Chapter 11: His mate
"Master?"
The chef was visibly trembling with fear, resembling a fragile leaf in a gust of wind. It was understandable considering the intensity of Ryan's gaze, which had an unmistakable hint of rage in his bloodshot eyes. The way he looked was eerily similar to that of a wild beast, leaving me astounded. I wonder if vampires undergo a transformation in their eye color when their anger reaches its peak. However, I couldn't determine the specific reason behind his agitation. There was no secret conspiracy unfolding behind his back that would justify his extreme reaction. It made me contemplate the level of fear he instilled in others. Unfortunately, due to my insatiable curiosity, this werewolf would bear the brunt of punishment. Nevertheless, I was determined not to let that injustice occur.
"Actually, it's my fault. I demanded answers from him."
As our eyes locked, I instinctively took a step forward, physically inserting myself as a barrier between him and his intended prey. The bewildering truth was that despite the mystery surrounding my abduction, I had come to realize, over the course of a full week with them, that they held no intention of killing me. Call it naivety or desperate optimism, but there was an undeniable connection between Ryan and me that surpassed the façade he now wore so menacingly. However, as his eyes turned cold and unfeeling, I couldn't help but wonder if the moment we shared a week ago was even real.
"What answers?"
Ryan's demeanor seemed to transcend anger and border on ferocity as he emanated an almost primal growl, leaving no doubt that his emotions were raging within him, and it was evident that he was meticulously scrutinizing every word before he spoke them. Is he that angry? In that instance, I realized that I appeared feeble, and the feeling vexed me deeply. Despite my adeptness at concealing my true feelings, Ryan's presence somehow managed to unmask the raw and unfiltered version of myself that I rarely allowed others to witness.
"Answers that you guys are not willing to tell me."
I yelled as frustration swelled within me, an unexpected surge of fear gripping my insides. I was scared by his wild, predatory stance, and it forced me to confront the stark reality that had eluded me until that terrifying moment. All this while, not a single one among them had ever revealed their true nature, skillfully cloaking their immortal identity in a deceptive human guise, save for their strength and speed. Perhaps that's precisely why I blissfully slept each night, naively lowering my guard. This unsettling revelation pierced the base of my sense of security, exposing my vulnerability as never before. Ryan did not move from his spot, but I could say that my rude behavior was getting on his nerves. More than my safety, I was worried about the werewolf behind me. I didn't want anyone to get hurt because of me.
"Do not get yourself into trouble by asking unnecessary questions. You are pushing your boundaries, and I will not tolerate it next time."
I stared into his eyes, a surge of disbelief washing over me. Is he even serious? However, unexpectedly, his comment about boundaries had the opposite effect on me. It dissolved the fear that had clutched at my heart, leaving nothing but wisps of smoke in its wake. My breath hitched, heavy with the weight of my seething rage, as I struggled to contain the tempest that threatened to consume me. With a derisive scoff, I glared at him.
"You seriously think I am going to be quiet after some blood-sucking vampires kidnap me? Just because you give me expensive things, am I to forget the fact that I don't belong here? I have a life, dude. Get it inside that thick skull of yours. I was putting up with you because everyone was treating me nicely, but I can't anymore. I want to go back to my family."
I snapped at him, momentarily proud of the composed manner in which I handled the situation. It was a development from my usual tendency to throw tantrums. Surprisingly, my words carried an air of maturity even as I spoke them. However, any trace of optimism within me was extinguished in an instant by his sinister grin. If I had thought Ryan appeared wild and untamed before, it paled in comparison to his current state. His eyes emitted a frightening crimson glow, and I heard the chef cursing under his breath. Ryan advanced toward me with deliberate, slow steps, causing a frigid chill to grip my very core.
"For a start, do you even have a family? Or did you refer to that every time missing old hags? And where do you mean by going back? To the graves? So that you can meet your dead parents?"
"ENOUGH!"
Overwhelmed and trembling, my mind became a vast void as his words pierced through me. He has gone way too far. Emotions surged uncontrollably, as evidenced by the cascading tears staining my cheeks, reducing me to a pitiable human. It was then that his seemingly entranced state shattered. Ryan's eyes reverted to their usual hue, his startled lips parting in shock. Though he reached out to touch me, I couldn't bear the thought. Disgust compelled me to step back, regardless of the pain etching across his features. Right then, I didn't care.
"A monster like you..." I spat, pointing a finger at him, "has no right to talk about my parents. And yes, I will go back. Even if I didn't have someone waiting for me, I would not be here any minute from now. I want to leave, and if you don't allow me to, I'll kill myself. Then, just like you said, I can go back to my family, to my dead parents."
