"I'll have an iced coffee with water, please," I replied to the waiter.
"I'll take my usual," Benjamin added.
As the waiter left, we settled into our conversation, seated in the café garden on a beautiful day.
"So that's your job... how pathetic," he sneered.
"I was promised one thing, but the reality turned out to be completely different."
"Nobody even takes that magazine seriously anyway. Do you know how many lies have been written about me, my brother, and our family? Hah, lucky for me, no one really reads those magazines."
"Your family is quite well-known, isn't it?" I asked, intrigued.
"This café and that restaurant where we met are ours. The restaurant belongs to my brother Dominik, and the café is mine. Though our family, the Acherons, is involved in other ventures, my brother loves clubs, restaurants, and cafés, so he opens them. I only opened this café to follow in his footsteps, but I'm not passionate about it."
"Acheron? I've heard of your family. You're all over various media outlets and social networks..."
"Famous people, what can I say..." He chuckled.
"Are you a happy family?" I asked curiously.
Benjamin stared at me without blinking. His mouth didn't move, and he didn't close his eyes. The moment felt eerie, and I started to feel uneasy.
"I feel like I'm on some podcast talking about my life."
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..."
"Have you ever thought about hosting a podcast? I see that you come up with spontaneous and interesting questions that could really connect a guest with their audience," he crossed his arms.
"I… I've never really thought about it. But now that I do, I could see myself doing that. I love talking to people and getting to know them."
Benjamin reached his hand across the table towards mine.
"Would you like to host a new podcast for our media company's new channel?" His serious gaze followed my reaction.
"I... Well, I'd love to. It's just... I'm still under contract with the company I work for. I think it ends in about a month."
"Perfect," he clapped his hands. "You have a month to establish yourself as a journalist. I can even offer you your first career opportunity tonight, where you'll meet a lot of famous people and later invite them as guests." He was practically bubbling with excitement as he said this.
"What event?" I was genuinely confused, still trying to wrap my head around everything happening. Ever since that night, everything has felt surreal.
"My brother's getting married tonight. It's going to be a private celebration with both families—his and the bride's—and there won't be any reporters. You'll be the only journalist, but I'll smuggle you in as my special guest."
"Mr. Benjamin, this all sounds perfect. I've wanted to be a journalist for so long, but life kept getting in the way."
"Maybe life delayed you so that you'd meet me." He grasped my hand. "I see your potential, and I want to help you succeed. Such beauty shouldn't wither away in some warehouse." He kissed my hand, but I pulled it away.
"Mr. Benjamin…"
"Please, call me Ben. I want us to have a completely friendly relationship." He winked at me. He seemed strange, but his offer was incredibly tempting. I was leaning towards accepting, but something held me back.
"Alright, Ben… I just have one more question."
"Ask me whatever you want, darling."
"So... what do you want in return? I don't believe you're offering me this opportunity just because you like me."
"Smart and beautiful, I see." He stroked my cheek. "I'd like something from you, of course. Ever since I saw you a few hours ago, I haven't been able to get you out of my head, and I was willing to offer you anything just so you'd…" He trailed off.
"So I'd what? You want to sleep with me? If that's what this is about, then…" He placed his finger on my lips.
"It's not that. You see, I'm a very complex individual, just like my family. Our needs are... a little different. We're a special kind of people."
"I'm listening."
"Good. If you would be willing to let me taste a little of your blood, I'll give you everything I've promised, and much more."
Taste my blood? Wait, wait, this sounds familiar... OH RIGHT! THAT NIGHT! That man drank my blood, and he was particularly interested in it. I remember he cared more about my blood than the actual act, at least at first, haha~
Are they really vampires? Could these two be connected? I'm scared...
"Ben, are you a vampire?" I asked seriously.
He smiled. He took a sip of the red wine the waiter had just refilled and wiped the crimson stain from his lips.
"What do you think?"
"Would you do..." I gestured to my neck, "something like this to me?"
He jumped up from his seat as if startled. Slowly, he approached me and touched the scars on my neck.
"You... who...?"
"I had an experience with your kind. I'm not sure what it will lead to yet. But do you need my blood because you're a vampire?"
"Yes... I love the blood of women, especially attractive ones. But who did this to you?"
"I don't know, it was a one-night thing."
"If you let me sink my teeth into those wounds, I might be able to tell who did it to you..."
"Don't rush. I don't want to uncover that. It was a night I'm trying to forget. I'm not exactly eager to repeat it with you."
"Melanie, listen, my offer still stands. You have until dawn tomorrow to think it over and tell me. Tonight, I'll pick you up for my brother's wedding, and you'll have the whole evening to decide. What do you say?"
"Alright... I'll come to your brother's wedding. As a journalist."
"A secret journalist, darling." He winked.
"Of course."
...
Hours passed, and dusk was approaching as I sat in my apartment. My mind raced with thoughts of Benjamin, Ethan, that night... and the job offer...
Should I go through with this? Could I be putting myself in danger? I'm not sure...
Ahhh!
Benjamin said he'd come to pick me up at 9 PM. It's... oh no! 7 PM! I have to get ready, but I have nothing to wear! All I have in this apartment is the outfit I arrived in! Nothing nearly fancy enough for a wedding...
I could check out the stores I saw earlier nearby. Maybe even a second-hand shop if I can't find anything affordable...
Let's go! Shopping time!
As I expected, those boutiques were way too expensive for me right now. I already spent most of my money today on this apartment...
However, I found a lovely dark floral dress in a second-hand store that really accentuated my waist and was a perfectly suitable length. I bought it immediately after trying it on. This is it.
Now, I just need to do my makeup and hair quickly, and I'll be ready. But oh no, it's already 8:30! I better hurry!
I was right to hurry because a black SUV was waiting in front of my apartment exactly at 9 PM. I knew it was for me, even though I hadn't received a call.
Bzzzz... Bzzzzz...
Speaking of calls, my phone vibrated. It's probably Benjamin calling to tell me to come out. I looked at the screen, and… ETHAN!
Why is he calling me? I don't want anything to do with him anymore... He hung up.
Immediately after, I received a message: "Answer, or I won't stop calling all night. I know which apartment you're in, and I'll come to your door if you don't pick up!"
Ethan why... why now... you jerk!