SYMPHONY: SELLING THE SOUL TO THE DEVIL

Walles Town Center is always buzzing with activity, with the busiest times being just after dawn. Jayden Gavian pushed his black hat further down to cover his red hair and the bangs that fell over his eyes.

The sound of the pedestrian bridge alarm echoed, eliciting a brief smile from the tall, long-legged man. Jay was the epitome of male model perfection, with the perfect proportions typical of male models gracing magazine covers under the title 'Men of The Year.' He found every flicker annoying, even the blinkers! One reason Jay believed pursuing outdoor activities was right, despite rules against it, was because he loved the rush of adrenaline that came with it. While carrying a bag, Jay moved slower than the bustling crowd around him, but he didn't mind. Each time he passed them, Jay puffed out his chest, solemnly inhaling the swirling air, occasionally licking his lips. "Interesting. Humans always apply fragrance under their ears, especially the neck," Jay thought to himself, excited by the possibilities.

For Jay, it resembled the smell of melting butter at breakfast. The building in front of the pedestrian bridge bore a logo with two red eyes, seemingly welcoming its owner as its glass door slid open. After Jay swiped his identity card, gossipmonger James Sandreas turned away from his front office desk, running a hand over his crew cut in a failed attempt to appear cool as he accompanied his boss on their walk.

"Oh, you're at it again... Where's your luxury car off to now, Mr. Billionaire Vampire?" James asked, pressing the elevator button without taking his eyes off Jay.

The elevator was empty, allowing Jay to relax his shoulders visibly.

"How do you know? No, wait," Jay hissed excitedly at his friend, "What business is it of yours?" "You think I'm going to hand it over just because I don't use it?"

"Hey, that's not what I meant, buddy. I'm just curious why you don't take advantage of your wealth, especially while you're still young," James replied.

"Those are all human habits. I help them spend money for happiness. If they're happy, they'll eat a lot, and the rest is my job," Jay explained matter-of-factly.

"So, if I understand you correctly, you're saying that you're making the most of your assets? Oh, wait a minute! Oh, did you secretly donate it? James was really keen to find out more.

Jay removed his jacket and settled into a plush, wheeled chair.

"Oh, absolutely not. Our company does it for the sake of image," Jay clarified, opening black folders adorned with gold ribbons, symbolizing exclusivity and excellence.

"I mean," James let out a sigh of resignation. "Ah, forget it! So, have you made your choice?

"Yes, I think so," Jay replied, his gaze drawn to a half-body photograph exuding a distinct aura.

It depicted a gorgeous girl with long, wavy black hair, sparkling aquatic blue eyes beneath heavy lids, and complete, supple lips that made Jay's heart flutter. A stunning red ruby necklace shone against her warm olive skin, creating an enchanting sight.

"Oh right, she distracted me!" James exclaimed, causing Jay to lean in closer across the desk with a sense of excitement.

"Crystal Zetaruby," Jay read aloud, his eyes alight with excitement as he weighed his options.

"As beautiful as the person, right? But look at the scar!

Following James' finger, Jay noticed a streak of scars resembling dry red leaves on the bridge of her nose.

"She has a chronic illness, but she's still going strong! Prurigo, the 'sweet blood' kind! This probably explains the scars! "Are you absolutely thrilled about this?" James asked with a hint of excitement.

"Diseases are like seasoning to be avoided, but they can also be used to add a little extra flavor to your life! "The slower a human wound heals, the more enjoyable it is," Jay replied with a smile. "I choose her!"

"Oh, and one more thing," James said, his eyes alight with excitement. He paused at the door. "Guess what! The receptionist mentioned a complaint from a woman yesterday, asking to see you."

"Oh, what's the complaint?" Oh, did her family or friends go missing after using our app? Let it be! "They'll despair and accept their fate on their own," Jay said with a smile, focused on checking the bloodstock data in the warehouse folder.

"But this complaint is different. She even mentioned the Basker Forest! "I think we should change the dumping site!" James urged.

With a gleam in his eye, Jay closed the folder. "How long have we been dumping bodies there?"

"It's been three months! We've disposed of seven bodies and counting! "Guess what! The police have been monitoring the nearby village of Baskerville," James told him.

Jay tapped his index finger on the table, his mind racing with a thrilling thought: could the woman who complained have recognized the company dumping at that site? Why on earth did she want to meet him in person? Jay had to tread carefully, but he was excited to see what would happen next. It could be a trap, but he was ready for it. He'd been avoiding the authorities to avoid escalating things with the woman. Still, now Jay wasn't prepared to face them head-on.

"Tell Vata to change the body disposal site."

***

"I told you! That fool chose me! Here, take a look!" Ruby exclaimed as she jumped into a wicker chair, holding her cell phone up for everyone in her group to see.

"Jayden Gavian invites you to the Loveroom," she announced.

The five northern wolves cheered spontaneously, except for Glenn Maximoff, who nodded proudly, slow clapping with full respect.

"You are a true queen," Glenn complimented.

"Thank the Beta brain of the northern wolf pride," Ruby nodded towards Haris Razzega, who was calmly reading a vampire journal. Realizing all eyes were on him, Haris took a sip of his coffee.

"It's nothing. Basic vampire knowledge is easy to learn," he remarked.

"So true! Who would have thought that diabetes could fool them? Real vampires are greedy," Ruby shook her head.

"When do we give that imbecile vampire a reckoning?" Thomas interrupted, "I can't wait to break his fangs!"

"Hush," Shey sighed sadly. Gamma looked annoyed at her lover, even going as far as lightly hitting Thomas on the head.

"You're the one being stupid!" Shey retorted sharply, her voice rising, "We have to be careful. If it's found out, it could lead to World War Three!"

"I'm just asking, my beloved Shey Harumi," Thomas groaned, rubbing his head. He narrowed his eyes, returning Shey's glare.

"If you keep acting out, the most handsome Delta of the century, Thomas Xavier, won't marry you," he threatened.

"Then, I'll just marry Glenn," Shey clicked her tongue, playfully linking her hands.

Shey rested her temple against Glenn's bicep, his forefinger scratching the tip of his scarred eyebrow.

Amidst the household commotion, Ruby's breathing became heavy. She was half-stunned, racking her brain intensely. The green light was in front of her eyes, but the path ahead was fraught with pitfalls.

Ruby would confront a cage of blood-sucking creatures. She had always hated those careless creatures, without needing a reason. No, she could come up with a thousand excuses.

The main goal was clear. Ruby's blood boiled every time the Baskerville police appeared. The vampire company dumped their food carcasses into the Basker forest near the northern wolves' residence.

Whatever was found in the forest, the wolf village of Baskerville became an easy target for investigation. Even though they were always cautious when hunting, the lives of northern wolves were threatened at the slightest misstep. Ruby also needed to ensure that Baskerville remained untouched by humans.

"What do you think? Any other difficulties?" Glenn whispered.

Ruby gasped. Shey and Thomas had just realized they had left the gazebo table. The young couple transformed into wolves, fighting in the yard. Barlie Yu, the Omega, returned after helping his mother. He distributed some snacks and joined in watching the ordinary scene with Haris.

"Are you nervous?" Glenn asked again.

"A little," Ruby admitted, "this is the first time I've dealt with an outsider. Pretending to date without any knowledge makes me afraid of messing up."

"Why not ask My Luna for help? She's smart about these things," Glenn suggested.

"You know, Anna is avoiding me. I consider her a friend, but she sees me as a rival, maybe forever," Ruby sighed, flicking her side bangs to hide her sadness.

"Let me handle this."