Fangs vs Claws

by Rua Hasan

  I guess it won’t hurt if it’s just for one night.

  I closed my eyes as I felt myself drifting off. The last thought I had before sleep consumed me was how good it felt to be complete.

  Chapter 7

  Beep.

  What’s that noise?

  Beep. Beep.

  It’s so loud.

  Beep. Beep. Beep.

  Ugh, can’t it shut the hell up? I’m sleeping here.

  I heard someone groan next to me. I felt so warm. Warmer than anything I’ve ever felt. I didn’t want to get up.

  Can’t I just stay here forever?

  I am not much of a morning person, but that didn’t make me lazy. Nothing would ever make me stay in bed all day and not be productive. But now, well, I just wanted to stay like this forever.

  It was so peaceful. My mind was fuzzy, and I felt as if I was on cloud nine. The smell of cinnamon and vanilla filled my nose as I breathed in and out.

  It feels so perfect. I feel perfect.

  Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.

  You know what! I change my mind.

  I snapped my eyes open and groaned when I was met with light shining into my eyes. My head was lying on Aiden’s chest. I looked up to see him sleeping, but every time the annoying sound would go on, he would groan in his sleep and mumble some unclear words.

  What the hell is that sound?

  I turned around to where the noise was coming from to see that it was my phone.

  Shit. I totally forgot about today!

  I got up and did a little happy dance when I was free from Aiden’s tight grip. It took me a while to unwrap myself from him. He’s just so clingy. I then rushed to the bathroom and took a quick shower.

  Once I was done, I got dressed in jeans and a blouse. I left my hair down naturally and brushed my teeth. I got out of the bathroom, feeling all refreshed and ready for my day. I then was met with Aiden sitting on the bed as he rubbed the sleep out of his eyes and looking at me confused.

  “Where are you going?” he asked in a sleepy voice.

  I ignored the shivers that ran down my spine and answered his question, “My parents’ flight is in two hours. They’re leaving soon.”

  Aiden nodded his head, got up to get into the bathroom, and gave me a kiss on the forehead along the way.

  I left the room after letting out a sigh and went downstairs to the dining room. I still got nervous when I’m around the pack members. Some knew that I was Aiden’s mate, but not all did. Aiden and I hadn’t discussed presenting me to the pack yet. And I was thankful for that. I needed a little more time.

  I don’t think I’m ready. I don’t know if I ever will be.

  When I made it to the last step, I saw my parents carrying their bags out the door. I made my way toward them to help.

  Once they saw me, we gave each other a hug, and then they returned to what they were doing.

  Half an hour later, my parents were ready to go, and Aiden was standing by my side. I hugged my parents and wished them good luck. Even though I wished they never had to go, I couldn’t be immature. Uncle Robert needed them, and I had no right to prevent them from seeing him. I was sure going to miss them though. My mom and my dad told Aiden to look after me. I rolled my eyes.

  I don’t need Aiden to look after me. I’m two hundred years old!

  They got into the car and drove to the airport. Aiden and I were standing outside of the pack house, and it was my first time being out here since I got here. Each person who would walk by would either give me a questioning or dirty look as if I was a rat with the plague. So Aiden had the nerves to wrap his arm around my waist. I gave him a glare as I tried to create some distance between us, but that only made him tighten his hold.

  What will people say when they see us? Will they care that I’m a vampire?

  “Come on, let’s go get breakfast,” Aiden started to drag me toward a car. He got into the driver’s seat while I sat in the seat next to him.

  “Where are we going?” I asked

  He glanced at me then looked back at the road.

  “I know this great restaurant. We’re going there,” he answered.

  I nodded my head. I was pretty hungry. I was craving blood; the last time I drank some was the first day I got here.

  “Can we stop somewhere after that so I could have a little blood?” I asked innocently as if I was asking about the weather.

