Jamesxoc! Hah I don't know about you guys but I'm in love with James, especially since they cast that hunk in the movie to play him. :P I came up with this idea and decided I'd give it a try. Hope you like it!

It's funny, I always thought I'd die in the arms of someone I love, it just seemed right. I was self-righteous, caring, and a little too trusting. So it only seemed fitting I'd die trying to help others.

I never could have imagined I'd die by the hands of the one I love.

-----

I loved the cold.

I had no idea why, however, since I lived in a very hot environment for the majority of my life, way down in southern Florida. It was beautiful living by the sea, but I always dreamed of snow everywhere all winter long.

So, it was natural that I decided on a college way up in Alaska. It was no surprise to my family when I wanted to go so far away, but I had still hoped they'd take it a little harder than they did.

They paid for my plane tickets, helped me pack, saw me off on the plain, and though they did seem sad, I saw no tears fall unless they were from my sister's newborn baby. However, I guess I should've expected that.

There was never a doubt in my mind that my family loved me, however, there had been a doubt on how much they really loved me. If they loved me like family, or if it was simply almost like a strained friendship I held with them.

I convinced myself not to think about such things; I knew it could only make things worse by jumping to conclusions. I do wish they'd show their feelings more, but I suppose I live in a very reserved family. I'm the only one who lets my feelings be known. I let myself be read like an open book.

Maybe it's because I'm outspoken, and I just want my thoughts to be known, but I like to think it's only because I myself hate being lied to. I only lie to others when it's absolutely necessary. I live in a family of secrecy, and I hate every moment.

I don't need to know everything, I just don't want to know lies.

When necessary, However, I can shut myself down completely. Blocking out any emotion, but I of course prefer to let my feelings be known.

I shook my head when I realized I was knee deep in my thoughts again. I focused on the road ahead of me as I walked to work. Everyone told me it would be much more practical if I were to drive, which I was perfectly able to do considering I was in the possession of a car and it was very easy to get to town, I just loved walking.

Most mornings I ran.

Most people force themselves to run, in order to keep fit, or they do it for the sport. I do it to get away, and not in the literal sense. I love to run; it keeps my mind off everything else and just lets me think about nothing. Let my mind rest, as I never can do.

So I run. I run until I feel like if I run any more I'd pass out. But I never stop until then.

I reached the small bakery on the edge of town. I chose this place to work for two reasons; One; I love baking, so I would sometimes work in the back helping the chef if business was slow, or I'd stay in the front at the counter or as a waitress when it sped up, which wasn't often. Two; I loved the setting. Being on the very edge of town, you could see the forest right outside the window.

I loved the forest. Especially this one. It was deep, dark, and dense. It was unknown, and rarely did anyone venture in there alone. But I loved it because of the unknown.

I always loved things like that. I loved puzzles as a kid. They were something waiting to be figured out, and I could focus all my attention on that one thing until I felt exhausted from the thought. Any enigma drew me towards it like fish to water.

The door gave a sing as I entered, grabbing an apron and slipping it on over my outfit, which consisted of blue skinny jeans, tan Uggs, and a white, long sleeved, unbuttoned blouse with a black camisole underneath it.

I piled my white blonde hair into a messy ponytail and rolled my sleeves up, getting ready for a messy day (as it usually was here since we had a strangely immature chef who liked messy baking) and I looked around the place.

All the lights were off except for the kitchen, where I assumed our chef, Robert, was located. I switched the lights on and flipped the sign on the door to open.

"Robert," I called, "Is Jenna here yet?" Jenna was a good friend of mine who worked at the bakery. I heard a very soft 'no' in the kitchen, and supposed he was too busy with figuring out new recipes, which he seemed to like to do a lot. I sighed, getting everything in front ready: Setting chairs out, setting tables nicely, making sure the cash register worked (it liked to break down on me), wiping down counters, stuff like that.

Other waitresses didn't start arriving until about an hour later, and business was slow all morning; which really wasn't too unusual for our little bakery.

Today, however, was a strange day.

It started around midday, the usual stuff had been happening, customers piling in, and the waitresses would take turns working at the cash register or waiting on costumers.. I got a good amount flirting with me, though I couldn't fathom why. There were other waitresses prettier than me.

I didn't think much on it though.

I was currently trying to figure out what this man wanted while he wasn't listening.

The conversation went a little like this:

"Hello, sir, what can I get you today?" I asked kindly, looking at a man about my age, if not older. He was vaguely attractive, I noticed, but he wasn't much. Black hair, brown eyes, and pale skin was an exotic combination, but his features didn't pull together too well.

"I know something I need." He answered vaguely, and I let my smile falter a bit.

"Okay…and what would that be?" I obviously didn't understand the underlying tone in his voice.

"Well it's standing in front of me." He smirked, and I frowned.

"I'm not an it," I replied, "And I'm not on the menu."

He only smirked.

"We can't offer that here, what else would you like." I answered, trying not to glare at him and failing miserably.

"You know you're cute when you're angry."

"That's nice, sir, would you like to order anything."

"I've already given my order."

I growled (very unladylike) and turned my back on him, walking up to the cash register girl at the moment.

"Switch with me." I didn't notice who it was, considering my annoying clouded my vision at the moment.

"But I'm with a customer--" I cut her off.

"Please, he won't listen to me. You're…tough on guys." I struggled to find the right words to make her comply, "Go…be tough." I said, pushing her lightly towards the table, as she glared at me. I watched as she went over the table. They exchanged some words, without her even once seeming to get angry, and she came back.

She walked past me, "What are you talking about, he was fine!" She said as she walked by me. I stared after her open mouthed, before turning my attention to the man at the table. He was smirking maliciously.

I gritted my teeth, turning my back on him and turning to the cash register.

I heard someone clear their throat and I looked up.

Only to see just about the most gorgeous man I'd ever seen. His hair was sandy blonde, long, and pulled back into a low ponytail. His eyes were a shocking green, almost unnatural, and he had snow white skin. He features pulled together perfectly; with a square jaw, straight nose, and almond shaped eyes.

I was suddenly self conscious of how I looked, and almost felt jealous of this man. I am proud of my skin; it was pale peachy and blemish free, and I liked my eyes; light brown like toffee, and almost hazel, matching my name Hazelyn. But mostly, instead of Envy, I felt attracted to him.

I shut myself down, not wanting to seem like a freak by staring at him like he was Adonis, (which was becoming more believable by the second).

"I'm sorry," I apologized, my voice void of any emotion, but I forced a smile. "Can I help you."

He smiled back at me, and I had to struggle to keep the façade up--which was unusual; I never had trouble with it before.

This man was a wonder. He was strange; Unknown.

And I liked it.

"I was wondering if you knew where any motels or Inns were near here?" So he was a traveler? I took note of that, suddenly yearning to learn more about this man.

I continued with the forced smile, "Of course," I said, "There's one down south from here, actually. It's just Hartley's Motel, but it offers a night indoors." I said shrugging.

"That'd be great," he said, "Thank you." And just like that he walked out. And whatever spell was put over me as lifted.

And I was nearly disgusted with myself.

I wanted to know so much about him, but do I even know who he is? No. I don't even know his name. I was head over heals for someone who, for all I know, could be a serial killer, out to kill me. Maybe that's why he seemed so inviting. He was putting on an act, so he could draw me in and take my life.

I shook my head; it was obvious I was overreacting. But still, I vowed I'd never go gaga for anyone like that again.

That vow was my first lie.

Because more than anything I wanted to see him again.

-----

It was lunch break and because it was slow business and so many waitresses were on call today, I was allowed to take the day off. Lord knows I've been working as much as possible there.

So, I grabbed my coat--a simple brown jacket--and I started towards the center of town to drop by my friend's small book store. I hadn't seen her in forever, and figured she was worth the visit.

I walked over there and found my friend, Kristi, asleep at her desk. I nearly laughed, but stopped myself, instead settling on poking her cheek until she woke up.

When she did she looked at me and frowned disapprovingly. "What?" I asked.

She stood up and pulled my hair out of it's ponytail, fluffing in back into it's natural wave, then wiped some flower off my arm.

"Sloppy, sloppy" She commented dryly, and I laughed.

"Whatever, Kris." I leaned on her desk, "How are you?"

"I'm good!" She said happily, "What's with the visit, Lyn? It's great to see you, just…sudden."

I shrugged, "Slow day at work, lots of waitresses, so I got the day off."

She laughed, "Awesome, hey, what do you say about hanging out tonight after my shift?"

I nodded, "That'd be great." Then my stomach grumbled, "Yeah, I haven't had lunch yet, so I'll be on my way."

She laughed again, "okay! How about you drop by this evening, maybe around eight, and we can go downtown? Have a girls night."

I nodded as I stepped outside, the wind blowing my newly freed hair about. I suddenly had the paranoid feeling of someone watching me, but as I looked around, I couldn't see any suspicious person.

