said smoothly, her tone polite but unmistakably claiming attention.
Vi blinked at her, caught between surprise and intrigue.
Cinderella bristled, clearly unimpressed by being cut off. “Excuse me, I was talking to her,” she snapped, tossing her hair.
Caitlyn turned to her, the motion slow and deliberate. “And I’m sure she was thrilled,” she replied, voice calm but edged like glass. “But you seem to have taken quite a bite already.” Her eyes flicked to the candy necklace.
Cinderella’s mouth fell open. Vi nearly choked on a laugh but covered it with a cough.
Caitlyn smiled sweetly, fangs catching the light as she added, “You might want to leave something for the rest of us.”
For a beat, silence hung between them—the vampire’s smirk, the werewolf’s barely-contained laughter, and Cinderella’s indignant flush. Then the blonde huffed, muttered something under her breath, and stormed off into the crowd.
“Anyway,” Caitlyn said, resting her hands on the counter. “I’d like my glass of red now.”
Vi smirked, reaching for a wine glass. “What type of red are we talkin’ about, vampire?” she teased, eyes shamelessly trailing over Caitlyn’s corset before meeting her gaze again. “The type that comes in bottles or the type you have to suck outta a person’s neck?”
Caitlyn’s smile was small, sharp. “Depends. Are you volunteering?”
Vi froze for a split second—just long enough for Caitlyn to notice the slight hitch in her breath—before she recovered with a grin that was all teeth. “Bold of you to assume I’d make it that easy.”
“Oh, I don’t assume,” Caitlyn murmured, leaning forward slightly, her voice dipping low. “I take.”
Vi let out a quiet chuckle, shaking her head as she reached for the bottle. “You Piltover types really know how to talk, huh?”
“And you Zaunites,” Caitlyn countered, “are really entertaining.”
The cork popped, sharp and quick. Vi poured the wine with a steady hand, the deep red liquid catching the glow of the neon lights before she slid the glass across the counter.
Caitlyn took the glass, her fingers brushing Vi’s. “Thank you,” she said softly, taking a sip without breaking eye contact. Then her gaze flicked down—to the pastel candy necklace resting against Vi’s throat.
A smirk ghosted across her lips. “Cute.”
“Yeah?” Vi asked, voice a little lower now. “Think it suits me?”
Caitlyn leaned forward, slow and deliberate, close enough for Vi to catch the faint scent of her perfume—something dark and floral. “I think…” she murmured, her voice like silk, “…it’s a little sweet for you.”
Before Vi could reply, Caitlyn tilted her head and, with the barest brush of her lips, bit off one of the candies near Vi’s collarbone. The string shifted slightly with the movement, and Vi went perfectly still.
Caitlyn straightened, chewing the candy with an infuriating calm. “Not bad,” she said, turning her glass in hand. “You have good taste.”
Vi blinked, still processing. “You just—”
“Have a lovely evening, wolf.”
And with that, Caitlyn turned on her heel and walked back into the crowd, her dark cape trailing behind her—leaving Vi standing behind the bar, wide-eyed, the faintest flush on her cheeks and a bite mark in her candy necklace.
Vi just stood there, dumbstruck.
The vampire was gone—vanished into the crowd like a shadow slipping between the strobe lights—but Vi could still feel her. The ghost of her perfume lingered in the air, heady and distracting, mixing with the scent of cheap beer and smoke.
She blinked once. Then twice. Looked down.
Sure enough, there it was—a missing candy bead right near her collarbone. The string hung a little loose, the gap small but obvious.
“…She actually bit it,” Vi muttered under her breath, dragging a hand down her face.
Powder appeared beside her like an omen, leaning against the counter with a mischievous grin. “So, uh,” she began, eyes flicking to the necklace, “did someone just take a nibble?”
“Don’t start,” Vi warned, already feeling the heat creep up her neck.
“Oh, I’m definitely starting,” Powder said, practically bouncing in place. “Who was it? Wait—was it that tall vampire chick? The one with the legs that go on forever?”
“Powder—”
“She bit you!” Powder laughed, slapping the counter. “Oh my god, Vi, she bit you!”
“She bit a piece of candy,” Vi corrected, voice flat.
“From your neck.” Powder leaned in, smirking. “That’s basically foreplay.”
Vi groaned. “Can you not—”
“Oh, I can,” Powder cut her off, grinning ear to ear. “You’re blushing, wolf girl.”
