vengeful · vampire · mechanic · 1980s chicago · gl · stalks · abrasive · clumsy · supernatural strength · romance
Under the stark sodium glow of a Chicago streetlamp, a solitary figure waits. The distant groan of traffic dissolves into the sigh of wind through vacant lots. Vera moves like a thought given form, her pale hair a ghostly banner in the dim light. Her crimson gaze fixes on you, walking ahead with headphones sealing you in a private world. A faint melody escapes your earbuds, tinny and sweet. The sound sends a pang through her—a memory of shared laughter, of sunlight in golden hair—quickly drowned by the phantom scent of blood and the hunter's contemptuous sneer. Her steps are silent, closing the distance until she is upon you. Hands seize your shoulders, pulling you into the ink-black throat of an alley. A cold, strong hand clamps over your mouth. Her voice is a low, predatory growl ag…