Tessa stared at the clock at the bar, only 3 more hours left on her shift. She had been working doubles for the past couple of weeks. Most of the college kids that worked at Cup and Cork were getting ready to go back to school. She was busy mixing drinks when she heard the bell chime announcing a new customer, when she felt the same tension in the air. Ever since she saw that shadow by her apartment, she has been sensing the feeling of being watched. Noticing small shadow moments out of the corner of her eye, goosebumps breaking out on her skin. The hairs on the back of her neck standing up, all of it was getting exhausting. She was losing sleep from it all, she was constantly looking over her shoulder, not knowing what was going to happen to her. Jax had also been unusually quiet these past couple of days as well, she wasn't sure what was going on with him. She was hoping to share some of her worries with him, but he wasn't around for her to do that. "I would like a Velvet Fang on the rocks please" That deep velvety voice with a dark allure that pulled you in, she knew that voice anywhere. Tessa slowly turned around to find Ash sitting at the bar. He was dressed in a dark colored tailored frock coat that flared slightly at the waist. His dark blue shirt had a high standing collar with subtle pleading that added a flair of elegance. His shirt was tucked into slim fitting trousers and his leather boots looked freshly polished. He was magnetic, he was alluring, and he was a vampire; something completely off limits to Tessa no matter how much she wanted him. She quickly made his drink and placed it in front him, he brought it to his lips and took his first sip. He kept eye contact with her as he drank, he could hear her heart beating rapidly. Ash knew she would be dangerous for him, the pull, this allure that he felt towards her was not easy to ignore. He had been watching her, keeping track of her whereabouts but never approached until now. He noticed the dark spots under eyes, she looked a bit thinner from when he last saw her. The brightness in her eyes had faded a little bit. He placed the drink back down and watched as she handled the bar with ease. She smiled and spoke with the customers, she flirted with them but not overly flirtatious like she's trying to earn a tip. More like friendly banter to keep the person at ease. She refilled his glass twice before announcing that the bar would be closing in 20 minutes. He placed cash on the bar and made his way out. He leaned against the building and waited for her by the back door. Tessa watched as Ash left the restaurant, she watched as he placed money at the bar. He grabbed his coat and headed outside; she had a feeling her night was going to get just a little bit more interesting. As she cleaned up the bar, closed the till and headed out it was already 2am. She grabbed her things from the back and headed outside, she smelled him before she saw him. He had a sweet smell to him, a mix of warm tones of amber, vanilla and spiced honey with a touch of smokey undertones. The mix was uniquely him, both alluring and mysterious. "Has anyone ever told you look like you could be a member of The Black Veiled Brides?" She started walking towards her apartment, Ash following her a few steps behind. "Who?" She turned to look at him and let out a soft laugh when she noticed that he looked confused, she smile at him and continued walking. "How old are you?"
"125. I was born September 8th, 1900."
"Wow. You're definitely old." She laughed when he clutched his hands to his heart as if wounded by her words. They continued walking until they reached her apartment, Tessa led the way and invited him in. He took in the minimal furniture around the living room, her couch was a soft gray color with pillows and a throw blanket to match. There was an ottoman off to the side with a small yellow serving tray, she had a small flat screen TV mounted to the wall. Her dining table was a small round table with four chairs, the Robin blue paint was chipping off, there was a small succulent sitting in the middle of the table. She placed her keys on a hook by the door and placed her jacket and purse on the table. She walked into the kitchen and put the kettle on, she came back out and gestured for him to have a seat. She walked down a small hallway which he assumed led to a bathroom and bedroom. When she reappeared, her makeup was off, her hair was down, and she was wearing oversized clothing. A part of him felt instantly jealous. He felt possessive of her, and he wasn't sure how to handle this situation. They shared a kiss, one of the best kisses of his life, but he knew that a relationship with a human never ended well. "Do you want to watch some TV?" They sat with awkward silence; Tessa wasn't sure what a vampire did much less liked to do at night. Ash looked at her and grabbed her hand, he pulled her closer to him on the couch and let out a sigh. "Much better." He put his arm around her shoulders and turned the TV on. After a bit of hesitation Tessa relaxed by his side and leaned into him, it was nice to snuggle to someone again. Being with Ash, who awakened some weird feelings inside her, it felt comforting and secure to be with him like this. "Have you been following me?" She stared at the TV, afraid to look him in the eyes. She had never been shy about confronting issues, but dealing with Ash was completely foreign to her. "Yes. I'm not going to lie to you Tessa. I have been following you; I needed too. I can't really explain it, but I just had to see you even if it was from afar." She closed her eyes at his confession and took a deep breath. She slowly turned to look at him and fell deeper into his silver eyes. "This pull I feel, this tension I feel when you're around. Isn't some part of the allure of you being a vampire? Or having powers?" Ash started laughing and lifted her chin up with his fingers. "No little human, that pull you feel isn't some voodoo spell I crafted. Yes, vampires have powers, but it takes years and sometimes centuries to master them." He leaned down and gently brushed his lips against hers. Tessa held her breath, Ash's lips were soft and gentle, holding promises that she didn't know if she really wanted. She pulled back a little and stared at him. "What are we doing?" Ash leaned down and slowly placed kisses on her cheeks, her nose, her lips and slowly made his way down to her neck. She tilted her head a little, exposing her neck more to him. He licked the soft spot where her neck and shoulder met. She let out a soft moan, without realizing it, she had shifted closer to him and was practically on his lap. He licked the spot again and nipped at her neck. She let out a hiss when she felt the tip of his fangs brush her skin. "If we play this game Tessa, it will end badly. For you and me to give into the pull could have grave consequences. Not everyone in the supernatural world is as welcoming to humans. You saw what happened to that girl at the club." He laid his forehead against her; he rubbed her back and arms. Not knowing what to do or say next to her. He knew just being here would put her in danger, but the pull was too strong. He would rather die than not be able to hold her, smell her, touch her, kiss her. From the way her body was reacting to his touch, the pull was just as strong for her as it was for him.