Vi busied herself wiping down the counter again, trying to look casual, but the way her hand trembled slightly betrayed her. “She was just messin’ around. Probably one of those high-society types who likes makin’ a scene.”
“Mmhmm,” Powder said, clearly not buying it. “And you’re just wiping down the same spot on the counter for the last thirty seconds because…?”
Vi stopped mid-wipe, scowled, and threw the rag at her. “Go hand out candy or somethin’.”
Powder caught it easily, still smirking. “Fine. But if she comes back, I’m telling everyone you got bitten by a vampire.”
“Out!”
Powder laughed her way into the crowd, leaving Vi standing there, still trying to shake the image from her head—the way the vampire had leaned in so slowly, the way her eyes had glinted with mischief, the faint pressure of her lips as she’d bitten down on the candy.
Vi exhaled, low and rough. “What the hell just happened,” she muttered, rubbing the back of her neck.
And yet, despite herself, she couldn’t help it—the corner of her mouth tugged upward.
That vampire had fangs, alright.
And she’d sunk them straight into Vi’s composure.
Caitlyn slipped back through the crowd, weaving past pirates, ghosts, and half-dressed angels until she finally spotted Mel and Jayce still seated at their table near the back. Mel was nursing a martini, posture effortlessly poised even among the chaos, while Jayce was halfway through convincing a man dressed as a banana to arm wrestle him.
Caitlyn sighed. Of course he is.
“Ah, there she is,” Mel said smoothly when Caitlyn reappeared, raising an elegant brow. “We were starting to think you’d been lured away by something more… enticing.”
Caitlyn set her glass down and slid back into her seat, careful to keep her expression neutral. “Just needed a refill,” she replied evenly.
Mel’s lips curved. “And did you find a particularly charming bartender to assist you?”
Jayce perked up instantly. “Wait—was it the one with the pink hair? She looks like she could throw me across the room.”
Caitlyn took a slow sip from her glass, ignoring the way her heart gave a tiny, traitorous flutter at the mention. “Possibly.”
“Possibly?” Mel echoed, amused. “You’ve got that look, Caitlyn. The one you get when you’ve spotted something—or someone—you can’t quite resist studying.”
Caitlyn arched a brow, pretending not to understand. “You’re imagining things.”
Mel smirked, swirling her drink lazily. “Mm. I don’t imagine much.”
Jayce leaned forward, grinning like an idiot. “So? What happened? You talk to her? You get her name?”
“Vi,” Caitlyn said before she could stop herself.
Both Mel’s brows lifted now. “Vi. Short. Simple. Dangerous.” She tilted her head, studying Caitlyn like she was reading her next move. “And judging by your tone, she left an impression.”
Caitlyn huffed softly, feigning disinterest as she adjusted her cape. “She was… memorable, I suppose.”
Jayce blinked. “Memorable how?”
Caitlyn hesitated, eyes flicking briefly toward the bar. From where she sat, she could just make out Vi’s silhouette—broad shoulders, the flash of pink hair under the neon, and the faint glint of the candy necklace now missing one bead.
Caitlyn smirked faintly into her drink. “She has a certain bite to her.”
Mel caught it immediately, her grin positively feline. “Oh, you didn’t.”
Jayce looked between them, completely lost. “Wait—what? What bite? What’s happening?”
Caitlyn merely leaned back, taking another sip of her wine, her tone smooth as silk. “Nothing of importance.”
Mel’s laughter was soft but knowing. “Oh, darling, it’s definitely something.”
Caitlyn ignored her, eyes drifting once more toward the bar. Vi was laughing now—something the girl with electric blue hair had said, probably—and even from across the room, Caitlyn could see the curve of her smile.
And for reasons she didn’t dare unpack, she found herself smiling too.
Perhaps Mel had been right. Maybe this night hadn’t been such a terrible idea after all.
Vi wiped down the counter for what felt like the tenth time that hour, the rag in her hand serving as an excuse to look busy while her eyes kept darting toward the crowd.
She didn’t even know why she cared this much. There were plenty of people dressed up tonight—half of them showing skin, the other half trying too hard—but none of them looked like her.
The vampire.
Vi smirked to herself at the thought, replaying the moment in her head. The confident way Caitlyn had leaned on the counter, those piercing blue eyes, and that sly little smirk right before she leaned in—before her teeth sank into a piece of candy hanging around Vi’s neck.
