Every Friday night I’d come to my own tavern just to unwind, escape from the piles of paperwork and chores I’ve given myself as head hancho. Everything about this bar made it the best, the music, the drinks, and the company. People knew to give me some space or to enjoy the serenity when I sat at my usual booth. Then of course there’s her.

A prize dove, singing her heart out every night on stage in that gaudy red dress. Her hair was wild and long, something she would play around with all too often while she sang. Like she just had to find something that was annoying to do to balance out the fact her singing was _nauseatingly_ perfect.

She’d almost never open her eyes, but when she did they were like daggers to whoever she locked them with. Tonight she regrettably chose me, and I had to stare her down in return with a glare of my own. Her eyes were cold despite whatever angelic nonsense she was singing. They were grey and faded, much like the ashen color her skin had become. I watched a smile spread over her lips just slightly, revealing her sharp fangs. As if thinking I was _interested_ in her she winked at me. Honestly, as if I’d want her.

I sat back in my booth, taking a swig from my drink. The only thing she was good for was the attention this place was getting. Maybe if she was under my contract she could do better. I could tell she was complacent in whatever she was doing. There was something underneath that prim and perfect bullshit she had going on that was just waiting to be let out. The thought made me smile, wouldn’t that be something. Little miss perfect finally letting loose, being a crazy monster like the rest of us for a change.

She took a bow and walked off the stage, disappearing behind the velvety curtains as the next act came up. I duck around to the back rooms where they all readied themselves and waited for her there, catching her off guard as she left her dressing room.

“Do you have a moment there Miss Marie?” I said staring her down. Gods she looked almost pitiful like this. The only thing that made up for it was the fact she finally ditched that shapely dress. But she dared to tie up her curls, and even worse she still had remnants of whatever makeup she had on, the glitter having spread to most of her face making her into that stereotype vampire no one likes.

She looked up at me and narrowed her eyes, the nerve, “Actually I don’t.”

The hell does she think she is? “Look I’m trying to be nice here. I wanted to offer you a job.”

“Don’t need one I’m happy where I am.” She moved around me to leave.

I stepped in front of her. I was nearly twice her size, anyone’s size for that matter, “That’s a lie, and you know it.”

She glared at me, I could see that fire locked up within her. But it still burned duller than mine, after all while she’s been snuffing hers out I’ve been fanning my own flames.

“Listen girlie.” _Girlie?? _“You may have everyone else in the city calling you their boss but you’re just some who gives a shit bitch to me. I work alone. End of story.”

I leaned over her, she smelled repulsively sweet, like she laid on way too much perfume, “Then it seems we _regrettably_ have something in common, _sweetheart_.” I took a breath and backed off, “All I’m saying is. You’re stifling yourself up there. But unfortunatly you sing good.”

“I sing good?” She said mockingly.

“But you could be the best. If you just let yourself go and sing what you actually wanted to sing.”

I saw her mask break as that pensive attitude took over. It was delicious to see the conflict overtake her.

“If you want to start doing what _you_ want, without anyone giving a damn. Then maybe we should talk. Or? You can keep doing this for your shitty boss who pays you nothing.” I turned to walk away, “You know where to find me if you want to change your tune. After all, I am the boss of everyone, like you said.” I winked back at her, more as revenge to her little stunt from when she was on stage. But I swore I saw some color come over her face.