1. An Option

Walles Town Center is endlessly busy, and the heaviest traffic occurs at dawn. Jayden Gavian pushed his black hat even further to cover his red hair and bangs that pierced his eyes.

The sound of the pedestrian bridge marking was active, provoking a brief smile from the tall, long-legged man.

Jay has the perfect proportions that male models who grace magazine covers usually have the ‘Men of The Year’

title. Unfortunately, he believes everything that flashes is annoying, such as the blinkers. One of the reasons Jay thinks his choice to do activities under the sun is the right thing, even if it's against the rules.

While carrying the bag, Jay took a step—slower than the busy beats of other humans around him. Every time he passed them, Jay puffed up his chest. He solemnly inhaled the air that swirled around his nose, attaching a scent. Occasionally, he licked his lips.

Interesting. Humans always apply fragrance under the ears, especially the neck.

For Jay, it was like the smell of melting butter at breakfast.

The building in front of the pedestrian bridge has a logo of two red eyes as if welcoming its owner—the glass door split. After Jay attached his identity card, the face of the gossipmonger, James Sandreas, turned away from the tablefront office and wiped his crew cut. He was trying to act cool to accompany the boss on his walk.

“Oh, you're doing that again… where's your luxury car going, Mr. Billionaire Vampire?” James asked. He pressed the elevator without looking away.

The elevator was empty, so Jay seemed to relax his shoulder muscles in satisfaction.

"How do you know? No, wait,” Jay hissed, glancing suspiciously at his friend. “What does it have to do with you? You think I'll give it to you because I don't use it?”

"Hey! That's not it, friend. I'm just curious why you don't take advantage of your wealth. Even though you're still young," said James.

“Those are all human habits. I help them spend money for happiness. They will eat a lot if they are happy, and the rest is my job.”

Jay's answer made James nervous. Unsurprisingly, he continued to follow him to Jay's office. “Based on your thinking, does that mean you are wasting your assets? Oh, wait! Did you secretly donate it?”

Jay stripped off his jacket, plopping himself down on the plush chair with wheels.

"Of course, our company does it for the sake of image," he explained, opening one by one the black folders with gold ribbons as a symbol exclusive, chosen for the best.

“I mean—” James huffed in resignation. "Ah, never mind. Have you got your choice?"

"Umm ... yes ... I think so," said Jay.

Even though the photo is half-body, there is a different aura.

This is a portrait of a charming girl with a long, wavy black mane. Her aquatic blue eyes are covered in droopy lids. Her dense lips looked supple, and Jay swallowed hard.

The red ruby necklace around the girl's neck seemed to flash on the surface of her warm olive skin. It was an enchanting presentation of 'food.'

“Oh, right! She made me lose focus!” James pointed out, making Jay slightly uncomfortable because he suddenly leaned over his desk.

“Crystal Zetaruby.” Jay read the name as if he was considering it.

“As beautiful as the person, right? But look… at the scar.”

Jay followed James' index finger. A streak of scars, shaped like dry, red leaves, adorned the middle of his nose's bridge.

  “She has an eternal disease. Prurigo, sweet blood, means he probably has a lot of scars. Are you okay?"

Diseases that should be avoided are like seasonings. The slower a human wound heals, the more enjoyable it is.

Jay smiled. “I choose her.”

***

“I told you! That fool chose me! Here, take a look!”

Ruby jumped into the wicker chair, holding the cell phone in her hand at each of her group's eyes.

Jayden Gavian invites you to the Loveroom.

The five northern wolves spontaneously cheered, except for Glenn Maximoff, who nodded proudly. The alpha is slow clapping, full of respect.

"You are a true queen," said Glenn.

“Thank the Beta brain of the northern wolf pride.” Ruby threw her chin at Haris Razzega, who was calmly reading a vampire journal. Realizing that several eyes were glued to him, Haris took a sip of his coffee for a moment.

"It is nothing. Basic vampire knowledge is elementary to learn.”

"So true! Who would have thought that diabetes could trick them? Real vampires are greedy.” Ruby shook her head.

“When do we give that imbecile vampire a reckoning?” Thomas interrupted, "I can't wait to break his fangs!"

Plaque.

