She is my mate

"Good morning."

Sophie stared blankly at the woman standing beside her. She offered a kind smile before carefully helping Sophie sit up, tucking pillows behind her back and gently brushing strands of hair away from her face.

"How do you feel?"

"Tired," Sophie croaked.

The woman nodded knowingly. "That's to be expected. You lost a lot of blood. Honestly, if not for Lord Alexander, you wouldn't have survived."

Sophie's brows furrowed. "Who is Lord Alexander?"

"Don't worry, you'll meet him soon." The woman assured. "I'm Ziphora, by the way. And you are?"

"Sophie. Sophie Diego."

Sophie around the unfamiliar room. The walls were covered in faded wallpaper, and the wooden floor looked rough and worn. It certainly wasn't a hospital.

"Where am I?" she asked, her voice filled with confusion.

Before Ziphora could answer, the door swung open, and two men stepped inside. Sophie instinctively shifted back against the pillows as they approached the bed.

"Don't be afraid," Ziphora murmured with a smile.

The men halted beneath the bed, their gazes fixed on her.

"My Lord," Ziphora greeted one of them with a bow.

The taller of the two men spoke, his voice deep and commanding. "How is she?"

"She's stable, though she's still quite shaken," Ziphora replied, still bowing.

"You may go."

"Yes, my Lord." With another bow, she backed away before exiting the room.

The other man took a step forward, offering a slight smile. "Hello. I'm Leona, and this is Lord Alexander."

Sophie's gaze shifted to Alexander. He was tall, his broad shoulders filling the space. Thick dark hair framed his strikingly chiseled features, and piercing blue eyes bore into her. He was, objectively, a handsome man. Yet, there was something about his presence that sent an involuntary shiver down her spine.

He regarded her with an unreadable expression. Sophie offered a weak smile. He merely gave her a curt nod.

Leona leaned forward, resting his hands on the footboard of the bed. "How much do you remember?"

Sophie's breath hitched as a flood of memories crashed into her—her parents, the attack, the creature…

Her chest tightened, and her vision blurred with tears. "My mom, my dad… the monster… We need to save them! I need to go back!" She sobbed, her desperation spilling out in broken cries.

Throwing off the covers, she swung her legs over the bed, ignoring the wave of dizziness that hit her. She pushed herself up, but her knees buckled almost instantly.

Before she could hit the ground, Alexander moved. His strong arms wrapped securely around her waist, catching her with ease.

Sophie slumped against him, lightheaded and weak. Heat radiated from his body, his scent unfamiliar yet oddly comforting. Her breath hitched as she became acutely aware of how well their bodies fit together. She was tall, yet the top of her head barely reached his chin.

Her gaze lifted, locking onto his. His once-cool blue eyes had darkened considerably, and for a fleeting moment, she found herself fascinated by the curls of brown hair peeking from his open collar.

"I need to see my mom," she whispered, her voice trembling.

Leona let out a slow, sorrowful sigh. "I'm sorry, but before we arrived—"

"Your parents are dead." Alexander said bluntly.

Sophie shook her head. "No," she choked out. "No, you're lying."

"You should be grateful you're not dead as well," Leona added softly. "They were killed by werewolves."

Sophie froze. "Werewolves?" A hysterical laugh bubbled from her throat. "They're not real, you idiot! It was a monster!"

Her gaze darted between them, searching any indication that this was some cruel joke.

"I don't know what kind of game this is, but I want you to take me to my parents right now!" Her voice rose as she pounded her fists against Alexander's chest, kicking and struggling.

"I want to see my dad!" She kept swinging, but Alexander stood firm, her blows doing nothing to move him. His arm remained locked around her waist, his grip tightening just enough to make her gasp.

Then, with a dismissive snort, he shoved her away. Sophie stumbled, her legs too weak to keep her upright, and she crashed onto the wooden floor, pain jolting through her knee.

"I hate weak humans," Alexander muttered coldly. "Your parents are dead. Accept it."

Without another word, he turned and strode out of the room, shutting the door quietly behind him.

Leona sighed, kneeling beside her. He gently helped her back onto the bed. "I'm truly sorry for your loss, Sophie."

The tears came harder. She sobbed uncontrollably as Leona reached for something.

A sharp sting in her arm made her flinch.

"This will help you sleep," he murmured.

Warmth spread through her body, and the world faded into darkness.

THREE DAYS LATER

Sophie spent the first week in a state of shock so deep she was barely aware of her surroundings. Now, she sat curled up on a couch in the living room, wrapped in a thick blanket, staring blankly out the window.

Leona entered, carrying a tray of food. "Eat up. You need to regain your strength." He nudged the tray closer.

Sophie frowned. "Why are you being so kind to me? And why does that grumpy man hate me?"

Leona chuckled. "You've been through a lot, Sophie. Losing your parents, finding out that vampires and werewolves are real… It's a lot to take in."

He leaned back slightly. "And for the record, he's not 'grumpy.' His name is Alexander. He's the leader of the vampires."

Sophie blinked. "Wait… what?"

Leona laughed at her bewildered expression. "Eat. We'll talk later."

Over the coming days, Leona visited her often. He was patient, offering quiet support as she processed her grief. His presence made things feel a little less unbearable.

One evening, he sat across from her in the worn-down kitchen. His expression was serious.

"Do you want to leave, Sophie?"

She frowned. "What do you mean?"

"If you want to go, you're free to. You're not a prisoner."

She stared at him. "Do you really think I'd survive out there? I still don't know if I fully believe in vampires and werewolves, but if they're real… then I'm dead the moment I step outside."

Leona studied her carefully before nodding. "I just want you to know you have a choice. You're welcome to stay as long as you need."

Sophie hesitated. "What is this place?"

"It's a vampire coven," Leona explained. "A sanctuary for thousands of us."

Her eyes widened. "Wait, but how do you all walk in the sun?"

Leona smirked. "Special amulets and garments. They protect us from sunlight."

Sophie's voice lowered. "And… do you drink human blood?"

He laughed. "No. We use synthetic blood and plasma bags. Some even survive on certain fruits and vegetables."

She nodded slowly. "You're a vampire too?"

Leona nodded. "Get some rest. Tomorrow, I'll show you the vampire realm."

ALEXANDER'S MANSION....

"How is she?" Alexander asked.

Leona bowed. "She's adjusting well, my Lord."

Then, after a pause, he hesitated. "How did you know she was in danger?"

Alexander's expression darkened.

"I felt the mate pull, Leona. She is my mate."

Leona's eyes widened. "But she's human!"

Alexander's jaw tightened. "She is too weak for my liking." He turned away. "Keep it a secret."

Leona nodded. "I understand, my Lord."