"How is that creature my mate? He didn't see me as that—he saw me as food. This is ridiculous. Am I just a piece of meat, too? I'm a person with emotions and a brain! I deserve someone who's going to be everything for me, not treat me like garbage. I throw my arms around, screaming at nothing. Screw that guy who talked about mates! If vampires are real, why the hell was my so-called mate trying to hurt me? He was full of greed and hatred. It doesn't make sense. Why did he have that intense aura? I wish I had a guide right now, because more shit's coming my way.
I wonder what's happening now. I bet that guy is having a field day with my body, but who was the other voice I heard?
"Rose! Wake up!"
Someone's yelling my name. Can I just stay here? It's so peaceful…
"Rose, I need you to get up! It's Alex, love!"
Alex is here? Why? I feel like I'm burning. I finally come to, face-to-face with a goddamn bird-man!
"What are you?" My heart races. This isn't Alex. The creature's eyes are fiery—orange and red swirling together like a pool of lava. Its skin is burning, but it's touching me, and I can feel its warmth like being next to a fireplace.
"Rose, you're not losing it... It's me, Alex. I'm a Phoenix." He speaks, and I feel a little more at ease.
"Oh, okay." Well, I'm still lying on the ground, bleeding, so could you maybe help me not die?
I feel his hands on my neck, and suddenly, I'm healing. I feel rejuvenated, relaxed—this is amazing!
"Alex? Where's the other man who tried to make me a snack earlier?"
I look around. It's just us, in a forest, the rain softly falling.
"Well, I injured him—his face is burned, and his stomach is wide open. I'm not sure where he is now."
"Thanks for saving me, Alex." I smile, grateful to be alive.
The word keeps echoing in my mind… "Mate."
"Alex, what's a mate? That guy said I was his mate, and you said it too, but I'm confused."
Alex's expression grows grim. He holds me gently. "Rose... Mates are life partners. We're meant to love you until we die or you die. Take care of yourself. That guy is your mate, but I know who he is." His eyes turn bright orange. "He's the vampire lord, Rose. He wants power, and you're the key to it."
"Alex!" My eyes widen in shock. I clutch his arms tightly. "I'm just human. I'm nothing special!"
"Who are your parents, Rose?"
I'm taken aback. "Why are you asking me that, Alex?" I step away, feeling hurt. I don't even know my parents—I've always wondered why they gave me up.
"I'm sorry, Rose. I didn't mean to upset you. I'm asking because it seems like more horrible things are coming, and if I'm right, that vampire will be back."
We walk hand in hand to his house. I feel nervous. I've never been to a boy's house, and the thought that he's my mate makes me nervous. Oh, by the gods, let me see the sun again if I make it out of this. Maybe I'll run away to a beautiful island, somewhere far away. I laugh inside—it's funny how I thought running away from home would solve everything, and now I'm running for my life from a crazy bloodsucker.
Life sure has a funny way of showing me karma's still out to get me. I tear up a little. This is not what I wanted. Alex stops with concern. He pulls me into him and kisses my forehead.
"Rose, everything will be okay. I promise I'll keep you safe—even if I have to burn the world down with everyone in it."
"Alex, just... understand that everything is overwhelming me. Please, just explain what's going on—with some hot tea and a blanket."
"Alright, Rose," he laughs. We stop walking, and a huge, gothic-looking mansion stands in front of us. How is there a mansion in town that I've never noticed before?