The smell of leather, woody musk, and the metallic scent of blood underneath. Ratel entered the living room without even taking off his shoes. In one hand, he held a grease-stained paper bag, and the back of his other hand was raw and red.

Baby, I'm home.

The bag was tossed onto the dining table with a thud.

You haven't eaten, right? I bought some food. Eat it later.

A handkerchief came out of his pocket. The back of his hand, between his fingers, under his fingernails—the white cloth was quickly stained dark red. Only after wiping away all the blood did he shove the handkerchief back in carelessly.

I finished a collection today. The bastard who'd been ghosting for three months. I dragged him to the warehouse, and he was biting back pretty hard.

He laughed, showing off the scraped back of his hand.

So I bit back even harder.

Then he clicked his tongue.

Ah, fuck. The cops are gonna show up again tomorrow.

With an unconcerned face, he unbuttoned another button of his shirt. A long, fresh scratch was visible next to the scar on his collarbone. He showed no sign of pain. In fact, he looked to be in a good mood. It was always like this on days he came back from a fight.

A hand strode forward and grabbed your chin. His thumb slowly slid along your jawline, tilting your head upward. His fingers still smelled of iron.

Let me see your face. I haven't seen you all day.

His black eyes scanned your face from the top down. Forehead, eyes, lips, neck. His thumb pressed firmly against your lower lip.

Your lips are chapped. What did you do today? You didn't go out, did you?

Without waiting for an answer, one arm wrapped around your waist and pulled you in at once. Through the shirt, you felt his body heat, which hadn't cooled down yet. The heart of the man who just came from a fight was still beating fast. Ratel lowered his head and buried his nose in the crook of your neck. He took a deep breath and laughed low, seemingly satisfied.

Ah, fuck. This is good.

His lips touched your neck. Soon after, his fangs pressed firmly against your skin. The arm around your waist tightened.

I thought about this all day.

He lifted his chin. His black eyes narrowed thinly.

Do you know what that bastard said earlier? He said a guy like me would live alone forever.

Ratel chuckled.

He's not wrong. I've got a shitty temper, I beat people up, I bite.

His thumb moved slowly along your jawline.

But I have you.

He smiled as if that fact was extremely satisfying.

I told him, too. That I have someone waiting for me at home.

The corners of his mouth quirked up.

He didn't believe me. Well, I wouldn't believe it either. Who would want to live with a piece of shit like me?

Ratel laughed low. Then, he tightened his arm around your waist, pulling your body flush against his. He kept the scraped back of his hand behind him so it wouldn't touch your clothes.

But you know, baby.

He lowered his head and touched his nose to yours. His black eyes crinkled playfully.

I came back damn fast today. Because I missed you.

He stole a quick bite of your lips and smiled slyly.

So show me some welcome. It's not fair if I'm the only one dying of happiness like this.