Adrian Blackwood

Chapter 2: The Scent of Trouble (Adrian's POV )

Humans are predictable. Boring. Forgettable.

I learned long ago that it's best to keep my distance. Don't get involved. Don't look too closely. Ignore them, and they ignore you. It's safer that way.

So why was she different?

Why couldn't I ignore her?

—

She sat beside me without hesitation. That was the first sign she wasn't normal.

The second? She talked to me.

"You're brave," I muttered, watching her from the corner of my eye.

" Brave..? It's just a seat," she said. Her voice was steady, light, like she wasn't sitting beside something dangerous.

"Is it?" I tilted my head, letting the words drag out lazily.

Her brows furrowed. "Unless this seat is cursed or something?"

I smirked. "Maybe it is."

She scoffed, arms crossing over her chest. Cute. "Great. Guess I should start praying then."

I leaned in slightly, my voice dropping to something softer. Darker. "Prayers won't help you, little mortal."

She stiffened, just for a second, then rolled her eyes. "Wow. And I thought high school boys were supposed to be charming."

I chuckled. "Charming? Do I look like the type who wastes time on charm?"

She tilted her head, studying me. "No. You look like the type who enjoys scaring people for fun."

I grinned. "Fun? No. But it is...entertaining."

Her lips parted, and for a second, I could hear her heart stutter. Just a second. Then she narrowed her eyes. "Well, bad news for you. I don't get scared easily."

Oh? Interesting.

I let the silence stretch between us, watching her. The warmth of her skin, the stubborn set of her jaw, the way she smelled too tempting for a human.

I should've ignored her. Should've let the conversation end.

Instead, I smirked and murmured, "We'll see."