FIRST PERSON POV. WILL BE CHANGED TO THIRD PERSON SOON.

My heart thumped against my chest as my vision was pierced with black. I couldn't see anything, but I knew my eyes were open. I could feel sticks and rocks underneath my body. They dug into my skin causing me to shift my body to release some pain. My body stayed immobile no matter how hard I tried to move it. Tears fell from my eyes as I called out in my frustration. Fear layer in every inch of me as I didn't know where I was and I couldn't move.

I listened to the sounds around me. I could hear wind pushing against trees causing them to groan as well as birds singing wishing them. I calmed down slightly as I couldn't hear any other movement to other from those.

I let my guard down too soon when I felt fingers brushing against my cheek. I whimpered letting more tears fall down the sides of my eyes and into my hair. I let out a sobbing sound, hoping whoever or whatever was touching me would stop.

The fingers stopped moving along my cheek but stayed put. I suddenly felt hot hair brush against my ear causing me to shutter.

"You're mine now."

I gasped, waking up back in my room. I let out a sigh of relief as I looked upon the bright sun shining through my curtains. My body felt uncomfortably stiff, my eyes and face were slick with tears.

I rubbed my eyes and leaned up in my bed. I looked around my room but remembered how I must have gotten here when the events of last night hit me like a ton of bricks. I sprang out of bed so fast I got a head rush. I ran to the mirror and peered at my neck. The swelling had gone down, and it wasn't as red as before but the bite was still noticeable.

I put two fingers on the bridge of my nose. Did the beast bring me home?

I looked for my phone and found it on my nightstand. I turned it on to look for any notifications from Amber since I had left them without saying anything. I didn't see anything. Did she really not care about me? I shook my head and groaned, a tear falling down my cheek. I looked up at the time, gasping as it was three in the afternoon.

"No! I'm gonna be late for work!" I hastily ran to the shower since I was not going to work covered in makeup, blood, sweat, and dirt. I stripped out of the black dress, which I thankfully still had on, and hopped in the shower.

I took the quickest one I ever had and got changed into a blue hoodie and some black leggings. Luckily the cafe didn't have a uniform. I kept my long hair down and had it air dry while I ran out to my car.

I arrived to work a half hour late and was scolded by Gracie. I apologized and went to take the customer's orders. Gracie and I were the only ones working which made the day take forever to end.

I went to the back to restock our supplies while we had no customers. I double checked my phone waiting for a text or a call from Amber but there was nothing. I leaned my head against the cool metal trying to calm my inflamed skin. I shouldn't have come to work today. My body felt as if it was boiling like I was coming down with a fever. I shrunk to the ground, feeling a need to rest my legs.

The pain brought my attention to the beast. How did he know where I was? How did he know where I lived? I know it's been him who has been watching me, so I guess he did find out where I lived. But why was he watching me all this time? What did he want from me?

Why... why did he bite me?

"Zoey, customer!" Gracie shouted from the front of the cafe. I shakily got up from the ground and walked to the customer. I paused as familiar stormy blue eyes bore into mine. I took a breath and went to take his order. I could see his face more clear today in the bright light. His hair was dark brown, and he had golden skin.

"What can I get for you?"

"What's the best thing you sell?" The man asked. His voice came out in a deep, husky sort of way. I was so caught off guard by it I almost choked.

"W-well, if you're looking for a food item, our club sandwiches and our coffee cake is a town favorite. If you're looking for a drink, our strawberry milkshakes or really any of our coffee drinks are delicious." He nodded, looking over all the desserts and pastries.

"Well, in that case, I will take a slice of your coffee cake to go." I smiled widely at him and placed a piece of coffee cake on a to-go container. I took his payment while he grabbed the cake.

"By the way, he said for you to go straight home after work." I tilted my head quizzically.

"Who-"

I went to ask but stopped as his eyes shot up to mine, and I knew exactly who he was talking about. I slightly stepped back from him. How did he know the beast? The man suddenly winked and was out the door before I could say another word. I placed a hand over my beating chest and leaned against the counter. Gracie then yelled at me to go back to stocking our inventory.

After work, I went straight to my car and then home. Even without the beasts order, I always went straight home after work. For some reason, since he wanted to go home, I almost wanted to disobey him in hopes he might show up again.

I groaned and facepalmed myself from the stupid thoughts I was having. I sat down on my couch and turned on the tv. The house was quiet as it usually was as both my parents left on a weekend trip with yesterday.

After an hour or so of watching tv, I could barely keep my eyes open, so I decided to go to bed. I changed into an oversized t-shirt and climbed under the covers of my bed. I shut my eyes but felt the feeling of being watched. I leaned up in my bed and traced my eyes over all the shadows in my room.

"I know you're in here. Come out." I command while glaring in the darkest section of my room. A figure emerged from the dark. Separating itself from the shadows. I jumped back in my bed at the sudden movement. I may have known he was there but was still frightened to see.

The beast face was covered by an shadow still. Hiding his features from me.

The faceless beast walked closer to me before stopping just before my bed. It was a strange sight to see as the shadows that covered his face followed him as he moved.

"Why can't I see your face ?" I asked the beast. Silence filled the room, but then he spoke.

"It's for your own good and the towns." His calm voice slightly echoed through the room.

"What are you?"

"I can't tell you."

"Who are you then,"

"I will tell you someday but not today."

"Can you answer any of my questions? Why... why did you bite me?" I murmured, noticing my voice fading.

"Forgive me. I wish I could've given you more time, but even that was out of my hands." A puzzled look covered my face as I tried to understand, but I was worried that he wouldn't answer any of them if I asked too many questions.

" I don't understand. More time?"

"There are laws, rules I have to follow. Someday I will help you understand, but for now, I just need you to trust me."

Trust him? Was he insane?

"How can I trust you when I don't know you," he took a deep breath as he figured out his following words. "I know, but I need you to know that I would never hurt you."

"Never hurt me? You bit me! I passed out from how bad the pain was."

"I didn't do it to hurt you. I did it-.." he stopped himself. I could almost sense contention in his voice. "I'm not here to cause you harm. I'm here to protect you."

Every word that came out of his mouth sent me further into confusion. "Protect me from what?"

"Someday I will explain but not today." He spoke before I felt his presence drift away.

Thanks for reading!!