I don't know what happened next and I don't know how to explain it.

I found myself in my bed the next morning in the same clothes I changed in to after my shower.

My hair was a rats nest and I didn't even want to deal with it so I through it in an even messier bun then it was in.

I had a whole night missing from my memory and I don't know why or how. I do remember Ryder though. What I told him I thought he was.

When I said the word how his eyes flashed with fear and then nothing. My memory goes black. My whole body hurt though. I felt like I had been hit by a truck, but at least my hangover was gone.

I sat in my bed staring outside the balcony door, the waves were soft and lapped up on the beach as the morning sun gently hit the water.

Weirdoes were out jogging in the morning and smiling. Those are the people that need help. The people who actually liked running. Maybe they were aliens of some sort.

Ok, I'm getting off track.

Ryder.

As usual, that man is consuming my every last thought. But this time it's for a very different reason. Not because of him following me or his stalkerish ways. But because of the fear that flashed in his eyes before I passed out.

Why was I not more afraid then I was?

Why was he afraid?

I groaned as my thoughts turned to food. I don't even know when the last time I ate. I need to eat a good meal before I even think about trying to tackle all that mess.

I got out of bed and did my morning routine, except for my hair. I'm still not touching that mess.

I get dressed in a pair of dark skinny jeans and a black racer back tank. My tits look awesome in this shirt with this sports bra....said no one. I don't care if I look like a uni-boob. It's comfy.

I walk out of my room only to be met by a crying Nicole in the hall.

"What's wrong sis?" I asked softly reaching out to her.

"Jack, Ryder, and everyone are leaving this morning. Jack and I had a huge fight about lies or something. I'm not even sure. I'm so fucking confused." She cried out.

"Fuck. I'm sorry Nikki...don't cry. Boys are so fucking stupid. He has no clue what's he's missing." I said grabbing her in to a hug.

She cried in my arms for a good 30 minutes before she excused herself to go lie down. Which was probably for the best.

Now to deal with the dumb ass named Jack. This asshole was warned and he still hurt her. I don't give a shit about me. But you fuck with my best friend I will murder some fools.

I go outside and jump from my porch to their porch and just walk in the back door.

The house is completely silent, but if last night was true then I know they are all here just lurking in the fucking shadows. About 30 seconds pass before I say out loud, "Jack. We need to talk."

Whispers come out but the person in front of me is not Jack. It was Scott, Ryders brother.

"Scotty." I said raising an eyebrow.

"Hey Bambi. I'm under the impression my lovely baby brother has admitted our secret." He said smiling brightly.

"No. He only told me about him but you just confirmed it was the rest of the gang. Thanks Scotty." I said winking at the end. He rolled his eyes at my retort.

"So what now? You here to drink my blood or go all eye crazy on me? I'm not here for you. I'm here for Jack because I need to knee him in the ball sack." I said crossing my arms across my chest.

Scott let out a very loud laugh which caused me to smile.
"What did Jackie boy do now?" He asked.

Before I could answer I was interrupted by another whoosh through the living room.

Before my eyes could focus on who it was they were behind me.

"Ryder." I stated still staring straight ahead at Scott.

Scotts eyebrow raised in amusement and asked, "How did you know it was him?"

"I always know. Just like I now know it was him in my room that night being a creeper and whispering shit out to me." I said trying to keep my voice even. But whenever Ryder was this close to me my heart felt like it was going to burst out of my chest.

Ryder chuckled darkly behind me, he was so close I could feel his breath on my neck which made my little hairs stand up straight. But I still wasn't scared. No I wasn't scared at all. I was turned on as hell. How the fuck does he get my panties so wet without even touching me?

Fuck this feeling. I'm not hear to get my goods touched, licked, or fingered. Fuck me.....I need to stop this shit. My eyes tightly clenched I sighed loudly.

"Jack hurt Nicole." I finally forcefully whispered out.

"I heard. He's up in our room if you wanted to talk to him. But I think you would rather let me kiss you my love." He whispered getting closer to me. I could feel his chest against my back and I sighed softly.

I opened my eyes to realize we were the only ones in the room and I turned slowly to look at him.

"After I talk to him, I think we need to talk." I whispered looking up at him. He nodded and left just like that.

I went upstairs to see Jack looking outside the window. "You come here to kick my ass?" Jack asked in almost a joking manner.

"I warned you Jacky-poo. You hurt Nicole, you get your dick kicked. What the fuck happened? Y'all were fine. You instigated a fight and now are the one up here moping like a-" I started yelling but only got interrupted by a growl.

"Don't you fucking growl at me." I yelled.

In that moment I actually regretted raising my voice. How was I to know these guys would act like a group of moody babies who need a candy bar?

His face morphed in to what I can only explain as pure terror, but unlike Ryders last night, it changed in a flash. My eyes widened in fear as he lunged at me but as I shielded my face with my arms I felt nothing except for hearing a thud hit the ground.

I looked around to see Ryder jumping on Jack. Jacks face looked like a wild animal that wanted to rip me limb from limb. His face calmed when he heard Ryder say something and Jacks face paled and Jack nodded slowly.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know you were-" Jack mumbled but stopped and ran out in a blur. I don't think I could ever get used to how fast they were.

