Vincent tightened his hands into fists, squeezing his eyes shut. His throat and stomach burned, like acid was moving through his entire body.

The tantalizing aroma of her blood filled his nostrils and his gums ached with need to feed. What the hell is she doing? He questioned, slamming his hand onto the desk in an attempt to control himself.

He was nearly certain if she didn't leave, he wouldn't be able to control himself. The issue with that was should she leave his office, she wouldn't be safe anywhere else in the building either. Vampires roamed the halls and floors of the company. They could be found in nearly every room. The odd human who worked here worked on levels where the least bloodthirsty Vampires were.

Slowly, he turned to face her. Her eyes were wide and doe-like, as if she was a deer cornered by a ravenous wolf.

"What are you doing?" He ground out through clenched teeth. It took all his will power to stay where he was.

"I didn't mean to," She said quietly, grabbing a piece of paper towel and covering the tiny wound.

It may have only been a drop, but it had been enough to send him into a frenzy.

Her gaze lowered as she continued to clean the mess.

"I..." She paused, biting her trembling lower lip, "I just wanted to make sure."

"What?"

"That you truly are a... Vampire. I planned for the cup to break, and when it didn't I was just going to forget my whole plan."

Confusion hit him, and he stared quizzically at her. She was going to purposely hurt herself so she could prove he was a Vampire? Hadn't she already seen enough? Wasn't Julian's fangs sinking into her, the glowing eyes and remarkable speed enough to prove he wasn't lying?

"You foolish woman," He hissed angrily, approaching her. He could hear her heart skip a beat, and she jumped when he knelt in front of her. "Do you know what could've happened if I wasn't in control of my bloodlust?"

She glanced up at him through her eyelashes, before lowering her gaze once more. "I never thought of the consequences... I assumed you could since you never harmed me when Julian..."

He sighed, and closed his eyes. He needed to keep his temper in check. What an annoying woman she was!

"Listen," He said, reaching out to grab her chin so he could tilt her head up so she was staring at him, "All you had to do was ask. My mother and I gave you the opportunity to have all your questions answered, and instead you responded by fainting and trying to run-"

"What did you expect me to do?" She questioned, this time her tone was angered. She pulled away from him, gathering the cup and paper towel.

"Did you really think I could easily accept something like that? You're a monster, Vincent. You drink peoples blood. You've probably killed thousands of people! Before that happened, Vampires were nothing but a myth to me! How was I supposed to believe something so preposterous!"

Catherine stood up and stepped away from him, "Why would you hire me? Was this your plan all along? Why hire a human when you're all Vampires? How does that make any sense?"

Vincent was silent for a moment, taking in her words. You're a monster! You've probably killed thousands! The words ricocheted in his mind. She wasn't wrong. He'd lost count long ago how many lives he took.

"I hired you because I needed a personal assistant," He replied, standing as well. "You were never supposed to find out."

Catherine shook her head and stepped away from him. She was clinging tightly to the items in her hands.

"That doesn't make it right," She told him, "You are putting my life in danger!"

"The Vampires here are all able to control themselves. If I had any suspicions you would be in any danger working here, I never would've hired you."

He watched as Catherine glanced away, seemingly having an inner battle with herself.

After what felt like hours of silence, she finally spoke up, "I'll get you more coffee, Mr. Kingsley. Then I'll finish the tasks you have scheduled for today."

Vincent was speechless as she stepped out of the room. He could hear Ariana ask her if everything was okay, and Catherine's quiet "I'm fine."

He glowered when Ariana entered the room and shut the door behind her. She was staring at him as if he had grown another head and was thoroughly disappointed with him.

"What are you doing?" She questioned, approaching him. She crossed her arms over her chest and lifted an eyebrow, "Well?"

"This is not my fault," Vincent defended, "Catherine was the one who tried to hurt herself. I had no part in that."

"Come on, Vincent," Ariana scolded, "Did you really think a human would accept Vampires to be real so easily? What did you think she was going to do? Fall madly in love with you and-"

Vincent flashed in front of Ariana and grabbed her by the neck, pulling her closer to him, "Don't forget your place. You know nothing."

"Then why?" She pleaded, stepping closer to him. He could see the lust gloss over her eyes from his rough touch, "Was I not good enough?"

He was silent as she ran her hand down his chest to the belt around his waist, "Did I not satisfy you enough that you had to turn to a human?"

Vincent's face twisted into a sneer as sheer disgust filled him, and he shoved her away from him, "I hired her because we needed a new personal assistant. That is all. I never intended her to find out about us. I have no interest in going to bed with her."

Ariana licked her lips, rubbing her hand against her neck, "Then I shall come visit you later today. All that pent up anger and frustration... I am sure you need a release?"

Vincent pondered her offer for a moment, before nodding his head. Perhaps it was a good idea. He needed to distract himself from the allure of Catherine, and quickly. If not, he feared he wouldn't be able to control himself anymore around her.

Hiring her has been more of a hindrance than it has been helpful. Perhaps it was a mistake to hire a human. Did he have the strength to fire her, though? He supposed he would find out soon.