That single bite had ruined Vi’s entire night in the best possible way.
She’d felt the brush of Caitlyn’s breath against her skin, smelled her perfume—clean, sharp, and expensive. And then the woman just… walked away like she hadn’t just made Vi’s knees go weak behind the bar.
Now, an hour later, Vi found herself scanning every corner of the room, half annoyed, half desperate.
Powder noticed, of course. “Still lookin’ for your bloodsucker?” she asked, sliding a tray of drinks toward a waiting patron.
Vi made a face. “What? No. I’m workin’.”
“Uh-huh,” Powder said, smirking. “And that’s why you’ve been cleaning the same damn spot for ten minutes.”
Vi looked down—and sure enough, she was.
“Shut up,” she muttered, tossing the rag aside. “Maybe she left.”
Powder’s grin widened. “Or maybe she’s playin’ hard to get.”
Vi leaned on the counter, eyes flicking toward the tables again. “Yeah? Then she’s doin’ a damn good job of it.”
The lights shifted again, casting purple and red shadows across the bar. Laughter, clinking glasses, and the distant bass of some Zaunian remix filled the air—but none of it mattered.
Not when, across the room, Vi finally caught a glimpse of something familiar.
Dark hair. Pale skin. That sharp, elegant posture that made her stand out like a star in a smog-filled sky.
Caitlyn.
Vi froze mid-step, bottle still in hand.
There she was—leaning casually against the wall near the bathrooms, half in shadow, the dim purple light outlining her silhouette. The cape draped elegantly off one shoulder, her fangs glinting faintly when she tilted her head just so.
And she was staring.
Directly at Vi.
For a second, Vi forgot how to breathe. The noise of the bar faded—the music, the chatter, Powder yelling at someone for spilling a drink—it all blurred into nothing. The only thing that existed in that moment was the vampire’s gaze, steady and deliberate, pinning her in place.
Caitlyn’s lips curled into the faintest smirk, the kind that wasn’t meant to be seen from across a room but Vi saw it anyway. It was the same one she’d worn when she’d bitten off that candy earlier—confident, knowing, dangerous.
Shit, Vi thought, heat creeping up her neck.
She swallowed hard, trying to play it cool. Tried to move, but her body wasn’t listening.
Caitlyn took one slow step backwards, her eyes never leaving Vi’s. Even in the flickering light, she looked composed, like she owned every inch of the space around her.
Then she disappeared into the bathroom.
Vi was enchanted. Absolutely enticed.
She didn't even notice her feet walking forward, following her vampire into the bathroom.
The moment she pushed the door open, the noise of the bar dulled into a low hum. The air inside was cooler, scented faintly with cheap perfume and the sharp tang of alcohol. A few women were fixing their makeup by the mirrors, but Vi’s eyes instantly found her.
Caitlyn stood near the sink, cape slightly pulled back, dark curls falling loose around her shoulders. She was fixing her lipstick with slow, steady precision—until her gaze flicked up, meeting Vi’s through the mirror.
For a moment, neither of them said anything.
Then, that faint, knowing smile appeared on Caitlyn’s lips. “Following me, are we?”
Vi leaned a shoulder against the doorframe, smirk playing on her face. “Maybe. You left kind of suddenly.”
Caitlyn capped her lipstick, turning to face her fully. “I thought I’d freshen up. Didn’t realize you made house calls.”
Vi chuckled under her breath, eyes flicking over her outfit. “Well, what can I say? You’re hard to ignore, vampire.”
Caitlyn arched a brow, amusement softening her expression. “Flattery will get you nowhere.”
“Didn’t say I was trying to get somewhere,” Vi said, stepping closer. “Just stating facts.”
Caitlyn’s gaze dropped briefly to the candy necklace still sitting against Vi’s collarbone—one of the beads missing where she’d bitten earlier. Her lips curved slightly. “So, no else dared to take a bite?"
Vi shrugged, grin tugging at her mouth. "Yeah, well, no one else was worth giving it to."
Caitlyn's composure almost cracked.
Almost.
Her delicate fingers traced Vi’s bicep, slow and deliberate—like she was testing how real the muscle beneath her touch was. Her gaze followed the movement, lingering not on Vi’s face but on her throat, where the faint shimmer of the candy necklace caught the dim bathroom light.
Caitlyn tilted her head, eyes dark with something dangerously close to hunger. “Is that so?" She murmured, her voice soft but threaded with amusement.
