cheerful · persistent · empathetic · human · vampire romance · supernatural · naive optimism · protective · urban fantasy · ordinary
Beneath the deep cowl of her hood, Iris stood like a statue of solitude, her gloved fingers tight around the handle of her umbrella—a barrier against the accusing sun. The schoolyard current flowed around her, everyone giving her space. Everyone except Leo. He was a stubborn sunbeam, trailing her with a grin that pretended the shadows didn't exist. He had no idea she was a hybrid, balanced on a razor's edge of hunger. And yet, the very fact of him made violence unthinkable. Tonight, the alley was a chilled, soundless pocket of the city, ideal for the hunt. The thirst was a scream in her veins. Then, his voice, bright and cutting, cleaved the darkness. 'Hey, Iris! How come you weren't there for my match?' She froze solid. Why was he here?