3. yeong-ja miltone.

When she first traveled to Boston, she was sixteen and on her fourth assignment with her dad. A vampire was said to be roaming the streets and attacking innocent young girls. The assignment was her last one with her parents as her "chaperone", well, actually, her third assignment was supposed to be her last supervised assignment. However, the Westwoods were overly protective of their youngest daughter and future heir. Kimberly and her father spent two days exploring the streets of Boston. Going shopping, exploring museums, trying new foods, talking to locals, and even taking pictures together. Kimberly felt so normal that she wondered if her life would've looked like this had her ancestors not become Vampire Hunters. Though she knew better than to sit and daydream, not while on a job.Mr. Westwood let Kimberly explore on her own on the third day, from daybreak to nightfall. A teenage girl roaming on her own, she was perfect for an older man who craved and desired a young girl. Mr. Westwood was against it, always the worrier, but Kimberly assured him that she would be fine. "It's my mission, I can do it on my own."She was given a time limit of three hours to find the vampire and put an end to his terror. If there was no update or notice from Kimberly after three hours, Mr. Westwood would come in and finish the job himself. The thought of her father having to save her sent her into hyperdrive to find and kill the vampire.It took her two hours and forty minutes to complete the mission. As she chased the vampire, beat him to a pulp, and finally chopped his head off was when Kimberly took notice of the city and its people. People watching was her favorite activity when on an assignment. It allowed her to think and wonder about the lives that other led. She would listen to office workers answer their cellphones with frustrated expressions, rushing to whatever building called out to their souls. Of the teenagers her age who giggled at their phones, showing off what their crushed had posted. The daycare workers with children holding onto a rope, each one of them staring up at Kimberly with stars in their eyes. There were two older Japanese women who spoke in their native tongue, gossiping about their friends and neighbors. Kimberly would listen to them as if they were her own personal radio.The people were filled with such life and almost excitement that Kimberly wished her small suburban neighborhood was the same.After completing her mission, Mr. Westwood offered to pick Kimberly up, but she declined. That night, she walked back to their hotel, enjoying her final night in Boston. She wondered how a bustling city could be so beautiful to her.. . .Kimberly holds her groan back, already sick and tired of this car ride. She wanted to leave early that morning in hopes of avoiding unnecessary traffic, but with Wren not being a morning person and Kristina wanting to have breakfast together, they ended up leaving a few hours later. Though, it was for the best because it was Kimberly Westwood who was an early bird and started her day at the crack of dawn. However, her new identity for this assignment, Amy Vaughn, was different. An eccentric woman from Tennessee who loves the supernatural and her very handsome fiancé. If she wants this assignment to be a success, then that means she has to let go of her perfectionist side and be a bit more... wild. Whatever that looks like."I never been to Tennessee, but I did watch a lot of Hannah Montana, so I know a little about it.""Did that take place in Tennessee? I thought it took place in California?""Oh, it did, but Miley and her family were from there. Plus, the movie took place in Tennessee! Have you ever seen it?""I think I did once years ago, but I don't remember much of it."Kimberly's right eye twitches as her best friend converses with their Lyft driver. During the full twenty minutes of them sitting in traffic, Wren, acting as Miyagawa Shotaro and Amy's future "hubby," has been talking about any and everything with their driver. A young man in his early 20s with a heavy build and a smile that could make a person fall deeply in love with him. Kimberly, no, Amy worries that her hubby (she really does hate referring to him like this) might fall for their driver and his charms. She imagines their Lyft driver arriving at their fake wedding and whisking Shotaro away, driving the two of them into the sunset. Or at least, to wherever leads him to his next customer."So you guys getting married in Salem?" The driver asks.It's Kimberly who answers this time. "It's one of the spots we're thinking of, but we would love to!" She says with girly enthusiasm and in the southern accent she's been practicing. Hopefully, both her tone and accent are believable. She's a little worried that even their driver will notice how fake both are. "We just love anything witchy and wanted that authentic witch vibe, something we can only get in Salem." She reaches for Wren's hand to squeeze tightly in the most loving way she can muster up. The glint in Wren's eyes tells her that she's doing a terrible job, shit. "I just want something perfect for our special day. It only happens once that I get to marry the most handsome man in the world."Or never for this fake couple.Wren smiles and brings Kimberly's hand to his lips to place a gentle kiss on top. Had