10. The Coven

Ash's POV

The female lead me into the forest. I was happy that I may have finally get a family, a group to rely on in my hard times. They took me in without question, that's what real family is like. I still missed my parents, but it was more like a numb feeling in the center of my non-beating heart.

"So what's your name, kid?" the female asked me.

"Oh, I'm Ashton... What's your name?" I responded, looking into her ocean eyes.

"Oh, I'm Kailey. We were forced out of our home in Virginia by a different pack of wolves. They called themselves the Black Stone pack."

"Really? I think the pack that killed my coven were named the Half Moon pack?"

"Oh... I think they're the strongest pack on the east coast... They're said to have an heir with a lot of power, something about a wolf prophecy. A lot of vampires hope to kill him, no matter the cost. We don't, though, because we don't want any of our ranks killed. It's also rumored that he'll need the support of his mate to truly win though, so..."

I looked at her in disbelief. "How do you know that?"

"Who hasn't heard about it? The entire supernatural community has him on their kill list. Except the wolf men of course, they have automatically assumed him to be on their side. I don't think the kid himself knows about his abilities."

"I mean, I haven't heard anything of this."

"Oh that's right, you don't really have a link to the supernatural community, do you?"

"Nope," I replied, popping the 'p'.

"Whatever." She turned around to look at the rest of the people in her coven. "This seems like a good place to settle, doesn't it?" she raised her voice.

The whole group cheered, and began setting up tents and other necessities to live. I guess they'll get around to building a house later.

"You seem to have a ton going on, yes?" an older vampire asked me quietly.

"Oh, um... Yes."

"Follow."

I followed her into the woods until we came out to a softly bubbling stream.

"Stressed vampires find it difficult to control their instincts. If you want to be in our group safely, we need to help you calm your mind."

I looked towards her. She looked old and wise. Didn't she realize how hard it would be for me to just let my parents go?

"I'm here to help. May I ask what your story is, as in what happened to make you so... Disturbed?"

I found myself spilling everything to this lady I had just met. She listened intently, even when I burst out crying halfway through.

I even included my mate drama from today, explaining that that was why they had found me face down in the forest.

"I see. You do have a few problems. It might be a good start to fix your relationship with your mate. Then he can act as your rock."

She was right. Step one in helping myself: Fix my issues with Alex.

I was dumb. I couldn't even defend him against my dumbass friend, and I needed to fix it.

"Thank you," I responded happily, smiling for what felt like the first time in a million years.

*****

I got to school the next day. I caught sight of his silky brown hair in the throng of students and maneuvered towards it, struggling slightly. I eventually reached him and stretched out to tap his shoulder, but I tripped at the last moment. I ended up accidentally falling on top of him, his expression shocked underneath my warm body. I felt the sparks rising from his back where our beings molded together perfectly. I just wanted to lie there forever, mixed in his scent. However, he shoved me off of him within a few seconds.

"What the heck!?" he shouted, quieting the hallway around us.

"I tripped," I muttered, a blush lining my pale cheeks.

He sighed, looking at the ground. His eyes were only slightly visible through his thick eyelashes. "We need to talk."

He grabbed me by the wrist, dragging me into the parking lot.

"What the hell!? You go from 'loving me' to being unable to defend me against that jealous bitch!" he yelled. I cringed unintentionally. He was really upset. I didn't know how to fix it.

"Wait, jealous?" I wondered aloud.

"Have you seriously not noticed, or are you too busy having your head in your ass!?"

"Noticed what?"

"Bradley has a huge crush on you, Ashton!" He spat my name with malice.

My best friend since first grade had a crush on me? Me, the disagreeable boy that had never had a clue. I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

"I uh..."

"That's what I thought. I guess I'll just watch you pair off with your new little boyfriend! Just ignore me."

He stomped away from me. I felt a hard tug on my chest. He's right, I'm supposed to love him forever. I had never even considered Brad an option, but now he was destroying my mate's love.

I immediately sprinted after Alex. "Please just listen to me! I don't like Brad!"

His eyes held sadness and hope when his face turned. "How do I know that?"

"Because you're the first person that can handle me, you're the only person that can convince me to calm down. I need you!"

He frowned slightly, his lips turned down only a small bit.

"You- need... Me?" he whispered, his eyes hazed with an unknown emotion.

"So much," I responded, leaning in to peck his lips.

He closed the distance between us, causing my eyes to flutter shut. His lips moved against mine, creating a feeling of warmth across my previously cold lips. This kiss was everything except rough.

He worked wonders on me, with his wandering hands and tender kisses. I lead him into a different world, helping him forget about yesterday.

My fingers gripped his cute butt, his sweet moans filling my ears. We both ignored the bell as it rang loudly, preferring each other's touch to the stress of everyday life. The world was blurred, sounds muffled. The only thing I could pay attention to was him. He filled my mind with his scent, touch, love. I guess this was what sealing the bond felt like.

We eventually broke for air, and he was panting slightly.

"I believe you."

A huge feeling of relief ran over my body, nulling all of my bad thoughts. This boy, this perfect boy, standing in front of me, was my anchor. With time, I could love him. Never mind, I did love him. His soft laugh, adorable face, they were mine.

He was mine now, forever. My mate, chosen for me since I was born.

"I love you, so much," I whispered loud enough for him to hear.

"You're mine," he responded, his voice layered with the hidden meanings.