Victoria smelled her before she saw her.
Coconut mixed with the aroma of chocolate musk perfume.
"You waiting for a ride or somethin'?"
She smiled despite herself.
"Or something," Victoria said.
Truckstops were always easy hunting.
All she had to do was loiter around the parking lot at night and someone would eventually muster up the confidence to approach her, thinking she was a prostitute.
However, this was the first time a lady had spoken to her.
The woman was slightly taller than her, but nothing to write home about.
She was in her early thirties.
She had an average build and ordinary facial features with long brown hair tied in a messy bun. The glasses she wore were thick and her lips were chapped.
Yet, the burn in Victoria's throat dulled as brown eyes locked with her own.
"You're too pretty to be selling yourself, honey," the woman said, frowning.
"Where are you from?"
"Nowhere near here."
The woman pursed her lips.
"Where are you going?"
Forks, Victoria thought. To kill a girl.
"Wherever you're going."
A smile like a sunrise appeared on the woman's face and she forgot why she ever wanted to go to Washington.
"I have a top bunk in my truck," she said, pointing with her thumb.
"How does Oregon sound to you?"
Victoria grinned. "Do you make a habit of picking up strays?"
"No," she said simply.
"I'm Jackie, by the way."
The human extended a rough hand to her and she took it without a second thought.
She didn't let it go for a long time, but Jackie didn't seem to mind.
"Victoria."
Jackie nodded in acknowledgement.
"Let's get you a shower, a meal, and a warm bed, Victoria. On me."
"I'm not hungry."
Jackie chuckled.
"Too bad, cuz I am."
As she followed Jackie toward the brightly lit truck stop, Victoria wondered if she knew what she'd gotten herself into.
Picking up strays could be dangerous.
But, perhaps... not this time.