she been attracted to men, maybe she would've swooned at the action. Though, she will admit that it warms her heart. It reminds her of a time when Wren would act as the prince whenever the three would play pretend together. Wren was the prince, Kristina was the dragon, and Kimberly was the princess. It was the first and last time she allowed herself to be the damsel in distress. "For me, the most beautiful woman I've ever set my eyes on."She bites her tongue, the words Wrong twin, almost sneaking out. It's Kimberly who has a twin, not Amy. It wouldn't be right for her to say it. Really, it wouldn't be right of her to say it in general."I hope you guys do choose to get married in Salem," the driver says. "It's a great place, seriously, it's amazing."Wren doesn't let go of Kimberly's hand even as his focus shifts. "Hey, crazy question, but what if you came to our wedding? That is, if we choose Salem."Kimberly's eyes grow wide as their driver brightens up, beating a random beat on his wheel in delight. "Dude, seriously? Like, you're not pulling my leg?"Wren chuckles, finding it all entertaining. It makes Kimberly want to choke him. "Yeah, of course! The more the merrier, right, my love?"Not right! "Yes, oh, we would love to have you there," Kimberly says, forcing the words out. "But I guess that means we have to choose Salem if we want him to be there."Their driver shakes his head. "No pressure, dudes! Choose a spot that works for you. Don't choose based on me."As if we'll be choosing at all, Kimberly thinks, smiling through it all. "We'll keep you updated on what we decide on.""Then should I give you guys my number so you can tell me what you decide on?""You can give it to me." Wren pulls out his spare phone that he uses while undercover."Dude, you're so cool, this is so cool," their driver says, turning right. "Can't wait to tell my roommates about this."The rest of the ride is just their driver, Chase, and Wren talking about non-wedding related topics. They talk about sports like soccer and football, some traveling talk, and of course, about Salem. Out of kindness, and probably as a way to convince the fake couple in choosing this wedding location, Chase recommends several places for the two to check out. Restaurants, stores, museum tours, and even a place where they could have their wedding. Out of all her Lyft drivers throughout the years, Chase was the most helpful and interactive one yet. It's a little strange but still helpful.When arriving at their final destination, Chase gets out to help with getting their luggage. "I hope you guys find your perfect wedding spot," Chase says, handing both of the luggage to Wren. "If you need any more recs, just buzz me."Wren smiles gently. "Will do, thanks a lot, Chase."With a nod and a bro hug, Chase gets into his car and drives off, leaving behind the fake lovers.As Kimberly watches Chase drive away, she starts to feel bad for the young man. He's expecting Amy and Shotaro to get back to him about their wedding and hopefully invite him to it. Only for the wedding to never happen and Amy and Shotaro never be seen again. Yeah, maybe she should tip him handsomely for their lies."He was nice," Wren says, meeting Kimberly's annoyed expression with a happy one. "Ready to head inside?"Kimberly nods. "Let's go," she says, leading the way before suddenly pausing. "And maybe... we should talk about our wedding guest list. We need to be on the same page just in case you try to invite the entire town to our wedding.". . ."And what can I get for you, handsome?""Two lemon drops, please.""Coming right up."Wren smiles, and the bartender returns it (and with a slight blush that isn't lost on Kimberly). He turns to fully look his friend/fiancé, though his smile isn't as flirtatious as before. "Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?""Yes," Kimberly says. "Many times before we walked inside." And while they were changing and even on their ride there.This makes Wren chuckle. "Well, I'm going to say it a lot tonight because you're absolutely gorgeous." He reaches for her hand and brings it to his lips again to kiss. "Amy Vaughn, you're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen in my entire life. I can't believe that I'll be marrying you soon," he says. "Honestly, I would marry you now in front of everyone if I was a madman. But I'm patient and know that your granny wouldn't like that one bit."At this point, Wren is milking it and having way too much fun with his undercover identity, but Kimberly has to agree with him... she does look beautiful and feels it. She's wearing the green dress that he bought her, the same one that hugs her tightly and exposes her back. At first, she was self-conscious of showing her back and the scars from her previous assignments, but Wren did her a favor by using temporary magic to mask the scars. Just for tonight. It would be weird if a regular person like Amy Vaughn was seen with intense battle scars on her body. Kimberly even decided to wear a black wig to add to the look. To look more feminine, she even curled it.Okay, Wren curled it because she kept getting frustrated with herself, but hey, at least she tried."And you look very handsome tonight," Kimberly says, squeezing Wren's hand. With her free hand, she reaches up and pushes back a strand of Wren's hair behind his ear with a gentle smile.

