Baron Scratchface

Of course it was a yes. Aiden could cover the deficit with the university fund. He quickly replied to Nick's message with a short but decisive yes. It did not take long for the vampire to respond with details about the transaction.

"We will pick you up at the Harrow Lane Train Station, platform 2B on Friday at 6 PM sharp. The transaction will be carried out at Dominion. All transportation and additional fees will be covered from my side."

Aiden bit his lip. He replied with a short "Ok" and then threw his phone onto the bed.

Autumn was quickly coming to an end. The gust of wind that blew through the town that night carried the scent of winter. In the distance, the blood-curdling howling and growling sound could still be heard.

Every day after 6 PM, the town of Harrow Lane was submerged in deathly silence. Most people knew to huddle in the warmth and safety of their homes before nightfall. There was only one train station that served the trips in and out of the town, but it was no different than an abandoned building at night.

Aiden arrived at the train station at 5.30 PM sharp. Close to 6 PM, he checked his phone to make sure that he did not mistake the time and place for the appointment. There was no sign of Nick and Serena at all. He checked his phone for regional train departure and arrival schedule and found that only one train was scheduled to arrive at 5.58 PM and another to depart at 6.05 PM.

Aiden threw a glance at platform 2A. A train approached from the south and stopped with a slight screeching sound. Two figures hopped off and glanced around. When they spotted Aiden, they casually walked to him.

Nick and Serena were both wearing black tight bodysuits, with long black coats to compliment their looks. Their long hairs were neatly arranged in an updo hairstyle. Together with the rimless glasses that perched on their noses, they looked a lot like office ladies who just came home after a long day at work.

They both flashed Aiden a smile.

"Hey, Aiden. Let's go," Nick said, taking Aiden by his elbow.

Serena eyed Aiden's outfit. She raised an eyebrow and whistled before coming up with a word to describe Aiden, "Cute."

Underneath his jacket, Aiden wore a white shirt and jeans. It was nothing special, but his clothes usually managed to highlight his slender and well-defined physique.

The unlikely group of two vampires and one human being boarded the train to the north, heading for Dominion.

It took three hours to reach Dominion. The train was equipped with a dining compartment that provided proper meals and evening snacks for everyone. Small towns like Harrow Lane were occupied by human beings, which explained why the train only had a few human beings on board when Aiden, Nick, and Serena hopped on the train. At night, the two superior races roamed the night. More and more vampires and werewolves boarded the train. To prevent unwanted frictions and incidents, the compartments were split into three to accommodate all three races. Those who traveled together were assigned private cubicles for both comfort and privacy.

It was not convenient for the three of them to dine at the dining compartment for all eyes to see, so they ordered what they wanted from the menu.

Aiden wanted to order a salad and refrigerated ham and egg sandwich, but Nick shook her head.

"You will want something warm," she pointed out. "This is only your first time, better be safe than sorry."

"Oh."

Aiden ended up ordering warm tea and creamy chicken soup while the two vampires asked for warm beer.

Aiden eyed them curiously while he drank his soup.

"What?" Serena snapped after a while.

She disliked it when someone stared at her for a second too long.

"Sorry, it's just..."

Aiden cleared his throat. "Do you two like beer?"

Nick and Serena exchanged glances.

"Well, not really. Just for the warmth. Unless you are willing to share your blood with us?" Serena asked with a wink.

"Serena! Inappropriate!" Nick growled with a frown.

Serena laughed and waved at Nick dismissively.

"Oh, take a chill pill. I know already. If I dare to steal from Baron Scratchface, he would skin me alive and drain me for every drop of blood I am worth."

Baron Scratchface?

Nick chuckled when she saw the look on Aiden's face.

"That is not his real name. The Baron has the habit to scratch his opponent's face during a fight. That habit ultimately became his nickname."