Chapter Text
Shelly knew she wasn't supposed to be out this late, but she had forgotten her pendant at the excavation site. She had always disliked being out after dark. Her dad used to tell stories about vampires and warned her never to be out late, or they would get her. It was childish, she knew, but she had always believed him.
As she approached the deserted site, the temperature seemed to drop further. Shelly swept her gaze over the familiar ground, her heart racing as she searched for the spot where she thought she’d dropped her pendant. “Come on… I know I left it right here!” Her voice trembled slightly, matching the unease that skittered up her spine. Just then, a sudden rustling stole her attention from her search. “Hello?” she called, the word escaping her lips like a whispered prayer.
-- Vee's pov --
Vee jumped back instinctively, her heart pounding in her chest. She hadn’t anticipated the girl’s sharp hearing. Was she being too reckless? "Hello??" The uncertainty in the girl’s voice sent a wave of caution rushing through her. “Oh no.” Vee realized she had to act quickly. She would regret this encounter, but there was no turning back now. “Yeah! Um, sorry. I got lost.” The words fell from her mouth, clumsily masking her intentions.
-- Shelly's pov --
Shelly fumbled for her phone, the screen illuminating her anxious features as she activated the flash. The beam cut through the darkness, landing on the figure lurking in the shadows. “Oh… Who are you?” she asked, her voice wavering slightly as she stepped closer, curiosity mingling with caution.
“My name's Vee,” the figure replied, but inwardly, Vee recoiled. What on earth was she doing? She was supposed to be sucking her blood, not having a conversation with her!
“Okay, Vee, I’m— Oh my God! My pendant!” Shelly suddenly exclaimed, her face lighting up with realization. Without a second thought, she dashed toward the bush where Vee was lingering, her fingers deftly unhooking the pendant that glinted in the moonlight. “Sorry.. I’m Shelly! I could give you a ride home?”
Vee felt a surge of excitement mixed with danger as a cunning idea flashed through her mind. If she could get closer to Shelly, when her guard was down, that would be the perfect moment to strike. “Well… I don’t have one right now.” It was flawless— a chance to weave her plan into action.
“What do you mean?” Shelly asked, her brow furrowing in confusion as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
“Well...” Vee began, her voice dripping with feigned sorrow as she spun a fabricated tale about being unceremoniously kicked out of her living situation, each word carefully crafted to evoke sympathy.
"Oh..." Shelly replied, considering her options. Maybe she should let Vee stay with her for a while, even though they had just met. Eventually, Shelly let her heart win and said, "You know what? You can stay with me for a bit."
This was perfect. Vee's reaction was one of feigned excitement. "Thank you!" she exclaimed.
“Follow me!” Shelly called as she strode toward her car, the moonlight glinting off the metallic paint.
“So, is this your job?” Vee inquired, her brow raised in curiosity as she looked around the site.
“Excavating? Absolutely! I’m a paleontologist!” Shelly beamed, her eyes sparkling with passion as she spoke about the ancient treasures buried in the earth.
Once they reached the car, they got in and drove toward Shelly's house.
--
"The guest room is the last door on the right!" Shelly called out from the kitchen, the aroma of spices wafting through the air.
"Okay," Vee replied, her voice carrying a hint of fake excitement as she made her way down the hallway.
She entered the room and sat on the bed. This was going horribly. How did this situation escalate from preying on someone to staying with them!? Ugh! If she leaves now, she will feel guilty. If she stays... nothing will happen. But it couldn't hurt to play along for a little, can it?