"Granny was crazy to tell you to cut your hair. You look so... hot with it." She flinches. Hot? That's the best she can come up with?

Even Wren finds it silly as he bites back a laugh, though his eyes clearly show that he's going to bring this up later. "You think so?" He asks, gaining composure. "Ever since she said something, I've been worried that it doesn't fit me.""No, it fits you perfectly! You have to keep it, for me. Please.""Well... if you like it so much and find it hot, then I will."Kimberly rolls her eyes before tugging not so gently on Wren's ear. The man winces in pain. Good, that's what he gets for teasing her.Though it's not like she was lying, Wren does look hot. He's always been hot. Tonight, he wears a white button-down, black slacks, and a black suit jacket. It's different from his usual attire that's more bold and open (or slutty as Kristina likes to describe it), only because Miyagawa Shotaro is more on the plain side of things. It was a huge disappointment for Wren who realized he had to dress normally and like other men. To fit in with the plain attire, he even pulled his hair back into a low ponytail, not wanting to go too wild with it. I never looked so lame in my entire life, Wren said to her in their shared room. Kimberly had to fight back a laugh and keep herself from taking a picture to send to her sister."Here's your drinks." The bartender places the two lemon drops in front of Wren. "Do you want to pay for them now or keep a tab open?""Let's keep it open, we'll most likely come back for more drinks later." He hands the bartender his card as Kimberly grabs the two drinks. She takes a sip from one and nods in approval. Yeah, she'll definitely come back for another lemon drop, or something just as tasty in a bit.With their drinks in hand, Kimberly and Wren move away from the bar and further into the jazz club, the location of their assignment. The Brewery is a witchy theme jazz club in Salem, always buzzing with life every single night with patrons who want to listen to good music in a historic, and probably cursed, town. While humans love stuff like this, other supernatural species have found themselves congregating inside of the building since a witch owns the place. It's neutral ground and from what Kimberly has heard, everyone has respected this rule. Which makes her feel bad that the Hunter Association will be the ones to break said rule, though, for a good cause. If their sources are right and the Vampire Queen is here, then it'll be a huge win for mankind all over. She's sure that the owner of The Brewery will understand in the end.The club's exterior is hilarious and a bit on the nose. The building is shaped just like a cauldron, the outside black with one wooden door, two windows on either side, and a red light sign that reads THE BREWERY in cursive. The interior, however, is more elegant and creative. With polished wooden floors and a floor plan that is much bigger than she expected, The Brewery buzzes with life all around. The first floor has a bar pushed over to the right side with at least four bartenders attending thirsty patrons, the wall behind them filled with various types of alcoholic beverages. Straight ahead are circle tables and maybe five booths pushed over to the left side of the building, each table having a candle, a vase of flowers, and a drink menu on top. Then, up against the back wall past the tables is the stage where various musicians and a singer performed. There's even a little space in front of the stage for couples to dance to whatever's playing. Kimberly hopes that Wren doesn't drag her to the dance floor, she's not in the mood to dance tonight. Or any night really.Then there's the second floor. Over to the left and a few feet away from the front door is a staircase that leads up to the second level. Kimberly wanted to check it out, just to get a full sweep of the full interior, but couldn't because of a tall man stood in front it. He looks like a former quarterback the way his build covered the entire staircase entrance away, not giving Kimberly a chance to see what's up there. Luckily for her, there was no need for that as they moved further into the building. The second floor consisted of a catwalk that frames the circular shape of the building. With the open concept, it allows the people at the top to look down at everyone on the first floor and most importantly, continue watching the performance. Though, the