I twist my body around and jump backwards, studying the man in front of me, he looks to be around my age, tall with ebony hair that falls just above his eyes.

Eyes, his eyes are beautiful, two chocolate orbs, focus Elle! Yes right, what is he doing here and why is he so close to me?

By the time I had studied him, he had slowly backed me against a wall. His eyes bore into mine and I could feel his warm breath fanning me, my heartbeat increased, is it getting hot in here? I watched as his eyes shifted, from the chocolate to black. I let out a quiet gasp, what was that?

"Beloved," he whispers, slowly he bringing his face closer to mine.

Without a second thought, my hands go to his chest, "Woah, buddy, stop." I push him backwards, "what do you think you're doing?"

He stares at me, his eyes returning to their original colour and a smile playing on his lips, "I thought it was pretty obvious, I was going to kiss you."

"Kiss me," I repeat humourlessly. "Yeah, I don't think so buddy."

Who does he think he is?

He doesn't seem like a threat, that's for sure, just some big dummy. Yet I can't shake the odd feeling of warmth he imposes. Ignoring him, I return to the door.

Again, listening for any sounds. But hear nothing, no footsteps, nor the creaking of floorboards. Nothing, where is that she-devil?

"I have a name, you know, and it's definitely not Buddy." He speaks unexpectedly and I yelp in surprise making him laugh. Once more he inches closer, this time trapping me; with his arms. My heartbeat increases, again, as I meet his gaze.

I shoot him a look of annoyance as he smiles at me. A name he says, the only name I can think of for him is Asshole.

Suddenly a scream echoes through the building. Eli! I duck out of his hold and bolt out the room without looking back. Screw him, Eli needs help.

I look left then right before the scream erupts again, but it's not Eli's.

Left. Back where I last saw that vampire. I sprint to where I had first encountered her to see Eli standing over a pile of ashes.

He spots me, "and finally you arrive, too late though. I already killed our target," he says grinning like the Cheshire Cat.

"Sorry, Eli." I apologize.

"It's fine, Elle. Anyway, we can leave now-" Eli stops speaking, his eyes trained on something behind me. He shifts his position, quickly, into a fighting stance.

Whatever he was staring at definitely wasn't something I should be near, I get ready to bolt towards Eli but before I can, my waist is greeted by a firm grip.

"Get off," I elbow the attacker and try to twist my body out of its grip. I manage to turn my body to face my attacker. It was Mister Asshole, himself.

"Oh hi," I say smiling at him. Elle, what are you doing?! Ok, I admit it may not be the smartest idea to smile and act all cutesy to some stranger but he seems different, I feel safe with him like he's someone I already know?

Suddenly a tiny whooshing sound can be heard followed by a loud thump. I crane my head to see Eli unconscious with a tiny dart in the side of his neck. Oh, that isn't good.

"Sorry beloved," whispers his velvety voice.

Slowly everything goes fuzzy and my thoughts become watery. Why does my arm hurt? I turn to my arm to see a dart similar to the one Eli got hit by.

Oh... Definitely not good.

.....

I jolt awake in a dark room, I push my hands to my temple in response to the dull ache of my head, what the hell? Where am I?

Slowly, I push myself out of bed and head towards what seems like a window, pulling the curtains out the way, I see the sun beginning to rise. How long has it been?

I spot a clock on the dresser, it's glowing numbers read 5:43 am. It's almost a whole day, crap! James is going to freak.

Exhaling, I calm myself, no need to panic, all we need is a plan of action and everything will be ok.

1. Sneak out of here undetected.

2. Make our way back to the Thistle.

3. Kick Eli's butt.

Crap Eli! Wait we were kidnapped by that dude. The cute one, Elle he kidnapped you, but I mean, he was cute.

The door handle shifts. Oh crap. Panicking I yell, "freeze," my hands facing towards the figure now inside the room. The air vibrates with energy as my spell takes affect.

"What the hell?!" A voice says agitated.

That's not right, he should be fully frozen. I guess, for my first time outside of the field, I did ok but still need more practice with this magic stuff.

I turn to face him and recognise his face, "oh it's you," I say bluntly, "Nope, sorry, it's what the hell, to you. You kidnapped me, do you know annoying that is?!"

"No I don't," he simply answers back. Which only gets me more riled up.

"For the love of all that is good and holy, give me the strength to just walk away," I mumble, walking past him towards the door.

"Wait!" He exclaims.

"What?" I ask, stopping in the threshold.

"Aren't you forgetting something? Or rather someone."

Eli. "Where is he?"

"All in good time, now let's start with introductions, I'm Asher Nightshade and you are..."

I sigh in defeat, I could go look for Eli but something tells me this will be the quickest way to find him. "Elouise Hills," I mutter, shutting the door, I return to my original spot opposite him.

"Hmm?" He prompts with a grin. Oh my god, this asshole is really asking for it.

Squeezing my fist, "I'm Elouise Hills," I repeat clearly. "Happy?" I bite out.

"Ecstatic, now Elouise. I'd be glad to answer any questions you have."

A shiver runs down my spine as he says my name, shaking it off, I get straight to the point. "Where's Eli?"

"Over there," he says looking to the spot behind me.

I turn to see Eli knocked out cold on a couch, how did I miss that?

Asher clears his throat, "any other questions?"

A new thought pops into mind, did he say Asher Nightshade?

"Wait, you're Asher Nightshade," I say dumbfounded, he nods. "As in Prince Asher of the Nightshade family?" He smiles, confirming.

My head spins, "b-but you're a vampire, a pureblood, why did you kidnap us? Why aren't we dead?"

"You have a lot of questions, don't you beloved?" He grins, that's the second time he's said that to me, what does it mean?

"Beloved," he repeats, "soul mate, destined, fated; in other words, you're mine," he smiles, intently staring at me.

"I'm your mate?" he nods again, but that can't be. "Are you sure? Did you hit your head or something?" I ask. Hold up, did he just read my thoughts?

"Yes, I did, your head is very noisy, might I add. And, no, I did not hit my head. You are my mate, Elouise" he says sweetly.

Another shiver runs down my spine, making me cringe, "please don't say my name," I plead. Stepping backwards, I feel dizzy, this asshole can't be my mate.

"Elle," his voice is small, quiet like he's worried.

"I said don't say my name!" I cry, frustrated. I've had enough, in a fit of anger, I conjure a command, "contort." Asher's arm snaps at the elbow, he takes a sharp inhale of breath and grunts in pain.

"So," he says as our eyes meet, his irises glowing violet, he's mad, "you're a demon," Asher speaks through clenched teeth as his arm pops back into place.

"Yes, your highness, any more obvious questions," I retort sarcastically.

A smirk breaks out across his face as he begins to slowly stalk towards me.

My eyes widen, "y-you broke my spell," I stutter.

His eyes stay trained on me as he taunts, "I did," I stumble backwards, tripping and falling onto the floor, he laughs, taunting me. "As your mate, I promise not to hurt you but snapping my arm in half was pretty cruel, so how 'bout we play a game to make up for it?" He proposes darkly.

——————————————————

That's a wrap! Chapter 2 finished!!

How's the story going so far?

Chapter 3 will be out next week, see you then.

Enami out ;-)