Vi swallowed, pulse kicking up. “Yeah." she managed, her usual confidence wavering under that sharp, unbreaking stare.
“Hm.” Caitlyn’s eyes flicked up to meet hers, a teasing glint dancing behind them. “You’re practically inviting trouble.”
Vi’s lips quirked into a grin. “That’s the point.”
That earned her the faintest smirk—then, without breaking eye contact, Caitlyn leaned in and bit off another piece of candy from Vi’s necklace, her breath ghosting warm against Vi’s skin.
By the time she pulled back, Vi’s heartbeat was thundering in her ears, and Caitlyn looked entirely too pleased with herself.
Her hand traveled up to Vi’s hair, fingers threading through pink strands before her thumb began to run slowly along the shaved side of Vi’s head. The motion was deliberate—gentle, almost affectionate—but there was something dangerous in the way her touch lingered.
“Desperate for attention, are you, pup?” Caitlyn murmured, voice low and steady, laced with teasing dominance.
Vi’s breath caught. Her hands twitched at her sides, the cocky grin she tried to muster faltering for a beat. “You think I came in here just for you, fangs?” she managed, her tone somewhere between playful and defensive.
Caitlyn tilted her head, eyes gleaming with amusement. “Oh, I don’t think,” she said softly, leaning closer, her words brushing against Vi’s jaw like a threat disguised as a whisper. “I know.”
Vi chuckled under her breath, though her heart was beating a little too fast. “And if I was?”
Caitlyn’s smile curved, dangerous and deliberate. Her thumb brushed lower, tracing the line of Vi’s pulse. “Then I’d say you’re doing a terrible job at pretending otherwise.”
Caitlyn looped a finger around Vi’s candy necklace, tugging it just enough to pull her a little closer. The pastel beads pressed lightly against Vi’s throat, the tension between them sharp and electric.
Her eyes—icy, unrelenting blue—finally met Vi’s. For a moment, neither of them spoke. The world outside the bathroom seemed to fade away, leaving only the faint buzz of neon lights and the pounding in Vi’s chest.
“This all for me?” Caitlyn asked at last, voice smooth as silk, edged with a quiet challenge.
Vi’s lips twitched into a crooked grin, trying to play it cool despite the heat crawling up her neck. “Depends,” she said, her voice low, rough. “You plannin’ on takin’ another bite?”
Caitlyn’s smile deepened, slow and dangerous. “Maybe,” she said softly, giving the necklace one last playful tug before letting it fall back against Vi’s skin. “If you behave.”
Vi huffed a quiet laugh, shaking her head. “You don’t strike me as the type who wants their prey to behave.”
Caitlyn’s gaze lingered on her mouth for half a heartbeat. “You’d be right.”
Suddenly, Caitlyn took Vi’s hands—cool, confident fingers sliding over calloused ones—and placed them firmly around her waist.
Vi froze for a second, every muscle going taut. Her palms rested against soft velvet and the faint curve of Caitlyn’s hips, the warmth beneath her touch making her pulse skip.
“Better,” Caitlyn murmured, looking up at her through thick lashes. “Now you look the part.”
Vi’s throat went dry. “The part?” she managed, her voice coming out lower than intended.
Caitlyn leaned in just enough for Vi to catch the faint scent of her perfume—rich and dark, like red wine and danger. “The big bad wolf,” she whispered, lips brushing close enough to make Vi’s breath hitch.
For a heartbeat, neither moved. Vi’s grip tightened slightly at Caitlyn’s waist, pulling her closer on instinct.
Caitlyn only smirked, eyes flicking down to Vi’s lips before meeting her gaze again. “Careful, wolf,” she murmured. “You might bite off more than you can handle.”
Vi’s lips twitched into a half-smirk, her voice rough with amusement. “Last time I checked, you're the one who bites, vampire.”
Caitlyn tilted her head, chuckling as her thumb continued to graze Vi's hair. "Yes, well, maybe this vampire has a sweet tooth."
Vi huffed a quiet laugh, her thumb unconsciously brushing slow circles against Caitlyn’s hip through the velvet fabric. “You keep saying things like that,” she said, voice dropping low, “and I might start thinking you want to bite.”
Caitlyn’s eyes gleamed, fangs glinting under the dim light as she leaned in just a little closer—close enough that Vi could feel the faint brush of her breath against her skin. “Maybe I do,” she whispered, her tone like silk over steel.