biggest thing about the second floor that stands out to Kimberly is the little room that she spots. Closed off from the rest of the area and very suspicious, she wonders what or who may be inside. Well, a part of her can guess that a certain woman might be in there..."Let's sit here," Wren says, bringing Kimberly's focus back to him. Finding an open table, Wren pulls out one of the chairs for Kimberly. When she does, he goes over and sits down in the chair across from her. "This is a nice place.""It really is, I'm so glad we found it!" Kimberly squeals, internally rolling her eyes at herself. "It's so different and exotic in here, I really do love the interior."Wren nods, looking around for the fourth time that night. "Me too," he says before looking at Kimberly. "You think we could have our reception here?""Oh my God! We should." She taps the table top in fake excitement. "Maybe we should ask an employee if that's possible at all.""When a waiter comes by then we can," Wren says, before leaning in, voice low. "Hey... I know that this is a witchy town or whatever but do you think... there's any, I don't know, monsters with us?"The corner of her lips twirl upwards before she lets out a genuine laugh. It's only fully because Wren is one of those "monsters". "Oh, I would hope so! I would love to meet and talk to one of these monsters. I'm sure it'll be exciting."Most humans are still ignorant and unaware of the existence of the supernatural. However, the few who do know are curious individuals who either 1) want to fuck said monsters or 2) go viral for whatever picture or video they get of a supernatural. Then there's the humans like Kimberly who become Vampire Hunters to protect others. Vampire Hunters, or Hunters in general, walk the Earth to protect the lives of humans from the supernatural who wish to bring harm to them. Of course, it's not easy to find these supernatural beings since most walk around in a human disguise and blend in with humankind. That's where special Hunters like Kimberly come in. Coming from one of the original Vampire Hunter families, Kimberly, Kristina, and their mother are all blessed with the ability to sense other species. No matter how hard they may try to disguise themselves, Kimberly can easily tell if someone is human or not. It's a great ability when on mission and she's trying to track down one vampire in a crowd of humans, but in a place like this... it sucks. There are vampires, werewolves, witches, wizards, fairies-- you name it, all inside this jazz club. If she's being honest, it's all very overwhelming and she wonders if Reggie-- who also comes from one of the five families-- is struggling to detect the Vampire Queen. It's a good thing that they have a physical clue to work with or else they would be searching all night for the woman."Who knows, maybe tonight will be your lucky night." There's a playful glint in Wren's eyes. "Should we order some food? I'm curious to know what the food may taste like.""Sure," she says. "I'm starving!""Then let's order something, excuse me!" Wren calls out to a waiter, an older man with a bald head and demeanor that makes you think he hates his job. "Can we have a menu? Oh, and I have a question. If we wanted to hold our wedding reception here, would we be able to do that and if so, who do I need to talk to?"Kimberly tunes out the conversation, taking this time to look around for nth time. At this point, Reggie, Clarence, and M should all be somewhere inside the building or about to head inside. Since the two of them have walked inside, Kimberly hasn't seen their other team members yet. Hopefully they're here and looking for the Vampire Queen as well.Eyes trail around the interior, squinting and watching anyone who could be suspicious until she sees Her.The woman from Kristina's performance. The same woman with those beautiful red eyes and hypnotic laugh that left a lasting impression on Kimberly. She's here in this jazz club and walking to the bar.Her heart races as she abruptly stands up, both Wren and the waiter looking at her with a confused expression. "Oh, um," she says, looking between the men and her beautiful target. "Sorry, I'm just gonna get another drink. I want something a little more fruity. Be right back!"Kimberly doesn't wait for Wren to respond as she stalks over to the bar, eyes still on the woman who hopefully doesn't notice a young black woman following after her. If anything, she can