"What just happened?" Idrus thought to himself, he was in an antique shop, dealing with a Wraith, when suddenly he was yanked out by some magical force and ended up in a crowded walkway. A human girl then collided with him and fell on the pavement with a thud.
"Ouch! What on earth did I just bump into?" The girl with glasses exclaimed, looking up at him with a shocked expression.
"I... it's you," she stuttered, quickly getting up and adjusting her crooked glasses. She had long, dark hair that flowed down to her waist, a small nose, large brown eyes, and pale skin that was strangely alluring. What in the world was happening? Was he really finding a human attractive?
Idrus cleared his throat, trying to compose himself, but then noticed the ring on her finger.
Oh no, he thought, this can't be happening. She has the ring, and not only does she have it, she's wearing it. This must be why he was drawn to her. No, this can't be happening. Idrus had hoped that he wouldn't come across someone who would wear the ring and become bonded with him, for a thousand years he had hoped nothing like this would happen. There was no one for so long, and now that it's within hours his reach, it's being held by a human. And she has been chosen as his "Ragar," his mate. Damn it, things just got more complicated.
"Hello there," Idrus said, or rather growled. As vampires they have a voice which sounds like a growl, even when they speak. Their voices are deep and harsh to humans. But he tried to soften it. Idrus had to find a way to get the ring from her. He didn't want a mate, not ever.
"Um, hi," she replied, blushing and tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Her cheeks turned a lovely rosy hue. There was something about her that Idrus couldn't quite pinpoint. Aside from her innocence, she looked familiar and She smelled so enticing, and Idrus could feel his fangs lengthening, preparing for a feast. But Idrus clenched his fist, His claws piercing his skin, and his fangs retracted.
"Have we met before?" Idrus asked, moving closer to her. She took a step back, clearly scared. Idrus could smell her fear, but there was also a hint of arousal. How could she be turned on by a complete stranger? Well, how do you know it's for you? Who else could it be? Idrus thought, his fangs growing at the mere idea of her with someone else.
Damn it! This is going terribly. Even his own thoughts were starting to creep him out. Idrus needed a way to take the ring from her, but he couldn't use force. It doesn't work that way. She needs to be willing.
"No, no, you just looked familiar, I thought you were someone I knew," she chuckled, spinning the ring on her finger. The ring seemed to glow brightly, so she quickly hid it behind her finger, not wanting to give the wrong impression. Even though the ring belonged to Idrus, he knew he had to be patient and find another way to retrieve it.
"Alright, my name is Idrus... Vanducci," Idrus introduced himself with a slight smile, taking a step back. Vanducci? What kind of name is that? He thought.
"Pleasure to meet you, I'm Iridessa Caddell," she replied with a shy smile, a blush creeping up her cheeks. She blushed so much, she resembled a ripe tomato.
"I apologize for bumping into you, I didn't see you there," Idrus said with a bow, not sure why he did it. She burst into laughter, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
"Where are you off to this evening, beautiful lady?" Idrus asked as they began walking slowly.
"I'm heading to the bus stop, on my way home from work," she answered, stealing glances at him.
"And may I ask what you do for work?" Idrus probed, trying to establish a connection. He needed to gain her trust to retrieve the ring today.
"I work as a personal shopper in a department store," she revealed. As they walked towards the bus stop, He racked his brain for conversation topics to prolong their time together.
"I know this might sound strange, Iridessa, but would you like to go on a date with me?" He blurted out, running a hand through his hair. He hoped he hadn't ruined everything by using the word "date." He has heard people use those words and he thought it was the best and he just wanted to spend more time with her so as to find a way to make her give him the ring willingly and then wipe her memories because he couldn't use hypnosis.
She looked stunned, eyes wide and mouth agape. "Iridessa," Idrus called her name, concerned. As soon as he said her name, she blushed and covered her mouth with her hand.
"Oops, sorry, I wasn't sure you were referring to me," she apologized, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she breathed.
"Is there someone else here that I'm not aware of?" he teased, walking closer to her.
"I'm addressing you, Iridessa Candell. Would you like to go out on a date with me?" He repeated slowly, his voice deep and husky, sensing a shiver run through her petite frame, and he held himself back from grabbing her.
"Well, I don't really know you," she hesitated, which was understandable. You don't just accept a date from a stranger.
"Then let's start getting to know each other from there," he suggested, pointing to a nearby diner. She glanced back and then turned to him.
"A diner," she said with a slight smile.
"Exactly. How about we go there for our first date? You can ask me anything you want, and we can start building a connection," Idrus proposed, taking her small hand in his as they headed towards the diner.
While walking, he quickly communicated with Manuel through their mind link, informing him of his whereabouts, what happened and what needed to be done.
As he looked down at the petite human beside him, she gazed up at him with a mix of awe and surprise, leaving him puzzled.
"Do I have something on my face?" Idrus asked, wondering if maybe his eyes were glowing red, given how her scent was affecting him and the ring wasn't making things easier.
She responded, "No, sorry." And averted her gaze, but he sensed that something was amiss.