Now Ryder stood before me as his face was still dangerous looking. His eyes pierced with raw hatred but when he looked over at me I felt at peace, safe, and fucking weirded out.

Here was Ryder, now very different then what I'm used to after all these years, and I wasn't scared. I was never scared of him. Yes, he pissed me off, disappointed me, hurt my feelings and heart. But I was never scared.

"Ryder. Why do I feel like this with you?" I questioned staring at him.

His face unchanging he ran his tongue over one of his fangs.

"What do you feel towards me?"he asked deeply.

"Pissed off at your face, safe, weirded out that I'm ok with this." I said waving my hand up and down towards him.

"What else do you feel Bambi?" He asked huskily.

I gulped down the knot that I felt in my throat.

He made me want to spill all my secrets of how I fantasized about him in the shower, in my bed, and late at night when I was alone on the couch. Now judging by the size of the tent in his shorts, my battery operated besties were nothing compared to him.

I moaned softly at the thoughts and his eyes flicked up to mine. His eyes clouded with lust.

Damn me and my imagination.

"Do I make you feel all those things too?" He asked.

My eyes widened in response.

"Oh Bambi. If you only knew." He cooed as he walked closer to me.

"After everything, after all these years, I feel safe and I want to be near you." I whispered. My voice hoarse with tension.

He smiled as he slipped his hand around my neck. His thumb grazing along my neck softly as I moaned again. His lips met my neck and I moaned even louder.

His lips left a trail of kisses past my neck straight to my lips.

My lips felt like they were on fire from his touch. I clawed at him to come closer as my hands wrapped around his waist, whole his hands cradles my cheeks. I nibbled on his bottom lip which made him moan in to my kiss and he pulled back.

He was all changed again and he licked his lips.

"Fuck you taste good." He whispered huskily.

I groaned knowing I needed his mouth in other places and I clenched my thighs together to try and get rid of some of the throbbing.

He smirked knowingly, "You will find out soon that after I'm done with you, your battery operated besties will have nothing on me." He growled in my ear.

I stopped and stared at him. Completely embarrassed I asked, "How in the hell do you know about those?"

"Do you really think the other night was the first night I ever watched you love?" He asked kissing my neck again.

Now I'm a puddle. I'm a puddle of goo and I'm moaning in the damn arms of Ryder.

No no no no no!!!! I pushed Ryder back suddenly. Which caught him off guard but because he was so freaking strong he didn't budge when I pushed him. I pushed away and he just smirked at me.

"I'm here for Jack. Not you. I can't get distracted by all of you." I said quickly while raising my hands and gesturing towards him and his body.

"He will be fine. He will go apologize to Nicole soon. He freaked out with his feelings towards him. She is something special to him." Ryder explained calmly shoving his hands in his pockets.

"Special how?" I asked looking up into his eyes.

His face was back to normal and his dark hair fell into his face. I wanted to reach out and run my hands through it. I licked my lips and he chuckled darkly.

"To us when we meet the one that was created for us we act out in strange ways. Some of push our ones away, we follow them, we watch them, we obsess over them, or we just do nothing. It's terrifying knowing the one who was made for you is the one you were given to spend the rest of your life with." He said nonchalantly and shrugged his shoulders.

Like it was everyday conversation to talk about your soul mate. I don't know anyone that has met their soul mate. My parents, they love each other but it has always seemed that that was it. My grandparents? Nope not them either. Maybe Nicole's parents. They were mad for each other and could barely last a few days without each other. I always thought it was ridiculous but it worked for them.

"Like a soul mate?" I asked.

He nodded staring over at me.

"Does every vampire meet their soul mate?" I asked.

"No, sometimes they don't and they choose one. But we call them our beloved. Not soul mates." He explained.

Now my interest has piqued. Has Ryder met his, is that why he left for those 2 years to be with her?

"Have......have you met yours?" I asked. I didn't even know if I really wanted the answer.

Part of me wanted to be rid of him and the other part wanted me to take him in to my bed and have him ravage every single inch of me.

I bit my bottom lip awaiting his answer.

He smirked and only nodded in response.

My breath hitched. Fuck. He's been all on me and he met his fucking soul mate. What the actual fucking fuck is this shit? I'm not the other woman. I should be the only woman. Fuck I can't even get jealous.

"She's beautiful. Shes smart. She's an ass sometimes, annoying, stubborn, mouthy, infuriating. But she's mine." He explained still staring at me.

I nodded my head.

"I can't be the other woman Ryder. I have to leave." I said raising my hands in defeat.

I turned to leave through the patio door again but I was interrupted by his hand grabbing my waist and pulling me close.

I wanted to push him away but I also wanted to bring him closer till he was touching every inch of me.

"Oh sweet love." He murmured running his free hand over my cheek and down my neck. I cocked my head to the side and his hand trailed down my sensitive spot on my neck. I wanted oh so much more.

He left a gentle kiss and whispered in my ear, "You are my beloved."