just say that she's heading to the bar, so she should be fine on that aspect.The closer she gets to the woman and the bar, the more she feels her palms start to sweat and the more nervous she gets. Kimberly doesn't have an actual reason for following this woman. It's her own lust and desires that pulls her towards the woman, the woman's unknown beauty calling out to her. Now she can understand why Clarence sleeps with vampires, it's something about this specific vampire that makes Kimberly want to know everything about her.She's close to the bar and the woman until someone slides in front of her and when Kimberly realizes who it is, she frowns. Clarence, the teammate she was thinking about."I'm sorry to stop you but I saw you from afar and just knew I had to talk to you," he says, a flirty and insincere smile on his face. "I hope you don't mind."Actually I do. "No, of course not," Kimberly says through gritted teeth. "I'm honored that you wanted to talk to me." Not really but whatever."Of course, you're the most beautiful woman I've seen tonight, I had to talk to you." He holds a hand out for her to take. "The names George, you are?"Kimberly hesitates to answer before finally giving in, placing her hand in his. "Amy. It's nice to meet you, George."Clarence takes her hand for what seems like a handshake, instead, he brings her hand to his lips and place a kiss on top. Kimberly grimaces. She's fine with Wren kissing her hand but Clarence? Not so much. "And it's so nice to meet you," he says. "Now, tell me, why is such a beautiful woman doing here all alone?"She slinks her hand away from him with an awkward giggle. Maybe Amy would've found this charming but Kimberly finds it uncomfortable. He's lucky that she can't tell him off or else it'll ruin the mission."Oh, I'm not alone, I'm actually here with my fiancé." To solidify it, she shows off her engagement ring. "I'm just heading to the bar to get a drink.""Mind if I join you then? Or would your fiancé have a problem with it?"I'm the one who would have a problem with it, asshole. "Oh, he wouldn't mind! Nothing wrong with walking and talking with someone, right?"Clarence's smile becomes even sleazier and Kimberly didn't think it was possible. "Right, nothing wrong with that."It doesn't take them long to get to the bar and when they do, the pair slide into an opening just wide enough for two adults to stand and (unfortunately) talk. The only fortunate part of this situation? The spot they took is right next to the woman Kimberly had set her eyes on. If Clarence wasn't here, she would've taken the chance to talk to her. She still could but she's afraid of what vile and disgusting thing that might come out of Clarence's mouth once he notices the vampire. And Kimberly really doesn't want to deal with that nonsense."So, fiancé," Clarence says, leaning forward on the bar top. "He's one lucky guy if he's going to marry you.""Mhm but I think I'm the lucky one," Kimberly says, looking down at her engagement ring. It's a real diamond that Wren slipped on her finger before they left Kristina's apartment. He bought it just for this assignment and he refused to tell her how much much he spent on it. She'll make sure to give it back when they finish this assignment. "He's a really great guy.""Nah, I think he's the lucky one. I mean, he's engaged to the most gorgeous woman in this place. Anyone can see how lucky he is."It's not lost on Kimberly of Clarence moving closer towards her, his shoulder bumping into her's more than necessary. She knows that she should be giving him the benefit of the doubt, seeing that the bar is overly crowded as people squeeze in and out as they order their drinks or grab said orders. However, this is Clarence, the same man who tried to flirt with her during their briefing and who bragged about sleeping with vampires before killing them. Kimberly can't trust this man or anything he does. Especially during this assignment where he's obviously taking advantage of this situation knowing that Kimberly, or any of their teammates, can't really do anything unless they want to comprise their mission. It's truly frustrating."Why don't I buy you a drink? Anything you want and I'll get it for you.""That's sweet of you but it's fine. We already have a tab open.""Oh come on, it's just one drink," he says, leaning closer than before. Kimberly tries to lean away but not too much, she doesn't want to bump the woman beside her. "I'm