The air between them shifted—thick, charged. Vi could’ve sworn her heart forgot how to beat.
Caitlyn’s gaze dropped to the candy necklace again. She toyed with one of the beads between her fingers, twisting it slowly before meeting Vi’s eyes once more.
Then, without breaking eye contact, she leaned forward and bit another piece off the necklace.
The sound of the candy snapping between her teeth was deafening in the small space, and Vi swore she forgot how to breathe.
Caitlyn chewed slowly, her lips curling into a knowing smirk as her fangs caught the light. “Want a taste, pup?” she murmured, voice a low, teasing purr that made Vi’s chest tighten.
Vi’s mind went blank. Every rational thought—every shred of composure—evaporated under that gaze. She nodded before she could stop herself, a soft, breathless “yeah” escaping her lips.
Caitlyn’s smirk deepened. She leaned in again, close enough for Vi to feel the faint brush of her cape against her arm, the scent of wine and something sweet lingering in the air. With deliberate slowness, she plucked another candy from the necklace—this time not with her teeth, but with her fingers—and held it up between them.
“Open,” she said softly.
Vi obeyed, her heart hammering so hard she was sure Caitlyn could hear it.
The candy pressed lightly to her tongue, Caitlyn’s fingers grazing her bottom lip before she pulled away. The taste was sugary, simple—but all Vi could focus on was the ghost of that touch.
Caitlyn smiled, satisfied, and stepped back. “Good puppy,” she murmured, then cupping Vi's cheek, finally pulling her in for a kiss.
Vi's ears felt like they were on fire, cheeks flushed as she kissed Caitlyn back. Her arms wrapped around her, pulling Caitlyn's waist closer.
Caitlyn’s breath hitched against her mouth, but she didn’t pull away. Instead, she tilted her head, deepening the kiss until Vi forgot where she ended and Caitlyn began. The faint taste of candy mixed with something warmer—sweet and sharp and entirely her.
Vi’s fingers flexed against Caitlyn’s hips, tugging her impossibly closer. Caitlyn only smiled into the kiss, one hand slipping up to tangle in Vi’s hair, the other tracing lazy circles over the tattoo inked along her arm.
When they finally broke apart, it wasn’t from lack of want—it was from the need to breathe. Their foreheads rested together, both catching their breath in the charged silence that followed.
Caitlyn’s lips curved into a smirk—but before she could speak, Vi pulled her back in. Caitlyn, out of breath, panted into Vi's mouth, tugging at her hair.
Vi groaned at the pull, the sharp tug of Caitlyn’s fingers at the base of her neck sending a shiver straight down her spine. She answered with more heat, her hands roaming from Caitlyn’s waist to her back, greedy for every inch of her.
Caitlyn gasped softly against her lips, the sound swallowed between them as Vi deepened the kiss again—rougher now, desperate, like she’d been starving for this. Her hands slid beneath the hem of Caitlyn’s shirt, palms meeting warm skin, and Caitlyn arched into the touch before she could stop herself.
“Vi—” she tried, breath breaking on the name, but Vi only hummed, kissing along her jaw, her neck, chasing every sigh.
“You taste better than candy,” Vi murmured against her skin, voice low, reverent.
Caitlyn’s grip tightened in her hair, her composure slipping with every heartbeat. “Funny, I was about to say the same thing."
Vi pulled back just enough to meet her eyes, a grin tugging at her lips.
Caitlyn gently pushed Vi against the wall, locking the bathroom door. The soft click of the lock echoed in the small room, and Vi’s breath caught. Her back hit the cool tile, but the warmth in Caitlyn’s eyes burned hotter than anything else.
“Didn’t think you were the one for public risks,” Vi managed, her voice low, teasing—but her pulse betrayed her, thudding in her throat.
Caitlyn stepped closer, so close that Vi could feel the whisper of her breath against her cheek. “We’re not in public,” she murmured, fingers tracing the edge of Vi’s jaw before sliding down to rest over her collarbone.
Caitlyn’s breath was warm against Vi’s skin as she leaned in, lips finding the curve of her neck. The first kiss was soft, deliberate—a quiet test of how far she could push before Vi melted completely.
Vi’s hand gripped the sink’s edge, the candy necklace cool against her throat until Caitlyn’s mouth brushed over it. The faint sound of sugar snapping echoed in the small bathroom.
Caitlyn smiled against her skin, voice low. “You taste sweeter than the candy.”
