“...ker?”

“...arker?”

“Miss Harker?!”

She suddenly snapped awake, blinking her eyes as she was blinded by the light in the room as well as the blurriness from her unexpected nap.  She sighed,closing the book in front of her as she turned to look up at the librarian.

“Miss Harker, I think you need to head home and get some sleep.  You’ve been studying too long.”

She shook her head to clear it, then nodded as the sweet elderly woman took the time to wake her.  “You’re right..  I’m sorry.  All of the studying in the world won’t mean a thing if I sleep through it or dream half of the data, huh?”

“That’s right.  Do you need to call someone for a ride?”

“No, no.  I just live a few blocks away, it’ll be fine.”

The librarian nodded and closed the thick book she’d been looking through before picking it up and walking away.  Mina gathered up her things, packing them into the tote bag she had brought with her before waving and heading out the door.

Stepping outside, she pulled her jacket up tight around her neck and shoulders.  The autumn breeze chilled her to the bone as she glanced up at the few stars she could see through the city light pollution.  She was out a lot later than she had intended.

Thankfully for her, the streets were still fairly busy with lots of people moving around.  Going to shows, or to one of the many restaurants.  She smiled at the bustling streets as even in the street lights it was a cacophony of colors.  It was only in the shadows between the cones of light that the colors faded.

She closed her eyes for a moment, and took a breath of the cool air.  The intermingled smell of pizza, hot dogs, warm pretzels and various pastries almost overwhelmed her.  Even the scent of autumn leaves, smoke, and car exhaust blended in to make everything just seem right.

She jogged over to one of the snack stands, grabbing herself a box of fresh mini donuts which she quickly stowed in her tote for later.  When she tried to pay, the man at the cart got this strange, far-away look in his eyes and told her, “No charge.  Was finishing up for the night anyway.”

Mina blinked, thinking that was a bit unusual, but thanked him for his kindness and headed back on her way.  She had only gone another half block before she got the feeling that someone was watching her.

She didn’t see anything at first as she glanced out through the crowd.  Just the normal bustle of the city.  Then she spotted him.

He was tall and thin, dressed in dark pinstripe pants and black spats.  A lovely silk dress shirt and a long fur-lined coat.  He clutched a wooden cane in his hand that he occasionally leaned on as he made casual conversation with random people passing by.  She only thought her eyes had been drawn to his unusual attire until she saw his piercing gaze meet hers.

She felt frozen in place.  She couldn’t think, she couldn’t breathe.  Her eyes were locked in place as she was completely unable to look away.  The only thing that helped was someone walking in between them, breaking his gaze.

She turned away, shivering, wondering what had just happened before she quickly continued down the street away from the strange man.  She didn’t even want to hazard a glance behind her until she had gone another block.

She didn’t see him at first, but then she saw his top hat over the crowd.  Being careful not to make eye contact, she started backing away as she saw him slowly approaching.  He cut through the throng of people like a shark through the water.  He wasn’t pushing anyone out of the way or weaving through them, they seemed to just step out of his way instinctively as he approached, none of them even glancing in his direction.

Turning from him, she started to run, pushing her way through the crowd.  She had no clue who this man was, she just knew he was dangerous somehow.  She tried her best to flee, sliding in between people as she ran, but she just kept bumping into people as they moved into her way.  It was almost like some force was directing the crowd, trying to stop her.

Hoping that he had lost sight of her, she quickly cut off to the side and into an alley that she knew would lead her back to her home street.  She had barely gotten halfway down the alley when she turned back to see the figure of the stranger looking at her.  She tried to scream, but no sound came out as her throat closed up in fear.  

Still looking back over her shoulder, she raced down the alley until she slammed into something as solid as a telephone pole.  She tumbled to the pavement, her tote bag flying off to the side.  She started pushing herself up off of the street only to see a black gloved hand offered in assistance.

She looked up to meet his eyes again and his presence was undeniable.  He was pale and thin-faced,  He had a black mustache and goatee that were immaculately trimmed, though a cascade of dark, curly hair spilled from under his top hat,  His eyes were an unusual shade, almost looking red in the dim light.

Unable to resist, she took his hand.  He grasped hers with surprising strength and gentleness.  He wasn’t squeezing her hand in the least, but she didn’t think she could pull away from him if she tried.  She swallowed hard as he helped her to her feet.

“Who…  are you?”

His voice was low and smooth, dark and teasing.  She imagined just his words reaching out to caress her body.  “Let us just say, an old friend.”

She was getting dizzy as she felt her mind slipping away from her again, “What… so you want from me?”

He smiled at her, and she could see his canines were unusually long and sharp.  He gently pulled her in close to him.  He wrapped his arms around her, pressing her to his body sensually.  Even through their clothing she could feel he was cold as the grave.

“Why, you, Mina Harker.  It’s always been you…”