Ryan's eyes filled with an unmistakable blend of guilt and regret, and he might have said something if I hadn't turned my back and firmly strode out of the kitchen, silencing any hopes of redemption with my exit. I longed to shield myself from any further pain, and I felt like any additional words he said would only serve to deepen the wounds already inflicted.
I hastily made my way to the room that had been designated for me, allowing myself a moment to release the torrent of tears that had been swelling within me. As the sobs gradually subsided, I reluctantly began changing into the only clothes that belonged to me. I want nothing from them. I do not know if he would let me leave or not, but I was done being polite. Whatever punishment they deemed fit, it mattered little to me. However, my contemplations were abruptly interrupted by a firm knock on the door, compelling me to sit upright and regain composure. Swiftly, I wiped away the remnants of my tears with the rough fabric of my sleeves and cautiously swung open the door, revealing the jittery figure of the chef before me.
"Hello."
I greeted him, trying to bring a smile to my lips but failing miserably.
"Hello to you too, ma'am. The master has asked you to wait in the library. He's completing an important job now. After that, he'll take you back to your home."
A wave of happiness flowed through my body. I can finally go back. I smiled at him gratefully; the incident that had plagued my thoughts mere moments ago now seemed a distant memory, effortlessly overshadowed by the sheer elation that had inundated my being.
"Thank you."
That's when I realized that I had never asked his name.
"I am sorry, but I forgot to ask your name."
"Nathan. Nathan Frets"
He said this, bowing his head. He didn't have to say anything, as his face expressed how apologetic he was beyond mere words.
"Yes, thank you, Nathan. Please don't blame yourself for what happened. I never belonged here anyway. And I liked you better when you were being yourself."
He smiled sadly at me, and I hugged him, startling the poor werewolf.
"I know how you feel, but I want you to know that you are an amazing friend. Try smiling like this to others, and they might realize how pure you are."
I whispered to him and felt a sense of warmth envelop me as he embraced me sincerely, his genuine concern radiating in that heartfelt hug. He left after wishing me good luck, and I stole one last glance at the immense room, its grandeur captivating me until the final moments. Although not initially mine, I relished every second of my time here. I contemplated bidding farewell to everyone before leaving, but a part of me hesitated, fearing the surge of emotions that may arise, emotions I truly cannot handle at this point.
.....................
The library that stood before me surpassed the size of our humble public library by leaps and bounds, and it evoked a sense of awe within me. Nestling myself comfortably on the couch adjacent to the towering window, I apprehensively awaited for Ryan. However, as the minutes ticked by, it became apparent that his arrival would extend further than anticipated. Not wanting to sit idly, I decided to explore the treasure trove of books that surrounded me. Settling on 'Alice in Wonderland' from the beautifully crafted wooden rack, I found solace on the floor, engrossed in the pages.
"So you are the special one they are talking about?"
My head jolted with surprise as I heard the voice, prompting me to lift my gaze towards an exquisite woman adorned in breathtaking attire. Puzzlement struck me swiftly, and I wondered how she had managed to enter unnoticed, as the sound of the door had eluded my senses. Her mischievous smirk lingered, conveying a silent challenge, as if daring me to react. Yet I found myself releasing a resigned sigh.
"Seriously? I am fed up with hearing this question again and again. Why do you all think I am special? I mean, you all are the special ones, being vampires and werewolves, while I am just a normal girl, a mere human, to be precise."
Desperation filled my voice, but then the lady spoke.
"You are way more special than us because you are his MATE."
She emphasized the last word, and my eyebrows shot up to my forehead.
"Mate?"
Speechless and bewildered, I was grappling with an overwhelming mix of incredulity and confusion. Countless vampire novels had granted me knowledge of the concept of a mate, yet I had never envisioned a scenario where I could potentially be one in real life. The mere notion seemed absurd and implausible. And yet, as perplexing as it may be, it provided a valid explanation for my unexpected abduction and my introduction to his family. Every fiber of my being trembled with uncertainty. Shit! What should I do?
"Stop overthinking. It'll only cause you more confusion."
As I slowly got up from the floor, my heart pounding in my chest like a wild animal, I couldn't fathom what I was witnessing. I gawked at her, my eyes filled with anguish, silently begging for an explanation. With every shake of my head, skepticism washed over me, leaving me utterly puzzled.
"Please tell me it's a joke."
I sounded more like I was begging than talking, fear lacing every syllable that escaped my trembling lips. My mind was whirling, caught in a tempest of conflicting thoughts and emotions. How could this be happening? How could I, a mere human, ever become a vampire's mate? It seemed baffling and utterly impossible. Yet, deep down, a small voice whispered, taunting me with the tantalizing notion that maybe, just maybe, it was not entirely impossible.