I blew off the feeling as an aftershock of the events of today, and made my way to a small Café. I walked in to see a good amount of people, and looked at my watch to realize it was noon, which was a pretty big rush hour for a place like this.

I simply ordered coffee and a sandwich. Eating my lunch fairly quickly, I looked at my watch to see twelve fifteen, and I wasn't seeing Kris until eight and I was just going to meet her at her bookstore. I considered blowing off my time with a run, but my footwear was less than appropriate for running. I used to always wear tennis shoes in case a chance popped up, but the whether was getting colder, and I began to wear more boots and long jeans, instead of tennis shoes and sweats.

My wardrobe was never too polished up. I never cared much for my appearance besides making sure my hair wasn't a rats nest, and maybe doing my makeup (most of the time it was only mascara, sometimes eyeliner).

I left the café and headed towards the town library. I looked up to the sky to see it was getting rather cloudy, showing signs of either rain or snow. I wasn't sure if it was cold enough for snow, but I didn't think it was warm enough for rain. I was no weatherman, so I had no idea.

The streets leading to the library were often labeled as 'unsafe' but I paid no mind to it. I traveled down this road many times before, and nothing ever happened to me.

Granted, it was daylight, but something could happen to you at any street corner at night.

But, this was the one the most deaths occurred. Authorities weren't sure what it was that killed the people, but they assumed it was some kind of animal.

I agreed with them. From what I saw, there was no way human could do that to someone.

I walked the five minutes to the library, nearly scoffing as nothing happened to me, and entering the library.

I picked out the novel Pride and Prejudice and sat in the lounge area. There were about three or four people, none that I knew. I lounged in a chair, swinging one leg over the arm rest, leaning my back on the other, and opened the book.

I had read this before, and unlike what most people I knew thought about the book, I liked it. My mind, however, refused to wrap around the book, and I found myself constantly thinking of the blonde stranger. His eyes were strange. I was sure he had contacts, they were too unusual.

I looked around the place in my boredom, and saw just out the font door the stranger walk by. My eyes narrowed, and I saw him stop, sniff the air, and turn to look strait at me.

I cocked my head to the side and stared back curiously.

I blinked and he was gone.

I shook my head, almost wanting to brush it off as my mind playing tricks on me, but I didn't want to admit to thinking about him.

-----

I finally read through my book with less interest in it than normal, and every time I'd read something I'd somehow relate it to him, which drove me crazy.

I let my mind wander, and didn't notice the time until I was already fifteen minutes late, and I knew she'd never let me go anywhere with her without getting dressed up.

I didn't have my phone with me, and I knew she was wondering where I was, I wasn't often late, after all.

So, regardless of my footwear, I ran to meet her at the bookstore, thinking she would probably want to pick out what I wear myself.

I had good stamina since I ran all the time, so I was hardly tired when I reached the store. I looked up to see it was pretty dark, and looked at my watch to see it read eight thirty. I sighed, knowing she'd be angry, but just as I was about to enter, something caught my eye.

In the corner of my eye, I swore I saw someone, but as I turned, I saw no one.

I had the nagging feeling of being watched yet again, but I tried to ignore it.

I entered to book store and Kris's eyes practically bulged out of her skull. "What the hell?"

I shrugged, "Sorry?" Though I didn't know what she was talking about.

She sighed, "You're hair's a mess, your cheeks are flushed, and you're still wearing the clothes from this morning. Have you been running?"

"Well, I noticed I was late, so I ran here--"

"Whatever," She cut me off, "We'll drop by the salon to style our hair, then we have to get you a dress--" This fact was true, I really didn't have any dresses "--Then we'll go get our makeup done, then we can go clubbing."

"Clubbing?" I asked, my eyes widening. She knew I hated clubbing.

"Yes, clubbing, no arguments, now come on, we gotta fix your hair." I rolled my eyes, knowing my hair must've been a little disheveled, as it always got after I ran. Kristi was known to blow everything out of proportion.

We made it to the salon, and they began on our hair. Kristi's was simply curled and it piled over her shoulders. They curled mine as well, then brushed out the curls to make them more prominent waves, rather than ringlets.

Next, I was dragged to a dress store, and was forced to try on countless dresses, and each time they became more and more revealing. Which seemed even more embarrassing since I still felt as if I was being watched.