  He parked the car in front of a homely looking restaurant. He nodded his head at my question then got out of the door. I followed him inside, and right away I could tell why it’s his favorite.

  It had such a friendly looking vibe. Its walls were colored brown, and there were tables scattered everywhere. I could tell immediately that everyone here was happy and cheerful.

  Aiden and I made our way to a small table and sat in front of each other. We ordered our breakfast. Mine consisted of a plate of pancakes while his had two strips of bacon and sunny eggs. As we waited, I bit my nails nervously as I tried not to let the strange looks of pack members get to me. Never in my life did I care about anyone’s thoughts of me, yet now when I was sitting in front of their Alpha, things have changed.

  I kept on staring at a clock that was hanging on a wall right across me. I listened to the tick-tock filling the silence between us which was awkward until Aiden broke it.

  “You know, sooner or later you have to be presented to the pack. They deserve to know their Luna.”

  I knew this was coming. I was just hoping that it was later and not sooner.

  It’s not that I don’t want to be the Luna or to have that responsibility. In fact, I do. Living for so long can teach you so many things and lessons in life. And you know what I learned? That sometimes getting attached to something can hurt in the end.

  I guess you can say I would make a great Luna, but am I willing to take the risk? I know how this will end. Is it worth the pain?

  My mind was saying no while my heart was screaming yes.

  I wondered to myself why the moon goddess paired the most dangerous Alpha in America to a vampire. This would gain so much attention and would give everyone something to talk about.

  I nodded my head at Aiden.

  I can’t fight fate. But could I change it?

  The waitress—or should I say bimbo—came and handed us our food. I could tell that she was trying to gain the attention of Aiden by swinging her hips side to side and unbuttoning the first three buttons of her blouse. Stupid human!

  Aiden wasn’t even paying her a second glance, but she kept on persisting. She asked if he wanted a glass of water or something to drink with his food, pretending as if I wasn’t there.

  What’s wrong with you, Stella? I mentally slapped myself.

  Was I jealous?

  No! Of course not. Why would I be jealous of a bimbo like her?

  After many tries, she finally left. I sighed in relief. It took every ounce of me not to jump at her and drink her blood.

  Speaking of blood, I really needed some.

  “So should there be something you should tell me,” Aiden asked.

  I gave him a confused look and shook my head.

  What on earth was he talking about?

  “Come on, Stella. You know what I’m talking about. Who was he?”

  He? Okay, now I’m confused.

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I said.

  He ran his hand over his face and said, “The guy that’s keeping you from living your life. Why are you holding back? Who was he to you?” he growled.

  Oh, this again!

  “There was no guy! For goodness’ sake, why do you continue to jump to conclusions?” I asked.

  He was quiet for a moment then asked, “What did you mean when you said you don’t want history to repeat itself?”

  I didn’t answer, only shrugged my shoulders.

  “I don’t want to talk about it. Maybe when the time right comes,” I whispered.

  Aiden nodded his head, dropping the subje
ct. I sighed in relief. I wasn’t ready to tell him my fears and secrets. I wasn’t ready to let him know how it felt to lose someone.

  We dug into our food, both lost in our own silence. But this time, it wasn’t awkward. It was comforting.

  Once we were done with our food, we headed to the car and drove off to the woods. I didn’t feel like drinking from a blood bag. No, I was craving something wild. I wanted to run after my prey as I see the life drain from its eyes. I wanted to sink my fangs into skin and taste flesh.

  Aiden parked his car outside the woods.

  “Let’s go. You can have your snack while I go for a run. My wolf is begging to come out,” he told me.

  I nodded my head at him and started my hunt.

  Aiden went behind a tree to strip out of his clothes and shift while I looked for a big juicy rabbit to feed on. I heard bones cracking which meant Aiden was shifting.

  I felt a nose nuzzle on my back. I turned around to see Aiden’s wolf looking at me with his big, beautiful, and mesmerizing blue eyes.