"I can't, because it's not. You were named as his mate even before you were born. You belong here, Atarah, so don't try running away. I had a premonition of you going back to the human realm and your future. I came here to warn you. Now that my job is done, I will take my leave."
She smiled at me genuinely, and I watched in awe as she gracefully glided towards the window, her every step filled with purpose. For a moment, I stood frozen in place, like an inanimate statue, unable to tear my eyes away from her. But just as quickly as I had been momentarily paralyzed, my senses came rushing back, urging me to follow her.
"Wait. Who are you?"
The girl turned to me, still smiling.
"Helena. Don't worry, we will meet again."
And with that, she vanished. As in, literally evaporated. The image of her disappearing right before my eyes replayed in my mind, leaving me utterly disconcerted. But why does her name sound so similar? I strained to recall, but my thoughts were consumed by something entirely else, and there was barely any space left to think about other matters. The mere possibility of what she had hinted at—that we might someday marry—sent a thrill mixed with alarm down my spine. However, he had never shown any romantic interest in me. Yet, there, amidst my confusion, an unforgettable memory resurfaced—that moment by the pool. It was troubling, yes, but I couldn't deny the underlying excitement that coursed through my veins. But why should I be excited? After all, he had insulted me, branded me an orphan, and disrespected my parents. I couldn't help but question if I was truly a good daughter.
"Ugggrrrr!"
I growled loudly and pulled my hair in frustration.
"Any problem?"
The room fell silent as the velvety voice echoed through the air, causing my heart to sink. He was the last person I wanted to encounter in this moment. With a furious scowl, I clenched my jaw and directed a piercing glare towards Ryan, the man who, supposedly, was meant to be my soulmate. The tension in the room heightened, and the atmosphere was heavy with unspoken truths and undeniable conflict as I struggled to navigate the overwhelming mixture of disappointment, anger, and longing that churned within me.
"Yes, there is. Some random woman came out of thin air and told me that I am mated to the worst human on earth."
I said it through gritted teeth, hoping to convey the intensity of my emotions. Deep down, I knew I could have masked the fact that I had knowledge about the situation, but what would be the point in that? Keeping this secret to myself wouldn't benefit anyone, especially not me. My mind raced with what Helena said, assuming that if she truly possessed the ability to foresee the future, I wondered why she mentioned the word 'warn'? Does that mean my life will not turn back to normal once I return? And when she declared that I belonged here, I felt like she was right. The weight of this realization settled heavily on my shoulders.
I watched as Ryan's expression morphed into sheer shock. He locked onto my eyes, seemingly trying to comprehend the gravity of what I had just revealed. As his gaze faltered, he shifted his focus downward, sheepishly examining his own shoes. His murmurs were barely audible, leaving me straining to understand the words that left his lips.
"Excuse me?"
My frustration simmered beneath the surface, threatening to erupt like a volcano. Ryan, seemingly unfazed by my outburst, slowly raised his head but never once glanced in my direction. It was as if my presence had become nonexistent to him.
"I said I was not a human."
Well, I will be darned! Just when I thought he was going to pull out all the stops, deny it, and conjure up a bunch of excuses, this is his response? Damn, talk about throwing a curveball into the mix!
"Thank you for reminding me. Especially just after I come to know that you are my mate."
Ryan remained silent, again averting his gaze from me. Would you look at that? So he knows how to keep quiet, ha?
"Is there any way we can change it? Like switching my position to someone else or something like that."
Ryan's eyes immediately sealed with mine, and I couldn't help but notice a fiery red glow in his orbs. I couldn't recall what I had said to upset him again. All I did was suggest an alternative choice, not like I actually wanted to do it. Wait, I really want to change this position, don't I? God!!! Give me some break.
Suddenly, his confident strides carried him towards me with determination. The sensation of uneasiness washed over me, as I despised the unsettling feeling that always accompanied his approach. Closing the distance between us, he stopped just a mere foot away, leaning in closer to my face.
"You are my mate, and you will be. No one, not even you, can change it."
My pulse pounded like a drum as I watched Ryan, his eyes intense, bend down until our faces were inches apart. In that electrifying moment, before anything I wasn't prepared for could happen, an instinctual surge of strength compelled me to push him away with all my might. The adrenaline coursing through my veins fueled my escape as I raced back to the sanctuary of my room, leaving an air of questioning and anticipation in my wake.
MY LIFE IS SCREWED!!!
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Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone