Misaki sighed happily as she submerged herself in the tub, her hair was tied up in a bun and bubbles surrounded her. "Oh, day off, I needed this." she said, relishing in the feeling of hot water loosening her aching muscles. Most of the boxes have been unpacked and her work is pretty much done thanks to two liters of coffee needed for this cycle, so she most definitely needed this. She didn't have to worry about making dinner because Ritsu was out of town for a business trip to meet with one of the author's she was assigned to, and she will be back late in the evening.

A familiar ringtone sounded from the phone laying on the dry towel that was with arms reach from the tub. Quickly shaking her hands out so they weren't so wet, she took the phone off the towel and answered it, "Hey Ri-chan. Everything okay?" she greeted her wife in her usual happy tone.

"Not really. Well, I'm okay actually, but Aikawa-senpai just called in sick and is expected to have Usami-sensei's manuscript ready this evening. I would go there myself, but I'm currently out of town. I know today's your day off, but can you do me this one favor? I promise I'll make it up to you." Misaki could practically hear her wife begging over the phone.

Misaki sighed as she stood up from the tub, bubbles and water dripping from her body, "Okay, hang on a moment, I got time. Can you text me Usami-sensei's address. I'll call a cab." she said, putting her phone on speak and setting it on a dry area on the sink.

"Thank you 'Saki-chan, I owe you big time for this." Ritsu said over the phone, sounding relieved as Misaki dried herself.

"No worries, I got this, I'll get the manuscript in time. Text me the address and I'll be there. I'll talk to you soon. Safe travels." Misaki said before ending the call as she wrapped the towel around herself and made her way to her bedroom to get changed.


Misaki's cab driver parked in front of the building that housed Ritsu's author. It was early afternoon, so she has plenty of time to get the manuscript in before the deadline.

"Thank you." Misaki said as she paid the driver. "Hey, do you need me to wait here to drive you back?" The driver asked as Misaki got out of the cab.

"No, it's all right. Thanks anyway." Misaki smiled as she politely turned down the driver's offer.

"Are you sure. 'Cause I heard vampires and incubus live around these parts." The driver warned, looking uneasy to be in this neighborhood.

"I keep garlic and pepper spray on me for a reason." Misaki said, patting her bag as she smiled reassuringly at the driver before walking towards the building, confidence in her strides as she walked through the door and towards the elevator.

"Okay, top floor, first door to the right." Misaki said to herself as she reread Ritsu's directions to Usami's condo. The elevator stopped before she got off, her feet carried her to the first door she saw. Misaki pressed the buzzer before she taking a step back, waiting for the author to open the door and give her the manuscript. She tapped her foot as she checked the time on her phone, feeling edgy and impatient as she waited for Usami-sensei to answer the door.

After what felt like five minutes, the door finally opened, making her look up to see a formally dressed man in his late 20s to early 30s standing with cigarette in his mouth and a teddy bear under his arm. Misaki was a little surprised by the stuffed toy in a full grown man's possession, but that quickly went away when her forest green eyes met violet. They stared at her in surprise and intrigue, making her blush involuntarily before she bowed at the waist in greeting, not noticing how his eyes widened a fraction.

"Um, hello, my name is Misaki, I'm here for Usami-sensei's manuscript. Oh, Ritsu Onodera should've texted you in advance about my upcoming arrival." she added, knowing Ritsu would have sent her author a message before she got there.

That seemed to snap him out of his daze as he scratched the back of his head, "Ah, so you're Onodera's errand girl." he said bluntly, making Misaki's eye twitch in annoyance as she straightened herself back up.

Akihiko stepped aside to allow her to enter his condo, "Come on in." he invited Misaki inside before shutting the door behind her.

"So how do you know Onodera?" The author asked as Misaki entered his apartment.

"Oh, we work at Marukawa together. However, I'm in the Emerald department while she's in Literature." Misaki answered as she took in his home and admired how spacious it was compared to hers and Ritsu's.

"Manga huh?" Akihiko said, familiar with that department after hearing from Isaka how it has been revived by that Editor-in-Chief. "Why'd she ask you if you're not into Literature?" he asked, giving her a strange look as she turned to face him.

Misaki felt as though she were being judged, "Today's my day off, so she asked me for this favor while she is out of town and Aikawa was sick." she answered, looking away slightly, unable to handle his gaze.

