NAPE - 49

“Could it be because she’s a pureblood? Either way, to find out about that bastard, it’s probably best to start by digging into Bibi’s identity.”

“What way are you going to figure out the identity of a kid with no connections? She said she barely remembers anything from when she was young.”

“I’m going to meet the original creator of the lineage records. Since he wrote it, he’ll know everything.”

“What about asking your mother, Senior?”

“Meeting the creator is better.”

“Hmm…. Have a good trip.”

Namwon nodded with a bittersweet expression and waved his hand.

“Have a good trip, my ass. You have to come too. It’ll be easier with another pair of hands. I’ve already told the association president, so just come.”

Namwon frowned as if annoyed at the thought of being taken along, but he obediently followed.

“More importantly, have you found out anything through this kid?”

Namwon, lowering his sunglasses, nudged Doyoon’s shoulder as he drove. Doyoon quietly shook his head.

Bibi had decided to quit being a hunting dog. She suppressed her fear of being a traitor and intended to tell Doyoon everything about the trainer.

But unfortunately, there wasn’t much helpful information. Bibi didn’t know anything about the trainer except that he was a man. She only knew that he had been with her since her forgotten childhood and had consistently trained her as a hunting dog.

Of course, if they probed further, they might uncover some useful information. But Doyoon didn’t want to delve into her like an interrogation, especially since she was already emotionally withdrawn.

“Anyway, I have another idea.”

“It’s the first time I’ve seen you care about someone this much, Senior.”

Namwon was quite surprised by Doyoon’s consideration. For Namwon, Doyoon was a man without blood or tears, and at the same time, a man like a ‘reed’.

His capriciousness was beyond words, and regardless of whether others blossomed or bore fruit, he was always very similar to a brittle, hollow pillar, unaffected by the seasons. Also, the fact that he lacked any particular passion or drive and swayed wherever his whims took him.

Therefore, Namwon found Doyoon’s current attitude quite unfamiliar. Who would have guessed? That Kwon Doyoon would look at someone else with such warm intensity and viscous eyes. Well, a dry reed field, once a spark ignites, burns uncontrollably and fiercely.

“Senior.”

“What.”

“When are we going sightseeing?”

“Get out.”

“Still, we should enjoy the first day. Don’t you think? Wildcat, say something too.”

Namwon tapped the passenger seat, but Bibi still only looked out the window without a significant reply.

“Didn’t they say her mouth was working again? Ugh. I guess I’ll have to enjoy myself.”

Namwon grumbled at the unresponsive Bibi and took out his phone, connecting it to the car’s Bluetooth. A popular idol song filled the car loudly. Namwon bobbed his shoulders and began to sing along at the top of his lungs. He even started imitating the dance. No matter what anyone said, he wouldn’t let anything ruin his exciting feeling of being abroad.

Bibi frowned at the sound of a pig being slaughtered and glared at Namwon. On the other hand, Doyoon, as if accustomed to it, put on his sunglasses and calmly steered the wheel, focusing on driving. He was completely treating Namwon as if he didn’t exist.

“Bibi. This is Hyde Park. The neighborhood we’ll be staying in.”

After the torturous karaoke session, they were nearing their destination. Turning the wheel, Doyoon pointed to the street scenery.

Enthralled by the London scenery, Bibi looked around curiously with sparkling eyes. More interesting than the tall and magnificent Buckingham Palace were the humans of various races crowding the streets. She wondered what their blood would taste like.

A not-so-tall building appeared before them, and Doyoon finally stopped the car. Their residence wasn’t a house that looked like Lego bricks, a fancy palace, or a mansion, but a building quite similar to a mixed-use complex in Seoul. It had an exterior with straight vertical lines drawn across it, covered in glass windows.

The interior of the house was similar yet different from their house in Seoul. It was similar in that the ceilings were high and things glittered here and there, but it was more luxurious with crystal chandeliers, a separate champagne room, and many antique pieces of furniture.

Around this point, Bibi could grasp Doyoon’s taste. He preferred things that were flashy, dazzling, and expensive rather than simple.

“Lee Namwon. You’ll use that room over there. Next to the dining room.”

“Okay. I’m confirmed for the maid’s room.”

Namwon dragged his suitcase in and began to unpack.

