I stared at the intruder apprehensive. I couldn't distinguish who it was because he was standing in the shadows, but from the look, it was a man, probably around Jayden's age. Jayden had just left, and I was sure he was probably in the woods chasing Uriel with his friends, I didn't expect him to be here.
"Jayden?" I called, just in case it was him.
I could feel the droplets of sweat gathering on my forehead even though it was a very chilly night.
Since the intruder didn't reply, I concluded it wasn't Jayden.
My heart raced as he neared me, I took a step back reflectively, and to my horror, the intruder's gaze followed. If he had noticed that subtle movement, I thought he was not human.
If he wasn't human, that left me with two options; he was either a werewolf or a cold one. But from the scent the winds carried towards me as he drew closer, I could tell he wasn't a werewolf. And he left me with my final option; he was a cold one.
I felt chills down my spine at that conclusion. Vampires and werewolves were not exactly besties, and the fact that I had yet to wolf out made me as powerless as a baby rat.
I had learnt little self-defence skills from my Mimoh's unbearable training, but that didn't hold a candle next to a vampire, especially since it was a male, and heaven knows how old he was. I heard age contributed to their strength and abilities. The older they were, the stronger they became.
With the swift and noiseless movement of my intruder, I was certain he wasn't a newbie. He approached me like a Lion stalking its prey.
"Run, Jovita, run", I suddenly heard in my head.
I turned to see if I had another company but saw that I was all alone with the intruder. What was that voice then? I thought. Maybe it was just my instinct telling me what to do, but my mind's voice didn't sound all masculine.
I gasped as I realised it was Jayden's voice, could he speak to me through his thoughts? I wondered. Plus how did he know I was in danger?
"No time to ask Jovita questions, you're in danger, run".
I concluded it made sense to follow the voice. Looking left and right, I looked for a path that would be easier to flee the meadow. I had spent most of my days here for almost every day of my life, and I knew the paths like the back of my palm, putting me at an advantage over the intruder.
I turned and fled towards the east running into the thickest part of the forest. The thorns, trees, and grasses would provide a hassle for anyone new to the paths.
I heard the trees parting rapidly a few miles from me, and I was sure the intruder was after me.
I was a werewolf so I still had the speed quality, but I knew he was faster. And soon I could hear his feet a few paces from me.
I screamed as an icy, stone-like hand snaked around my neck, and lifted me off the ground, its grip tightening.
"Uriel?" I asked, shocked as I stared at the face of the intruder.
He looked startled momentarily, and then suddenly a slow smile appeared.
"I'm not Uriel, but I see I've found the perfect meal this evening, my brother would be thrilled, besides, how many times does one get a treat such as a beautiful, sweet-smelling she-wolf". I can't give up this meal for my brother's sake". He said with glee.
What did he mean? I thought. He had Uriel's face but was saying he wasn't Uriel. Had I been wrong? Was the person I recognised in the meadow, not Uriel? I thought. A part of me was happy it wasn't Uriel, at least my first best friend wasn't a vampire now.
But then, if I didn't miss something, he said a thing about his brother. I never knew Uriel had a sibling, and the face before me looked exactly like Uriel's.
The intruder smiled brightly, clearly enjoying himself. He took in a deep breath as the wind blew my scent towards him, his hands tightening around my neck. I could tell he was getting hungry and impatient, as his golden eyes suddenly turned a shade close to red.
I felt air leave my body, as I fought his vice-like grip, struggling to breathe. I knew if I didn't do anything, I would be unconscious in a few minutes.
"Threaten him", the voice in my head said.
What would I say to this merciless demon that would possibly scare him?
"Think fast or you will lose your life", the voice warned with a growl.
"My mate is a beta, and you know werewolves don't joke with their mates, he'd come for you", I said with the little life I still had in me.
"Beta?" The voice asked. Alpha would have been better, it continued".
The intruder looked startled, and his grip slackened a little. For a moment I prayed he had fallen for my threat, and was going to back away.
He stood calculating for a moment, and after a while, turned to stare at me with a wicked-looking smile, tightening his loosened grip.
"I'd be done with the deed before your mate shows up".
A tear slipped down my cheek as I felt life slipping away from my body, I couldn't breathe.
Slowly, I faded into unconsciousness. I heard the voice in my head scream…