The older man was silent as his eyes traced the girl's slim figure and how she seemed to fidget under his stare. "Make yourself comfortable while I fetch the manuscript Aikawa's been bugging me about." He said as he turned his back to her and made his way to his office to get his manuscript.

"Um, okay." Misaki said, watching the author's back as he left the large common room. She stood there awkwardly before moving her feet towards one of the sofas in the middle of the room before sitting herself in the cushions. She sat there waiting patiently for the author to come back while she busied herself with looking around the large condo, taking not of the lack of pictures that should be hanging on the walls or placed on desk tops. Despite how spacious the condo was, she couldn't help but feel like she was suffocating and thought to herself, 'The atmosphere in this place...it feels lonely and isolated.'

"Misaki." she was broken out of her thoughts by the sound of the author's voice, making her look up to see Akihiko holding a thick manila envelope out for her to take.

She blushed a little for being caught staring into space as she took the manuscript from Akihiko, her hand brushing against the older man's fingers for a second. Misaki gasped slightly at the electricity that sparked by the simple touch of their fingers then quickly retracted her fingers as she held the manuscript in her hands before packing in in her hand bag.

"Thank you very much Usami-sensei. I'll be going now." Misaki said as she hastily stood up from the sofa and walked around Akihiko to get to the door. A hand took hold of her right wrist, stopping her from moving towards said door, making her turn around to see Akihiko holding her smaller arm in his large hand.

"Um, Usami-sensei, I have to take this manuscript to the printers, so can you let go of my arm please?" Misaki requested as she tried pulling her wrist from the author's firm yet gentle grip.

"Why don't you stay a little longer, I'm sure they won't mind if you were a little late." He said, not releasing his hold on her, even when she tried escaping it subtly.

Misaki blushed at the look he was giving her, "Thanks for the offer, but I'm sure you are busy with your other projects, and I'd rather not disturb or distract an author such as yourself." she said, trying to stay cordial, but inside, she was beginning to panic when he refused to release her.

Akihiko gave her a devilish smirk before pulling her towards him with minimal effort, causing her to drop her bag as she stumbled into him, his arms wrapping around her, trapping her against his front. Misaki blush deepened as her face was buried in the man's chest before she began squirming in his hold. "Usami-sensei! What are you doing?" she demanded as she pushed against his chest, but his arms wouldn't allow her to leave.

Akihiko didn't answer, he merely tightened his hold on her, his arms constricting her the way a snake subdues their prey before devouring them. Misaki gasped when she felt his nose burying itself into her hair before inhaling her scent, "You smell lovelier than I imagined." he purred, making her blush and her struggles increase. "What are you talking about? Let go of me." she demanded before she was suddenly pushed back onto the sofa with a yelp.

Misaki propped herself onto her elbows and glared at the author that hovered over her, "The hell-!" she gasped when she saw the man's violet eyes glow, freezing her on the spot. Realizing what he was, she stammered out, "Y-You're a..." she couldn't finish her sentence as Akihiko pushed her to lay flat on her back against the cushions.

Akihiko smiled down at her wide and shock filled green eyes, his large hands coming up to caress her cheek and comb through her soft brown hair. "I finally found you." he whispered as he lowered his face towards hers, his other hand holding most of his weight off of her while the hand that was touching her face stroked her bottom lip with his thumb.

Misaki was paralyzed by his words and by the look in his eyes, her body refused to move, as though she was being weighed down by chains. 'Why can't I move?' she thought to herself in trepidation as he came closer to her face, 'This can't be...there's no way I can be...' her mind began to race as what she feared became reality the moment her lips were sealed by Akihiko, causing her to gasp which gave the author the opportunity to enter his tongue into her mouth and gently caress hers into a sensual dance. The moment his lips touched hers, her body began to heat up as though it was set on fire, like it was burning her from the inside out. 'What's going on? My body...it feels...' Misaki thought in wide eyed confusion before clenching her eyes shut, trying to fight her body's physical desires.

Akihiko released her lips, giving her a chance to breathe as he watched his newly discovered mate's face that was flushed from the sensual kiss he gave to her. His fingers trailed from the side of her face to the slightly exposed collar bone underneath her shirt and hoodie she was wearing before he unzipped said hoodie to reveal more of her skin to him.

