chapter: one

Taara walks out of the restaurant with a smile on her face, knowing that this was another successful scam. Yes, Taara is a professional con artist that makes money by scamming rich creatures. Her whole demeanor changes depending on the person she scams.

Today is her last day of being a talented painter that needs help getting through college.

It's her favorite type of character, since men are never reluctant in opening their wallets for 'helpless' girls. It gives them the feeling of being needed.

Her targets have always been rich and old dwarfs, demons and sometimes she manages to get her hands upon a fallen angel.

In a universe where every creature is dying to show off their wealth, no one would mind having a little fairy by their side.

With an extra 100k in her bank account, Taara decides to pamper herself with that luxurious spa experience her body has been craving for. She changes lanes at the last second and before she could hit the brakes she crashes into a car.

"Looks like I'll have to pay at least half of what I earned today", she sighs as she sees the expensive car in front of her.

Wait a minute, an expensive car means a rich person which could make the driver her next target.

A smirk plays on her lips as she observes the tall man that steps out of the car to inspect the damage made.

He's decent looking, curly brown her with a pair of glasses sitting on his nose but the subtle details like his watch and cuffs are what give away his wealth. She examines him for a clue that would give away what species he is but to no avail.

Maybe he is a hybrid, that would be the only way to explain his uncanny looks.

"Let's get that money", she whispers as she sees the man approaches her car. Taara masks her smirk with a scared expression to begin her facade.

"Excuse me", he says as he knocks on her window.

As if one cue Taara's eyes are filled with tears and she rolls down her window.

"I-I'm so sorry, I w-was driving and then suddenly I was lost in my thoughts a-and before I knew it I crashed into your car!", she stutters as her tears leave mascara stains on her face.

A glance at the mirror confirmed that her acting is good but she needs to step it up a bit. Taara steps out with shaky legs and gazes up at her potential target before her eyes roll back and she falls on the hard concrete.

She bites her lip as the pain shoots through her body. She's faked fainting many times but the pain remains unbearable.

The things she does for money.

Suddenly she feels two strong hands grabbing her, most likely her potential target. He is shaking her violently to the point that she almost screamed at him to stop.

Patience Taara.

Hearing the sirens blaring in the distance washes relief over her body.

Taara opens her eyes and is surrounded by the smell of disinfectants and chemicals.

"I can't believe I fell asleep", she shakes her head as she rubs her eyes.

"How is she doing doctor?", a deep voice asks. Taara's eyes widen as she closes her eyes, not wanting them to notice her being awake.

"The accident must've shocked her and caused her to lose consciousness, but don't worry sir, she should be fine after finishing her IV. She can be discharged as soon as she wakes up", another voice answers.

"Okay, where can I pay the medical bills?", he asks.

Taara hears their steps disappearing in a distance and sits up. She stares at the plasters on her elbows and the empty IV bag hanging on top of her.

Thankfully she didn't injure herself badly.

"Oh, you're awake", Taara turns to the voice and sees the man she hit with her car.

"Yeah, how long was I out?", she softly asks.

"Not long, maybe an hour or two?"

Taara nods and silence falls over the two of them.

"Don't worry about the medical fees, I took care of them", he rubs his neck in embarrassment.

"What? Really? You didn't have to."

"No worries, you seem like a college student. I wouldn't want to add the burden of medical fees on your plate."

Taara raises an eyebrow. What does he mean by college student? The man notices her questioning looks and explains "I didn't mean to, but I looked through your belongings to find something that can help me call your guardian. I didn't find anything but your painting books so I assumed that you're a college student."

Silence.

"I'm Lucius by the way."

Taara is about to respond when a nurse walked over to them. "I'm sorry sir, but your card has been declined."

Declined? Does that mean he's broke? He looks very rich though. Maybe he's a scammer too? Numerous thoughts fill her mind as she stares at Lucius who is nervously tapping on his phone.

"Aziel?", Lucius sighs in relief. "I'm at the hospital and my card got declined, can you come over?" After exchanging the hospital location Lucius hangs up.

"Aziel as in Aziel the CEO of The AZ Enterprise?", Taara gapes at him. Aziel has been her dream target from the day she heard of him, ignoring the fact that he's the hottest vampire to grace this earth. The only reason she couldn't reach him was because of how closed off he was.

"I mean, yeah. That's my brother"

"He's your brother? But he's a vampire which makes you-", Taara gasps loudly. How can he be a vampire? His appearance contradicts everything a vampire is supposed to look like.

"- a vampire", Lucius continues the sentence for her.

"Funny because your shadow-", her words get stuck in her throat when she notices the absence of his shadow.

"Yeah, I get that a lot", he murmurs while kicking an imaginary stone off the floor.

Suddenly the doors burst open and a tall man rushes in. His silhouette is that of a model. Even though his eyes are frantically scanning the emergency room, his every move had grace. From his broad shoulders to the long legs that effortlessly enter Taara's heart.

Taara gazes longingly at the stranger and foolishly wishes for his gaze to fall on her.

At that moment he turns around and their eyes meet. His eyes light up and a stunning smile spreads on his gorgeous face.

Wait, why is he walking in her direction? Maybe he's looking at someone behind her? Taara turns around to check but there is no one there.

Taara looks back at him. Her heart hammering louder against her chest with his every stride.