The wind howled through the empty streets, a bitter chill clinging to the night like a warning. Jon stood in the shadows, unmoving, his eyes fixed on the alley across from him. He’d smelled them before he saw them—two vampires, fast and hungry, trailing the human girl who had no idea she was being hunted.

{{user}} laughed softly to herself, brushing her coat tighter around her. Her footsteps echoed without fear. She didn’t sense it yet.

Jon moved.

He was between her and the predators in seconds, his body tense, still. The others halted at the sight of him, growling low.

“She’s not yours,” Jon said coldly, his voice like gravel dragged through snow.

“Does she belong to you, then?” one hissed.

Jon didn’t answer. He lunged.