Misaki gasped as the air touched her skin when he opened up the top part of her hoodie, "Wha-What are you doing?" she exclaimed, as he lowered his face back to her and started kissing along the column of her neck and collar bone. Misaki bit her lips to keep the sounds from escaping her as she felt those pleasant tingling sensations course through her body from Akihiko's lips. She shivered when he found a very sensitive spot at the side of her neck, which didn't escape his attention before he began sucking at it while his hand snuck under her shirt and started rubbing her flat belly and curves.

Her hands twitched then clenched into fists as she mentally fought against his seductive fingers, his touch felt too good, it was making her dizzy and her grasp on reality was beginning to slip. "Please, I can't..." Misaki struggled to speak as reason and lust waged war with each other.

Akihiko pushed himself up to look down at her, he can tell she has never been touched by a male before from the way she responded to him. This made him happy because only he can touch her and hold her the way he is doing now. She looked up at him with innocence, confusion and lust as she panted from his ministrations.

Misaki's left arm finally moved, much to her relief as she held it in between them. Akihiko thought she was going to touch his face, something he has been looking forward to, but his hopes were dashed when she showed him the back of her hand, specifically the wedding ring on her finger. "Do you see this?" Misaki asked, her eyes narrowed at the author, "You are not allowed to touch me because I already have someone." she bluntly said, plain and simple as she waited for Akihiko to get off of her.

His eyes widened in anger and disbelief as his hand shot out to grasp her wrist, surprising her as he sat up, bringing Misaki with him. He glared at wedding ring, a sign that he cannot claim her for his own after searching for so long. His grip on her wrist tightened, making her wince in pain, "You're hurting me." she whimpered as she tried to pull out of his grip.

Immediately, the author was snapped out of his anger by the sound of his mate's cries, which made him loosen his hold, but not enough to allow her to escape. He instead pulled her wrist close to his face and placed a healing kiss to the spot where he held her too tightly making Misaki gasp at the tingling sensation of his lips on her wrist. "Forgive me Misaki, I have forgotten how fragile humans can be. I'll be gentle from now on, I promise." He murmured into her skin, causing her to blush before she shook her head.

"That will not be necessary Usami-sensei." she avoided his eyes, "So please let me go." she said, trying to remain calm in the face of this supernatural who wants to claim her as his own.

Akihiko narrowed his eyes at his mate, "Who is he?" his question made her turn back to him in confusion, "Who is your husband?" he demanded, wanting to know who had the gall to marry this lovely human before him.

'Ri-chan hasn't told him I was her wife.' Misaki noted as she glared at the author, "Who I am married to is none of your business. You have no right to touch me like this."

Akihiko glared back at her, "I don't believe you, even if you are married, I won't allow it. They have no right to touch what is fated to be mine." he growled possessively, making Misaki shiver in fear and...something else.

Misaki glared harder at him, "Well that's your problem. What I do in my life and who I spend it with should not be your concern. Sorry to disappoint you, but that's the way it is, you can't change it." she hissed at him, which made her look sexy in his opinion.

"Do you wanna bet Misaki?" Akihiko growled in jealousy and arousal as he pulled her closer to him again until their faces were inches apart. "I will not accept this. Don't think that ring will keep me at bay. I'm not gonna give up that easily." he vowed as he locked his lips with hers again, putting more force and passion into the kiss as Misaki squirmed against him, trying to get away from the fire he was trying to ignite within her.

After what felt like an eternity, Akihiko finally released her, letting her breathe as she held her wrist to her chest while he stood up from the sofa. The moment he got up, Misaki immediately shot up from the cushions, grabbed her bag and dashed out the door before he could chase her.

Akihiko glared at the door where his mate disappeared through, his heart wrenching in agony at the very idea of her leaving him to return to another man. 'That damn law.' he clenched his jaw in anger, hating that strict rule that prevents him from having his Misaki. Pulling out his phone, he contacted his acquaintance, it rang for a second until a voice picked up, "Isaka, I need you to give me information about a certain employee." he said into the phone, wanting any and all information that can help him get his mate back where she belongs.


Ritsu hummed as the elevator stopped on her floor, her suitcase rolled behind her as she held a bag of sweets in her other hand. Fishing out her key, she unlocked the door to the apartment and entered, her ears picking up the sound of the tv in the living room. "Tadaima! 'Saki-chan, I brought sweets!" she announced as she made her way to the living room to see her best friend sitting on the couch, but what surprised her was the frown and the way she pulled her knees to her chest, her eyes staring into nothing while the tv droned on.

