Clues Through Texts:

I paused when I heard my cell phone buzz in my purse. I didn’t even want to think who that was. It couldn’t be him; he’s a vampire. Why would he be texting me in broad daylight? This could be another psychological game that he’s trying to play with me. I won’t take this anymore.

When the buzzing stopped, I walked back to my car. Behind the wheel, I broke down shaking. He’s really crossed a line. What does Kaoru want with me? Why is he so obsessed with me? I froze when my phone buzzed again. Why is he calling me again? My hand shook as I clenched my teeth. Before I knew it, I flipped open my phone. As I had guessed, he sent me one text message. Against my better judgment, I opened it.

Now do you give up?

Seeing the smiley face on the text made my blood burn. He thought that he could kill my fiancé and my best friend, harm my mother, and try to be sweet to me. I stomped foot on the floor. Damn him! I typed my own message back.

No! You will never have me!

I hit “send” and huffed out. I managed to calm myself down before I pulled out of the parking lot. It didn’t take long for a reply.

You still don’t get it, do you?

I nearly drove off the road. What the hell?! Who the hell does he think he is?! It didn’t take me long to type up another message.

You do not own me! What do you want with me anyway? I don’t even know you.

I waited with baited breath for his response. Come on, you bastard! Face me if you aren’t scared! His next response rather puzzled me.

This isn’t a game.

I felt my heart stop in her chest. What? What is this?

What are you talking about? What are you talking about?

The next text sent everything down into a spiral.

Look up the year 1419, Edo.

I stared at the phone screen with a pale face. What was he talking about? Why would he have me look up Edo in 1419? That wasn’t the only thing on the text, however. I scrolled down until I reached the end to two words that would throw me further into his twisted game.

“Ruri-sama?” I asked. Who the hell was Ruri-sama? I drove all the way to my parents’ shop in the snow.