  I kneeled down to pet him, running my hands through his beautiful gray fur. His wolf licked my face. I stepped back, allowing him to pass so he could run. But he lowered himself and sat on the ground.

  I raised one eyebrow at him, not understanding what he’s doing. He barked at me then turned around so his back was facing me.

  Wait. Does he want me to ride his back?

  I pointed at his back. “You want me to hop on?” I asked.

  Aiden nodded his head.

  I got on his back and wrapped my arms tightly around his neck. This was my permission for him to take off.

  He ran faster than I doubted. The wind would hit my skin harder each time he picked up his speed. His fur was dancing in the air.

  We passed by the trees in the blink of an eye. I could barely hear the birds sing. All I could hear was the sound of Aiden’s paws hitting the ground.

  This felt so good. I felt like I was flying.

  I closed my eyes and took a moment to savor this feeling before it was too late. Before it came to an end.

  For everything which has a beginning has an end.

  Just like this life.

  Just like love.

  And just like Alice.

  Chapter 8

  A week had passed. A week since I arrived! A week since I found my mate, and a week of hiding in the bushes, staying in the dark as I savored the last moments I might ever have of being who I am. My final week of being free from everyone, for today will change everything.

  This was the day I would be presented to the pack, and my nerves were acting up.

  What if they don’t like me?

  Of course, they won’t like me. I’m a freaking vampire! It will be a miracle if they actually like me. I’d be damned surprised if I even see someone smile at me.

  I’d been talking with my parents every day since they left.

  They had been encouraging me to follow my heart, but does my heart know what it wants?

  Aiden and Liam had been very busy these past few days preparing for the ceremony. Marie took me shopping yesterday to buy the perfect dress to wear. I told her that was unnecessary because I had a few dresses of my own. She said that I have to wow the crowd.

  I don’t know if I can do that.

  My self-confidence wasn’t always like this. It’s just my nerves were eating me up alive.

  The ceremony would be held in the center of the pack at seven o’clock. It was three, and I just took a shower. Marie was going to do my hair and makeup. I thought it was too early, but Marie said we needed all the time we can get.

  We’ll see if she’s right.

  

  It was almost seven, and I was all ready to go. It took Marie about three hours to do my hair and makeup. Yes, three hours!

  I never took that long. Through those three hours, I had to stay seated in the same position as she did her magic touch. She curled my hair and did my makeup.

  I would explain what she put and how, but I don’t know that shit. I’m not such a big fan of makeup. Yes, I would wear mascara and lipstick, but I always preferred plain. It’s something I learned from Alice.

  She always told me that beauty is what we were born with and not makeup. It was skin-deep. She was my motivation, and she boosted self-confidence.

  I wore the black dress I bought yesterday. It ended mid-thigh. It wasn’t too revealing, but the way it clung to my body screamed sexiness. At least, that was what Marie told me.

  Every passing minute felt like an hour. I just wanted to get this over with. I couldn’t help but feel excited and nervous at the same time. Marie and I walked downstairs to find Aiden waiting for us.

  He was wearing a suit that fit his body perfectly. I saw his eyes rake over my body up and down as they darkened. His stare was so intense; it was making me more anxious. When I walked over to him, he wrapped his arms around my waist and brought his lips to mine.

  These past few days, Aiden kept his distance from me, and I appreciated it. He was giving me time to think about this whole situation. I have to admit that I did miss him, but I bet this was his way of showing me that I needed him.

  Do I?

  I still cannot answer that question now but maybe soon.

  The kiss was gentle and sweet, not like the last one. His soft yet hot lips were moving against mine, and the sparks returned. He brought me closer to him as he bit my lower lip. I was about to give him access when we heard a cough, bringing me back to reality.

  I completely forgot there were people in the room. I saw Marie give me a teasing look while smirking. My cheeks were heating up in embarrassment, but Aiden seemed perfectly fine.