"'Saki-chan?" Ritsu called out in concern as she set her the plastic bag on the table before coming over to her wife who has not responded to her. "Misaki?" Ritsu tried again when she knelt in front of her.

Misaki looked up to see Ritsu in front of her, "Ri-chan." her voice cracked when she said her name.

Before Ritsu could react, Misaki threw her arms around her, sending them both to the ground with the latter on top. "Saki-chan!" Ritsu exclaimed in surprise until she felt something wet on her shirt, "Misaki, why are you crying?" she asked as she patted her head in an effort to comfort her, something she has done since Misaki lost her parents in that accident.

Misaki sniffed, "A supernatural...he called me his mate." she shook, remembering that frightening and heart pounding experience upon meeting that man.

Ritsu's eyes widened as she sat up with the slightly shorter girl in her arms before pushing Misaki's head away from her to see tears streaming down her cheeks. "Did he do anything to you?" Ritsu asked, worried her dearest friend and surrogate sister was hurt by that undeserving creature.

Misaki sniffed again, "He wanted to, he almost would have had I not showed him the ring." she swallowed, "My body wouldn't move Ritsu, I was ready to give in without a second thought. God, I-I just felt so dirty there." she cried, feeling ashamed by how her body responded to his perverse advances.

Ritsu gritted her teeth at the thought of some low life scum taking advantage of her best friend, "Who was it 'Saki-chan?" she asked, wondering who it is that would dare attack Misaki.

Misaki swallowed, closing her eyes before she whispered the name, "Usami Akihiko."

Ritsu gasped, "What? That can't be...he's one of them?" she exclaimed as Misaki looked up at her in question, "You didn't know?"

Ritsu shook her head, "No, I did not." she sighed in frustration, "This is my fault, I shouldn't have asked you to go there. I am so sorry Misaki." she said, feeling it was because of her that her dearest friend is going to be pursued by some possessive demon.

"It's not your fault." Misaki shook her head at Ritsu, "How could we have known that something like this would happen?"

Ritsu let out another sigh as she placed a hand on her forehead, "Usami-sensei of all people. I knew he was strange, but I never thought he would be one of them. What is he exactly?"

"I-I don't know." Misaki answered, unsure what he was either, "He wasn't a vampire that's for sure because I had garlic in my purse when I visited him, he wasn't affected at all."

"That certainly complicates things if we don't know what he is. Did he say anything to you?" Ritsu said as she gently pushed Misaki off of her before pulling her to the couch where it was more comfortable.

Misaki fiddled with her fingers as she looked down, "He-He said that he doesn't care about me wearing someone's ring and that he'll find a way to claim me. I didn't tell him I was married to you though." she added, turning to Ritsu who had a troubled expression.

"He comes from a prestigious family, they're pretty high up and have connections everywhere, so it's possible he'll find some loophole or excuse to bend the law in his favor." Ritsu mused, holding her chin as she thought of the kinds of connections the Usamis would have in the supernatural and human world.

"But you also come from a prestigious family as well." Misaki commented, watching her wife's thinking face.

"That's true, my father has multiple connections as well, even to the Usami family if memory serves me correctly. I'll talk to him to see if there are any changes to the mating laws. That's the most I can do." Ritsu said, facing Misaki who looked down, "I'm so sorry Ri-chan, this is gonna cause trouble for you in your career because of me."

Ritsu's hand touched her hair, "None of this is your fault 'Saki-chan. Don't ever blame yourself. If anything, I'll resign as his editor."

Misaki looked up at Ritsu in surprise, "But, won't this affect your career? He's a very popular novelist like you said."

Ritsu smiled, "You let me worry about that. You've had a hard day, so you should take it easy for now." she said as she took the plastic bag from the coffee table and presented it to Misaki. "Your favorite." she said as her wife opened the bag to see strawberry cakes wrapped nicely as it's sweet smell wafted into her nose. Her cheeks turned pink, "You bought all kinds." she exclaimed in joy, drool tempting to run down her chin.

Ritsu chuckled at Misaki's childlike reaction, "Thought you might like that."

The doorbell ringing interrupted the moment. "Hm, who the heck could be ringing at this hour. Stay here, I'll check it out." Ritsu said to Misaki as she stood from the couch and made her way to the front door. Once she got there, she looked through the peep hole to see a man with raven hair and honey colored eyes standing in front of the door.

