Now he did smile, just a bit, but the look in his eyes remained cool. "Who you fraternize with is your concern," he said calmly. "I find it questionable, but as long as you're not in danger, my hand will be stayed."

His index finger lifted in a gesture that said 'wait', and he dropped the spent smoke to the concrete and put it out with the toe of his boot. "However. Don't let him deceive you. He may behave as if his humanity's intact, but he's still a predator. If I believe your life is in peril because of him, I won't hesitate."

He shrugged when he finished speaking, the coat shifting on his shoulders. The cigarette pack made a second appearance, and he lit up with a thoughtful expression on his face. He'd spoken with her for too long. He should return to the shadows, out of sight. She could be aware of his presence, but his aim was not to socialize.

"Rhys."