Finally, she found a dress for me. It was short, black, sleeveless, and flared out at the bottom. It had some design with silver strands of fabric streaming down from the top. I didn't like it (I really didn't like dresses) but I was happy I had this one instead of Kristi's. Hers was short, tight, and black. It had a pink strip going down each side of he dress, but that was it. I knew Kristi always liked to be the center of attention, so it was no surprise she chose that dress.

I already knew how tonight would turn out; Kristi would dance with every guy there, then get near drunk at the bar, while I sit at the bar only drinking maybe one or two drinks, then sticking to non-alcoholic beverages. Men would ask me to dance, and I'd turn them down, not only to shy but not trusting the men there. Then I'd have to drag Kristi home, and I wouldn't get home until maybe one in the morning. Maybe.

The scene ran through my head over and over again, until I memorized exactly what would happen, as it had happened before. I was sure it'd be the same thing.

I was wrong.

-----

It had started out like I planned, Kristi was dancing with everything that moved and I always saw her with a drink in her hand. I had one drink, then stuck to soda. Men had asked me to dance and I'd turn them down.

Until late that night, someone unexpected asked me to dance.

"Hello," The voice was smoother than honey, and I was suddenly compelled to turn around. Usually I'd ignore whoever talked to me here unless it was Kristi, but this voice seemed so familiar.

I turned and stared straight into a pair of coal black eyes. I was momentarily speechless, and when I was about to speak, I realized it was the stranger, and then I was speechless again.

"Hi," I greeted breathlessly.

"I don't believe I properly introduced myself," He said with a smile, and I couldn't help but smile back, forgetting all about how I shouldn't be acting like this. "I'm James."

I noted the name fit him well. "Hello James," I said, "I'm Hazelyn. You were at the bakery, right?"

"Hazelyn…" He muttered quietly to himself, seeming to try the name out on his tongue. I was never a fan of my name, but I loved it when he said it. "Yes I was, you were the waitress having trouble with that man?"

My eyebrows pulled together, and I guess he read my confusion, "The cashier and I could hear you."

I blushed and bit my lower lip, "Yeah, I usually can't deal with guys like that. They just don't listen to me."

He smiled, "I can see why they wouldn't want to give up on you, but they should offer you nothing less than respect."

I smiled, "Umm…Yeah. Totally--I mean, but that never happens."

He shrugged, "I suppose not…" He mumbled.

"So, James," I began, finding it strangely easy to talk to him, "You're just visiting, right? I remember you asking me about the inn, so…"

He nodded, "Yes, I am."

"What brings you to Alaska?" I ask politely. He smirked, and my breath caught in my throat.

"I wanted to check out the hunt." I don't suppose I responded quite the way he hoped, because as my brows pulled together and my eyes narrowed, he offered me another smile to distract me.

I was angry how well it worked.

"So…you hunt?" I asked. Was that really the whole reason he came up here? I doubted it.

He only nodded, smiling again, and I suddenly felt light headed. I reached for my drink, my hand brushing against his, and I jerked back. He was freezing cold.

"I'm sorry," He apologized, "Poor circulation."

"Oh, uhh, no it's fine. You must hate it up here." He looked at me curiously, "I mean, it's freezing and…" He shook his head.

"No, I actually love the cold. Do you hate it?"

I shrugged, grinning, "Only when I'm dolled up by my best friend in a dress that hardly reaches past my bum in zero degree weather. Otherwise I'm fine." I laughed, and he chuckled with me.

"I suppose I wouldn't know the feeling." He said. I know he wasn't trying to make a joke of it, but I couldn't help but laugh. He turned his head to look at me fully, obviously confused.

"I would certainly hope you don't," I laughed. I looked him in the eye and noticed something. His eyes were different. I knew those green eyes were fake.

"You wear contacts." I didn't mean to make it sound so rude, and immediately started sputtering apologies. He held a hand up to stop me.

"Yes," He said, "My eyes are naturally red. I don't think most people would feel to calm around my if I had red eyes."

"But they're black right now," I said, tilting my head closer to get a better look. He took a deep breath through his nose and I wondered if he was annoyed, when he opened his eyes, I briefly wondered what that emotion was in his eyes. Hunger?

"Yes, I like to change it sometimes." He smiled again, and my heartbeat sped up.

"Well-umm…" I suddenly forgot what I was going to say. "Are you albino?"

The question didn't seem so rude in my head, and I felt faint embarressment when I suddenly blurted out. He raised his eyebrows, but chuckled and nodded.

"I…suppose I could be considered Albino, yes." My eyebrows pulled together and I tilted my head in confusion, but just as I was going to ask what he meant by that, I heard a loud noise from behind me.