sure your fiancé won't mind. Just say yes."Kimberly frowns deeply. Clarence is taking this too far and needs to be stopped. She's thinking of discreet ways of handling Clarence when a voice rings in her ear."Your desperation to buy her a drink is embarrassing. She already said no, leave it at that."The two turn to look at the woman of Kimberly's attention, Kimberly with wide eyes and Clarence with an unamused expression. Just like her laugh, her voice is deep and smooth like the music playing. It makes Kimberly run hot and buzz at the sound alone.Clarence blinks and slowly soaks in the woman. His unamused expression slowly shifts as the corner of his mouth's twitch upwards and he leans out of Kimberly's personal bubble. Everything about him makes Kimberly sick to her stomach. "What? Come on, I was just being friendly, something wrong with that?" He then pauses, as he soaks in the other woman. The way his eyes trail down her body makes Kimberly's blood run cold. "Or is it that you want me to be friendly with you?" The woman rolls her eyes. "I would rather you leave this young woman alone." "And what if I don't want to?" "Then you'll be escorted out." Clarence narrows his eyes with a scoff. "Like you have the authority to do that." "Would you like to see if I do or not?" "Okay, I don't think that would be necessary." Kimberly slides in, practically fumbling over the words. She's not sure if this woman is bluffing or not but she really doesn't want to test it. If Clarence gets thrown out then they're down one man, thus compromising the assignment. And she really cannot have that right now. "George, while I'm flattered that you want to buy me a drink, I'm fine, really. But thank you for offering." Her words are soft but the stare she gives Clarence isn't. You've done enough, her eyes read, Kimberly commanding him to step back before he ruins everything. Luckily for them, Clarence steps back, hands in the air as he looks at the two women. "I didn't mean any harm, I was just trying to be a gentleman, that's all." He then trains his eyes on Kimberly, his brown eyes cloudy and almost hard. "It was nice meeting, Amy." Then with a slight nod, he turns around and leaves, leaving Kimberly alone with her captivating stranger.Now Kimberly can breathe easy, just for now. When they're finished here, she'll make sure to report Clarence for his harassment and almost ruining this night. The Association will know what to do with him. "Were you really going to let him harass you like that?"Kimberly looks over at the woman who stares at her. She puts up a smile despite her own annoyance at herself and her inability to handle Clarence. "It's not like it's the first time that this has happened," she says, disgusted at the truth. "You stop one and another will come and do the same thing. Just a waste of time and energy. He would've left eventually."The woman says nothing, just stares at Kimberly. The look makes her nervous and unable to keep up the eye contact. Who would be able to? Especially when the person who's staring deep into your soul is a beautiful vampire who's voice reminds you of smooth jazz? "What a pitiful way to live," the woman says before facing forward. "But I'm not the type to shame or judge another woman, so if you wish to live like that... so be it.""Oh, well, thank you."Neither say a word after that. Kimberly who orders a random fruity drink and the woman who continues to nurse her wine. Kimberly can't help but to sneak glances at the woman, wondering if she can actually taste the wine. Vampires are vile creatures but they also fascinate her. She always wondered why they continue to eat and drink like they're still alive, seeing that they lose all care and taste of anything that isn't human blood. Is it out of familiarity, the need to fit in, or because it's just fun?Maybe when they catch the Vampire Queen, she'll ask the woman that."Um," Kimberly says, breaking the silence. "Despite what I said, I am thankful of you coming to my rescue. I really appreciated it."The woman hums as she sips the rest of her wine. "It was the right thing to do, anyone else would've done the same.""Yeah but they didn't and you did." She fully turns to the woman, hand out for a proper handshake. "I'm Amy Vaughn."The woman stares at her hand and Kimberly worries that she'll ignore it. Then, to her surprise, the woman takes her hand and gives it a firm shake. "Yeong-Ja Miltone. It's nice to meet you, Amy."