BEASTLY INFERNO:3

"It doesn't matter if she is a goblin, human, vampire, or troll... She was made for me, and that's all there is to know."

~Tristan

I stirred slowly, groaning as the surface where my head rested became increasingly hot and uncomfortable. Tossing and turning, I tried to find a more comfortable position, but the discomfort only grew. It was then that I heard a low, guttural growl. My eyes snapped open, my brain struggling to piece together where I was. I blinked several times before realizing I was in an unfamiliar place.

I sat up quickly, stretching my arms overhead, and then glanced to my right. My breath caught in my throat when I saw a strange man sitting beside me. My heart pounded in my chest as I leaned back, scrambling away from him. "Who are you? What am I doing here?" I demanded, my voice trembling in panic.

Suddenly, the events from a few moments ago came rushing back. I looked out the window, and the darkness of the night still enveloped the world outside. The headlights weren't on, but the car continued driving smoothly, as though nothing was amiss. I grabbed the door handle, but it was locked.

Taking a deep breath to calm my racing thoughts, I turned to face the stranger once again.

His gaze met mine, and a chill ran down my spine. Fear—cold, hard fear—gripped me. This was the first time I'd ever been alone with a man I didn't know, and the situation felt wrong. I scanned the space around me but found no sign of my bag or phone. Panic surged again. "H-hi, please, can you pass me my phone? I—I need to call my parents. They must be worried."

He turned his head to face me, and my heartbeat accelerated. "I'll hand your phone to you once we get to my house," he said, his voice calm but carrying an air of finality. "But for now, we need to talk."

A wave of dread washed over me, but I tried to reassure myself—soon, I'd have my phone back, and I could call my parents. I hoped.

"Don't be afraid," he said, his tone oddly soothing. "I won't hurt you. You're my mate."

His words left me stunned, and I stared at him, blinking in disbelief. "Look, man, today has been insane. First, I find out that the supernatural is real. Then, I'm kidnapped to some unknown place. My best friend hates me, and now you're calling me your mate. What does that even mean?" I asked, my voice shaky but trying to sound strong. I didn't want to lose my cool and make him angry.

"I'll explain it simply," he replied, his voice soft but serious. "Mate, in human terms, means the one you're supposed to be with for all eternity."

I stared at him, unable to speak, my mind reeling from his words. Eternity. The weight of the reality I was facing hit me all at once. "I can't stay here forever!" I exclaimed, my voice rising. "I have school, my parents. I just came here to spend my holiday. I have a life."

Before he could respond, the car came to a sudden stop. I looked out the window and saw a cluster of houses nearby. The man—who I realized I didn't even know the name of—opened the car door and got out, walking around to my side. I hesitated but finally stepped out, still in a state of confusion.

He grabbed my hand, and we walked toward the group of men who had just arrived. I froze when I saw them. They looked like animals—huge, intimidating, and exuding a powerful aura. "Ah, Tristan!" one of the men called. "I'm so happy for you, my brother. Your mate is truly beautiful. It's late; go on, get some rest. Tomorrow, she'll meet the pack members."

I looked up at Tristan, my confusion deepening. He nodded, but his expression was unreadable. We walked past the houses, and after a while, we came to a house that seemed almost isolated from the rest.

He led me inside, and I followed him quietly. As soon as the lights flickered on, I took in my surroundings. The house was stark—everything was black, from the walls to the furniture. It felt both surreal and intimidating. I couldn't help but marvel at how different it was from any home I'd ever been in.

He led me to a room at the end of a hallway. It was also simple, painted in a warm beige. The bed was massive, dominating the room. The wardrobe was standard, but there was nothing else to add color or character to the room.

I sat on the edge of the bed with a sigh. Tristan had already turned to leave when he dropped my bag on a nearby side table. "You must be tired," he said, his voice softer now. "Go to bed."

I looked down, remembering that I was in a nightgown and had no underwear on. My cheeks flushed with embarrassment. As I climbed into bed, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched. I pulled the covers around me tightly, trying to ignore the unease crawling up my spine.

Just as I was about to settle, I turned to Tristan. "You promised to give me my phone," I said softly, hoping he'd keep his word.

He looked at me for a moment before replying, "Tomorrow. It's late. You need rest. I'll join you soon."

I didn't want to argue, but I couldn't help the frustration bubbling inside me. "So, what color is your wolf?" I asked nervously, trying to shift the subject.

He stiffened for a moment before laughing—a deep, rich sound that made my heart race. "Let's just say I'm an odd and deathly combination."

He walked out of the room, leaving me with more questions than answers. I lay back on the bed, my thoughts spiraling out of control. I couldn't stop thinking about my parents and my friend Ellie. What was she doing now? How could she have kept such a huge secret from me? And how was it possible for her to attend a human school while keeping this hidden?

My mind was so overwhelmed that I didn't even hear Tristan return until the door creaked open again. I turned to find him standing in the doorway, his hair wet and his chest bare, only clad in black pants. His toned body was impossible to ignore.

I quickly turned away, my face burning with embarrassment. I heard the bed dip slightly, and then I felt his presence beside me, pulling me into a warm, firm chest.

"Relax," he murmured, his fingers tracing slow circles on my stomach, sending a shiver through me. "I will protect you. The dark should be the least of your worries."

A tingling sensation washed over me, and I felt a warmth spread through my body. The fear that had gripped me earlier seemed to melt away, and I let out a quiet sigh. I felt safe—more so than I had in hours.

As I closed my eyes, the last of my fears faded, and I drifted into a peaceful sleep, the tension leaving my body as I succumbed to the calm embrace of the night.