When only the two of them remained in the living room, Doyoon led Bibi to the terrace and showed her the view. It wasn’t as densely packed with the entire city at a glance as it was in Seoul, but it was nice to be able to appreciate the beautiful Hyde Park and the antique buildings.

“Do you like it? I considered going to a secluded mansion with a garden in the suburbs, but I thought your taste was similar to mine. You like shiny things, and you like people-watching, right?”

Bibi liked their new residence. Being at a lower height made her feel closer to the human world.

“Come this way. I’ll show you your room too.”

“...My room? We’re using separate rooms?”

“Should we use the same room?”

Doyoon asked with a sidelong smile. Bibi felt her heart race and shook her head exaggeratedly. Strangely, the way she treated Doyoon wasn’t the same as before.

Before, she had wanted to cling to his side because being near him was so comfortable, but now it wasn’t simply comforting. She felt inexplicably restless and became very conscious of any possible physical contact. It felt somehow shameful for the other person to notice these feelings, so she uselessly avoided his gaze.

But then, when she avoided his gaze, she couldn’t help but want to see Doyoon’s face again. Did Doyoon feel this way too? What were his feelings? Looking at the back of Doyoon’s head, which remained unwavering and composed, Bibi felt like she was losing a game she had been diligently playing.

“It was prepared in a week, so it’s not 100% to my liking, but take a look.”

Opening the door, Doyoon scanned the inside and raised his eyebrows as if to say it was decent enough. The spacious room was decorated cleanly and in white, with a modern French style. All the walls were wainscoted, and golden wall lamps emitted a warm light.

The bed in the center of the room looked comfortably wide and plush, and by the window with a good view, there was a small table and sofa for tea, with even a mini-refrigerator separately provided. When Doyoon opened the refrigerator, it was filled with pudding and blood packs. She could fill her stomach anytime she felt hungry at night. It was obvious he had put thought into it. She used to be grateful even for a clean iron cage.

“It’ll be okay to stay here.”

Doyoon scanned the room and wore a somewhat satisfied expression. Honestly, Bibi didn’t care about the room’s interior or the pudding she could take out and eat anytime. There was something else Bibi had wanted to ask since earlier.

“Who was that person we saw at the airport earlier?”

“A secretary who works under my mother.”

“Doyoon’s mother?”

Doyoon was a pureblood vampire. He had parents. Did they live in London? She became very curious.

“I’m going to see her tomorrow. Do you want to come with me?”

Bibi nodded her head vigorously, revealing her strong curiosity. Doyoon chuckled at her reaction and approached her, unbuttoning his shirt. Her heart sank again because of his suddenly close, broad shoulders and enchanting face.

Hesitating and stepping back, Bibi soon realized what this action meant and smacked her lips. His snow-white neck, exuding a fragrant scent, was brought close to her mouth, ready to be eaten. Bibi carefully sucked his blood, trying her best not to hurt him.

A languid breath escaped Doyoon’s lips. His chest rose and fell rapidly, his jawline became sharply defined, his cheeks flushed, and his breathing quickened. He was clearly enjoying the pleasure of being sucked. Bibi pressed her lips more firmly against his neck and tried to slip her arms between Doyoon’s arms and burrow into his embrace.

“This far.”

Suddenly, Doyoon quickly stepped back. The skin that had filled her vision frustratingly moved away.

“I don’t have any luggage to unpack anyway…. Good night.”

He pressed his palm against his neck where the bite mark was and turned around, leaving the room. Bibi lowered her awkwardly raised arms and watched his back.

Unexpectedly, Bibi felt a shallow wave of emotion from Doyoon. It was a very, very subtle change, almost imperceptible if one wasn’t paying close attention. It had started… that day, after Choi Haejin’s death.

Doyoon’s actions were as indifferent yet kind as before, but there was a subtle restraint in them. What was the change in his heart? What on earth was he thinking? When she asked, he said it was nothing much…. She couldn’t keep pressing him.

Not knowing what to do in such times, Bibi simply hoped it was just her feelings.

Falling asleep alone in an unfamiliar bed and an unfamiliar environment wasn’t easy. Bibi turned off the wall lamp, lay down on the bed, pulled the blanket up to her nose, and closed her eyes.