She took another piece between her teeth, tugging it away slowly until the string went taut against Vi’s collarbone. Vi tilted her head back, breath hitching when Caitlyn’s lips lingered, tracing a sweet, sticky trail up to her jaw.
“Keep goin’, vampire,” Vi murmured, voice rough. She tilted her head, giving Caitlyn’s lips another slow drag before whispering, “Didn’t think you’d like the candy that much.”
Caitlyn smirked, brushing her thumb over Vi’s jaw. “It’s not the candy I’m enjoying.”
Her mouth trailed down again—a featherlight path along Vi’s throat, stopping to bite off another piece of the necklace. The soft snap of sugar made Vi shiver.
Caitlyn suddenly stuck her tongue out, keeping eye contact before slowly dragging her tongue over Vi's throat, gathering the sweet sweat.
Vi's breathing hitched, her fingers curling against Caitlyn's waist. She panted, feeling breathless as Caitlyn continued kissing, licking and biting candy off her neck.
“Keep that up,” Vi said, half-laughing, half-breathless, “and I’ll start thinkin’ you’ve got a sweet fang for me, vampire.”
Caitlyn hummed against her skin. “Maybe I do, wolf.”
Vi’s breath came uneven as Caitlyn finally stepped back, her composure slipping just enough for Vi to catch the faintest quirk of a smile.
For a second, the world felt narrowed down to this tiny space—the pulsing lights from under the door, the hum of music outside, and the vampire in front of her who looked far too composed for what had just happened.
Caitlyn’s fingers lingered at the edge of Vi’s jacket, tracing the line of the zipper before she let go. “You taste better than I expected,” she said softly, her voice calm but threaded with something dangerous.
Vi blinked, the words striking straight through her. “Yeah?” she rasped, trying for nonchalance and failing miserably. “Guess you’ve got a thing for wolves now.”
A smirk tugged at Caitlyn’s lips. “Perhaps just one.”
Vi swallowed hard, her heart pounding so loud it almost drowned out the bass from the bar. “You’re playin’ with fire, vampire.”
Caitlyn tilted her head slightly, eyes glinting under the flickering bathroom light. “I don’t mind getting burned.”
The silence that followed was heavy—charged, not awkward. Vi wanted to say something, anything to break it, but her thoughts were too tangled between disbelief and fascination.
Caitlyn finally reached up, brushing her thumb along Vi’s jaw like she was memorizing her. “Maybe I’ll see you around, wolf.”
“Yeah,” Vi said quietly, though the word came out rough, low. “You will.”
Then Caitlyn slipped a piece of paper into Vi's pocket. "Here's my number," she smirked. "How about we leave together after your shift.. maybe head to my place?"
Vi blinked, the words hitting her harder than any drink she’d had that night. For a moment, she thought she’d imagined it—that no way in hell this sharp, elegant vampire was actually asking her out like that.
Caitlyn’s smirk softened, but her eyes didn’t lose that teasing glint. “You don’t have to look so shocked, love. I’m not in the habit of repeating myself.”
Vi finally managed to find her voice. “You—uh… you don’t waste time, do ya?”
“Should I?” Caitlyn tilted her head slightly, her accent curling around the words in a way that made Vi’s stomach twist. “You look like you’d make me wait just to see how long I could stand it.”
Vi chuckled, rubbing the back of her neck. “Maybe I would.”
“Good.” Caitlyn took a slow step backward toward the door, her heels clicking softly against the tiles.
She paused at the threshold, glancing back over her shoulder with that same knowing smile. “Don’t keep me waiting too long, wolf.”
And just like that, she was gone—disappearing into the noise and color of the party outside, leaving Vi alone in the dim bathroom with her heart racing and a slip of paper burning in her pocket.
Vi stared at the door for a long moment, then exhaled a shaky laugh.
Vi stayed where she was, hands braced against the counter behind her, trying to catch her breath. The mirror across from her reflected a sight she barely recognized—flushed cheeks, wide eyes, and the faint smear of red lipstick on her jawline.
“Shit,” she muttered under her breath, dragging a hand through her hair. “What the hell was that?”
When she pulled out the note, Caitlyn’s handwriting was neat and elegant, just like her:
“Caitlyn K. – don’t make me come find you.”
Vi grinned, tucking it safely back into her pocket before heading out to finish her shift—every thump of the bass syncing with the thought she couldn’t shake:
she was definitely finding her vampire after this.