I whirled around and saw Kristi, completely wasted, holding a broken bottle in her hand, and in front of her was a man holding his head angrily.

"Damn it Kristi…" I muttered. Without thinking of saying goodbye to James, I rushed towards the man, who was about to hit her back. I got there and grabbed his wrist.

"Excuse me sir, I'm so sorry she…hit you with a bottle." He stared at me strangely and let me push his hand away. Drunk men were very easy to manipulate, as I had figured out a while ago from coming here all the time with Kristi.

"She seemed completely wasted," I glared at Kristi, who refused to meet my eye, "and I'm sure whatever she thought you did to make her feel the need to hit you with a bottle is completely forgiven, though I'm sure it's nothing."

I began pulling Kristi with me away from him, "It was nice to meet you sir, I'm sorry for…her. Goodbye!"

Before he had a chance to call out to us I was out the door. I turned around to face Kristi, my eyes ablaze, "What the Hell is you're problem? Hitting a guy with a bottle? What could he possibly have done to deserve that?" I yelled when we made it out to the streets.

She looked away, "He told me he didn't wanna sleep with me so I--"

"You wanted to?" I screeched, stopping in my tracks.

She giggled, "You sound funny."

"Damn it Kristi! I can look after you like you're a little kid You know! You really need to grow up!"

She giggled again, "But I am grown up!" She retorted smiling.

"You don't act like it…" I grumbled angrily. She lifted her finger as if to say something, but stopped, smiled…

Then fainted.

"Kristi!" I yelped, kneeling beside her. I checked her pulse and her breathing, and came to the conclusion she was just unconscious.

"Kristi, come on, get up, please?" Of course my attempts of luring her out of her sleep was in vain, and I sighed heavily.

"This is great…" I mumbled, pouting angrily.

"Need some help?"

I stood up while whirling around, only to nearly slam into someone's chest. My hands flew up in surprise and I took a step back, only succeeding in tripping over Kristi.

Before I hit the cement, however, a pair of arms that felt like stone wrapped around me and righted my stance, before letting go.

I looked up to see James. I breathed his name quietly, nearly forgetting about Kristi. I gestured down to my fallen friend. "Umm…She passed out."

He chuckled, but didn't take his eyes off me. Not even to glance down at my friend to see what I was talking about. I took notice that his eyes drifted downwards, but stopped at my neck. I wondered briefly why he was staring at my neck, instead of my eyes. He wasn't even staring at my chest, it was my neck.

I took a step forward, leaning down to try and catch his eye again. "James?" I called warily.

Before I knew it I was shoved up against the wall. I screamed in surprise, but was quickly silenced by his hand over my mouth.

All my suspicions of him being a serial killer suddenly became real. He leaned in to, of course, my neck, breathing in deeply. He lifted his head slightly and whispered in my ear "I've been waiting too long for this…"

He buried his face in my hair and took another breath. He took his hand off my mouth and pinned my wrists to the wall. His grip was likes stone, and I knew there was no chance of escaping.

"Are you going to kill me?" I was surprised how even my voice was.

His answer was simple.

"Yes."

"What about Kristi?"

He sighed, and I was surprised how chill his breath was. "You're friend? I don't know, she doesn't seem particularly appetizing. You smell much better."

I was completely confused by this point. "You decide who you're going to kill by their smell?"

He chuckled, "You'll understand soon enough."

I heard a hiss, and felt something sharp come into contact with my skin.

But before anything else could happen, three police cars sped into the street, flashing lights and all, and without even a blink of an eye, he was gone.

I sank to the ground, wide eyed, as I tried to put the pieces together. There was nothing sharp in his hand that I saw, and he never pulled his head back before I felt it. So whatever it was had to have been something he had…on his head?

I tilted my head to the side, barely aware of the police men beside me, trying to get my attention. What was closest to my neck? Probably his mouth, judging by the way I felt his breath when he spoke.

My eyes widened as different theories swarmed into my head. I felt myself being picked up before everything went black.

But one word rang strong.

Vampire.

Yeeeeaaaahhhh I've been working on this for a while on and off and I finally finished a chapter. Haha I'm not expecting it to be big like Pure and Simple, of which I got a surprising amount of loyal reviewers, since I don't think I could make anything like that again, but I figured I'd make this for the fun of it.

If I get enough feedback telling me I should, then I'll keep updating. Otherwise I do have pure and simple I could focus on, so Y'know. Please Review!!