Shey, it's sad. Gamma looked annoyed at his lover to the point of hitting Thom on the head.

“You're the stupid one!” Shey said, speaking five octaves, "We have to be careful. If it's found out, there could be World War Three!"

"I'm just asking, my beloved Shey Harumi," groaned Thomas, stroking his head. He narrowed his eyes to return Shey's glare.

"If you continue to be violent, the most handsome Delta of the century, Thomas Xavier, will not marry you," he threatened.

"Then, I'll just marry Glenn." Shey clicked her tongue, deliberately linking her hands.

Shey's temple rested against Glenn's bicep while the man's forefinger scratched the tip of his scarred eyebrow.

Amid the household commotion, Ruby's breathing became heavy. She was half stunned while racking her brain hard. The green light was in front of her eyes, but the road she was on was full of mines.

Ruby would enter the cage of blood-sucking creatures. She always hated those careless creatures, even for no reason. No, he could have invented a thousand excuses.

The main goal is clear. Fed up, Ruby's hot blood boiled every time the Baskerville police arrived. The vampire company dumped their food carcasses into the Basker forest near the northern wolves' residence.

Whatever was found in the forest, the wolf village of Baskerville was an easy target for investigation. Even though they are always careful when hunting, the lives of northern wolves are threatened at the slightest gap. Ruby also has to keep Baskerville from being touched by humans.

"What do you think? Have any other difficulties?” Glenn whispered.

Ruby gasped. Shey and Thomas had just realized they had left the gazebo table. The young couple transformed into wolves, fighting in the yard. Barlie Yu, the Omega, just returned after helping his mother. He distributed some snacks and joined in watching the ordinary scene with Haris.

“Are you nervous?” Glenn asked once again.

“A little,” said Ruby, “this is the first time I've faced an outside man. Pretending to date without any knowledge makes me afraid of messing up.”

“Why not ask for help My Luna? She's smart about this," said Glenn.

“You know, Anna is avoiding me. I consider her a friend, but not with her. She sees me as a rival, and maybe forever," said Ruby, flicking her side bangs to cover her sadness.

"Let me do the talking."

Ruby rolled her eyes. “Come on, it'll get worse. She was jealous that I could freely roam around you while she was training the female wolf pack.”

“You guys are so complicated. Even though you play an important role for us." Glenn was lost for words.

“You don't understand, Glenn,” Haris snapped.

“Women's self-confidence is like a bubble. It breaks easily when hit by more vigorous bubbles. Baskerville has many muscular werewolves, but only Ruby can defeat a hundred alphas, and she is close to you.”

Glenn's groan sounded awkward. He styled his mullet hair with thin bangs that reached his eyebrows, forming a comma inspired by the gangster film.

"Then, how? I don't want to die stupidly defeated by the descendant of the wolf queen; it's better to serve her.”

"What are you talking about?" Ruby scrambled to get up, banging on the wooden table until her legs broke.

"That's enough. I'm going to town and picking out pretty dresses for the date!” he shouted. "Harris, do you want to give me a lift?"

"With pleasure, Your Majesty," said the curly man with distinctive dimples.

Glenn's forehead furrowed faintly. "I can't come?" he asked, voice heavy.

"Not if you can carry your Luna to the car.

*** 

The car exhaust emits smoke, indicating that the engine is heating up. In other words, it is ready to roll. Haris opens the door for Ruby. He makes a detour. At the same time, the rear seat door opens; it is his turn to get behind the wheel.

Haris and Ruby were surprised to know that Anna was sitting there calmly. The blonde girl hugged.

“Your Highness, you allow me to help, right?” Anna offered softly.

"Oh, um, yeah, thanks," said Ruby, scratching her temple, which didn't itch. Covering her clumsiness, Ruby straightened her body position straight forward. She felt he always had to be careful, maintaining an attitude of not offending her. Ruby wants peace. Unfortunately, Ruby once caught Anna arguing with Glenn about herself.

“You think having a Zeta in our clan is a blessing? See how his title and powers make that much of a difference? She didn't make this village rich. We still survive each other. She's not that special. Stop serving her."

Every time Anna's words rang out, Ruby's heart fluttered. This is the right moment, and Ruby proves her role.

