Lilith rolled her eyes as the man gently teased her once more, “Tch, I don’t [i]want[/i] to be a human.” The thought was grotesque to the proud fox spirit. [i]Being human offers certain benefits. I realize that now but that doesn't mean… to actually want to be… that’s disgusting.[/i] She shook her head free of the thoughts as Aleks made his way to the window, her focus now entirely on him. What [i]was[/i] it that a man like him wanted?

Of all the ideas she had in her head about what this man might want from her, them being partners was not one of them. She was relieved he was looking away so he couldn't see the shock on her face as he said that. Lilith had enough time to regain her composure before he turned back to look at her, but just barely. Why was he so set on this? What could he possibly gain from helping her?

Her jaw was tight and her eyes narrow as they looked at each other. Should she accept, she would be heavily in his debt. Whether he liked it or not, she would repay that debt but the fox never thought someone would be so opposed to receiving her help. Suddenly it seemed to click. The people he worked for. Aleks had mentioned something about Lilith being forced to take his place had she killed him. The kumiho had merely brushed it off as a threat, but there was a deeper meaning. Someone had held that position before Aleksei, she was certain. Lilith doubted this young man had murdered said person to get into his current predicament, but she suddenly felt very certain he was not employed to the mafia by choice. He wanted people dead, but his hands were tied. He was, in fact, asking her for help. Her expression immediately softened and in one fluid motion, Lilith was on her feet in front of Aleks. Their bodies were close and Lilith’s golden eyes were intense with emotion, though what emotion she was feeling was anyone’s guess. Her heart pounded in her chest, it had been over a century since she had agreed to a contract with anyone.

“I accept.”