"What the hell?" Ritsu muttered to herself as she unclipped the pepper spray from her belt, ready to use it on this stranger should things turn violent. Opening the door, she greeted the visitor, "Can I help you sir?" she asked, hiding the pepper spray behind her back.

The man's eyes widened when he saw the woman who answered the door, but his face remained composed. "I'm looking for Takahashi, our mail got mixed up." he answered bluntly as he held up an envelope that has Misaki's name on it.

Ritsu relaxed her stance, but did not let her guard down, "I see, thank you." she said as she took the mail from the man's hand.

"You're new here, aren't you?" the man asked, watching Ritsu's expression as she stared up at him, realizing he is standing just a head taller than her.

Ritsu nodded and answered, "Yes, we recently moved in."

"Welcome to the building. My name is Takano Masamune, I'm your next door neighbor." He introduced himself, nodding at his apartment door.

"It's nice to meet you, my name is Onodera Ritsu." She introduced herself, bowing at the waist as a formal greeting.

"Ri-chan, who's at the door?" Misaki asked as she peeked behind the wall with a glass of milk in her hand.

"It's our neighbor." Ritsu answered, stepping aside for Misaki to get a better look at the man. The brown haired woman's eyes widened as she choked on her milk, coughing and wheezing, "Ta-*cough*-Takano-san!" she exclaimed, beating her chest with her fist to get the milk down.

Masamune's eyes widened, "So it is Takahashi. You live here as well." he stated, just as surprised as her while Ritsu looked between them in confusion.

"You two know each other?" Ritsu questioned as Misaki approached, wiping her chin with her sleeve.

"Takano-san is my boss in the Emerald department." Misaki answered, shocked and bewildered by development.

Ritsu's eyes widened, "You're kidding. Small world." she muttered, turning back to the man who was their neighbor.

"You're telling me." Masamune said in agreement, looking between the two women who now live next door to him. "Are you two related, roommates, or something?" he asked suddenly, staring at Ritsu as Misaki stood beside her.

"'Saki-chan and I are partners." Ritsu bluntly said, taking her wife's hand to show him their rings as proof.

"So you're...?" Masamune let the question hang in the air as he stared at the wedding bands that gleamed in the light as though to answer his question.

"Yes. Is that a problem?" Ritsu asked, lowering her hand, giving Masamune the raise of the eyebrow, daring him to judge her and Misaki.

"No, it's not that. I was just surprised is all." Masamune quickly said, but then he sighed, "Okay truthfully, I was hoping to ask you out for dinner sometime upon seeing you." he answered honestly, looking at Ritsu directly.

"Sorry to disappoint you." Ritsu said with an apologetic smile and a blush on her face. "In fact, I should thank you for taking care of 'Saki-chan in my absence while at Marukawa. I hope you two aren't being hard on each other." she added, glancing between the two editors.

"Not at all, Takahashi is quite eager in her work and has adapted quite nicely to the department." Masamune said, praising his co-worker who smiled at him and responded, "Thank you Takano-san, I'll keep doing you proud."

Takano smirked, "I'm sure. I'll be seeing you around Onodera. Have a good night." he said, nodding to Ritsu before walking back to his apartment.

Ritsu closed the door shut as Misaki shook her head smiling, "He's totally into you."

Ritsu breathed out a laugh in response, "Of course he's not." she denied as she and Misaki went back into the living room to enjoy the sweets the former brought back.


In the apartment next door, a certain vampire/incubus clenched his hands into fists when he heard laughter with his enhanced hearing. He couldn't believe it, after all these years, she appeared to him once again. He should be happy, but he wasn't, he was jealous and angry that she was married, to a woman who was him subordinate no less. The worst part however, she didn't recognize him the way he recognized her. She still had those bright green eyes that once held innocence, now it was filled with confidence. The moment he saw her, he wanted nothing more than to take her back to his apartment and keep her to himself. But given her marital status now, this may prove difficult.

His phone buzzed in his pocket, tearing him from his thoughts and wallowing in self pity before he looked at the caller ID, a scowl in place upon reading the name as he answered it, "Hey old man." he greeted the man who sired him, not used to calling him otherwise.


I could not stop writing. Sorry to leave you hanging like that, but I just wanted to set this up perfectly for what I'm about to write next. Thanks for reading.