"We're looking for a shop near Jay's company. As well as observing."

Haris nodded. "I understand."

The mute journey took forty minutes. The glass window rolled down; Ruby poked her head out a little. Observe the building decorated with the red eye logo.

Cursed place.

People wore formal clothes, with identity cards hanging from their necks. They go in and out without being suspected of being murderous monsters. Meanwhile, the wolf clan must face tricky questions. Ruby was willing to bet that the employee's coffee cups contained fresh human blood.

Should she run now and make them shed blood on the streets? Ruby's teeth gritted in annoyance.

Ruby felt a vibration above her jeans. The long-awaited message. It's surprising indeed. After receiving Jay's chat room invitation, the man waited to send a message. Instead, he sent a chain message.

“Thank you for the opportunity to chat, Beautiful Lady. Let me introduce myself: Jayden Gavian. I am twenty-five years old and have worked as CEO at the company that developed the application we are playing. Please check my data using the link I sent if you don't believe me.”

“However, I don't think it's that important because our communication is the most important thing. How? Are you willing to continue our conversation?"

Rigid, boring, narcissistic. The lowest caste of men are those who consider all women to be materialistic.

Without being asked, he immediately told me his job. Or to look fabulous? Ruby pursed her lips, constantly grumbling inside. Anyway, the opening greeting could have been better. Ruby's speech was still good, as she had written it in elementary school.

However, what Ruby typed was the opposite.

"Wow! Is it the owner of Vousme who contacted me? Is it not a problem? Is this part of application testing?”

Flash reply in.“Haha, Miss Crystal seems to be a pleasant person. Of course not, darling. Behind the desk, I am a lonely man interested in you.”

“You are hilarious, sir. We have to plan a meeting soon; I can't wait to meet a great man. What an honor.”

“Tomorrow is the weekend. I prepared the most beautiful dinner. How?"

“Accepted.”

Ruby's moaning was just a diversion. She was itching to laugh at the vampire's innocence. He restrained himself. It was too early. Jay hadn't completely fallen into the trap yet.

“If you would like, send me your address. My driver will pick you up, darling.”

"That's ridiculous," said Ruby, shuddering.

"Why? What's so ridiculous?” said Haris.

Anna's eyebrows also raised in curiosity.

“He dared to call me darling many times! Honestly, this is our first time chatting. Are all rich vampires flirtatious like this?” Ruby scolded.

This situation is far from ordinary. Never mind being given sweet nicknames if the male wolves outside Glenn's pack want to talk to her; it's already the world's eighth wonder.

A word of ‘No’, the maximum version they commonly say to Ruby is, 'I don't know, Your Highness.'

Meanwhile, the female wolves have more freedom with Anna. At a certain point, the fate that she was the only descendant of a Lycaon woman was burdensome for Ruby. Adult male wolves like Lycaon and the wolf king usually wear Title Zeta. Ruby has proven the existence of Zeta women. But it cannot be denied; he needs to accept that his life differs from that of others.

There were moments when Ruby wished her ancestors hadn't acted so foolishly against the gods hundreds of centuries ago so that it does not need to control themselves desperately—no need to be afraid of destroying what they touched.

The dream of a free life is too far from reality.

"You'll get used to it later. Just imagine this as a simulation of when you find real love." Haris calmed Ruby.

"I doubt I'll ever go through that phase."

"Ey, all creatures are destined to pair up," Anna interjected.

Ruby chuckled awkwardly. "Says one person, an officer destined with Alpha from the beginning.”

“Who knows, your destiny is not the capitalist vampire, but his wealth? Haha, it's like a storyline in a telenovela!” Annaliese laughed back

"Wait, I thought of two funny words: capitalist vampire," said Anna. Her banter still has an intonation like a sweet lullaby.

Haris laughed, glancing at the rearview mirror. “Miss, your terms are hilarious. Nowadays, people call them billionaires. She said it was cooler."

"There's nothing cooler than a bunch of master liars," said Ruby.

Anna's palm suddenly landed on Ruby's shoulder. “Sorry to say this, but could you tone down your anger? Isn't your role here an innocent and naive human who is looking for true love?"

"Why have you changed even though you were so angry with me?"

Ruby to the point.