  “Come on, let’s go. The ceremony starts soon,” Aiden said while dragging me out of the door and into his car.

  This was the day my life would change. I still couldn’t believe how this was happening.

  How can I stay here knowing that there will be no happy ending? How can I sleep at night knowing that history will repeat itself? It certainly will.

  No one can escape death.

  Not even us vampires; it’s just harder for us. A stake in the heart is all it takes to end it. And that’s the problem. That’s the only way. While we don’t age, we get to watch our loved ones grow old and die. Is that really fair?

  Sometimes I think this is some kind of punishment for us vampires for being bloodsuckers. The vampire reputation wasn’t quite clean as it is today. We used to be the monsters everyone feared, the demons who roamed this earth at night. Now, well, we are just a myth.

  As in every religion, race, country, or any group, you will find good vampires and bad vampires. Sometimes all it takes to ruin everyone is just one person. That’s the problem with the world we live in. People start to criticize everyone they see for the mistake of one, and they forget to look at the bright side. They forget about the people who still have good in them.

  That’s something else Alice taught me. Being a vampire isn’t always such a good thing when everyone used to fear you just because they’ve heard horrible stories of what you could do.

  I stopped my thoughts from wandering off. Aiden drove to the center of the pack while holding my hand.

  I still don’t get how Aiden isn’t worried about what’s coming. Am I the only one who knows how this is going to end?

  I took a deep breath and opened the window to relax my nerves.

  Before I knew it, we arrived, and the place was full.

  I bet everyone from the pack was here. Of course, they are. They are here to meet their new Luna. Their Luna who is a vampire. I just wonder if that’s what they know.

  As we got out of the car, I lifted my head up high. I did not want to seem like some kind of weakling. I wouldn’t allow anyone to look down on me. If they did, then they would never look up at me their entire life. It’s like what they say. First impression is everything.

  Aiden walked to the stage with me in his arms. I was thankful he was holding me. I didn�
��t want to trip in the middle of the stage and humiliate myself.

  Yes, that happened before. It was somewhere in the eighteen hundreds. Alice and I were participating in a play, and while I was acting, I tripped and fell in front of everyone. Yeah, that wasn’t such a good day.

  As we got to the center of the stage, I could feel my heart beating so fast. Aiden was rubbing his hand up and down my back, trying to calm my nerves. And I think it worked. Aiden grabbed a microphone that was waiting on stage and began, “Good evening, everyone. We are here today to celebrate my mate’s arrival. She will become your Luna. Every one of you should respect her as much as you respect me. So you better treat her kindly. And if I see any unmated male looking at her for more than two seconds, there will be punishments.”

  I mentally slapped myself. Did he really have to say that last part?

  I stepped forward and took the microphone from Aiden’s hand. As I said before, first impression counts. I couldn’t really tell everyone that I mistakenly trespassed here and wanted to go home for I didn’t want to be stuck with a mortal mate. No, instead, I put on a smile and showed everyone what Stella would say if she weren’t immortal. What she would really say if she weren’t afraid of losing someone so special.

  “Hi, everyone. It’s really nice to meet you guys. I hope to become a wonderful Luna in your eyes. I hope that my identity won’t change the way you look at me. I am honored to lead you guys and become a part of your family.”

  I took a step back then my mouth fell open in surprise when everyone started to clap and cheer. They actually like me! Aiden’s hands came around me and started to rub my arm.

  “You did good.” I heard him whisper but wasn’t exactly paying attention. My attention was focused on the crowd in front of me.

  How on earth did I make it here? I was only traveling the world with my parents a week ago. It just happened so fast. I hope the years won’t come as fast as this did.

  The night passed by in a blur. I spent my time learning the names of pack members who were interested in meeting their new vampire Luna. So far, I didn’t meet anyone who hated me, but I could tell some she-wolves were glaring at me. I was leaning against a wall, having a moment to myself. Aiden was talking to Liam about some pack work. I couldn’t wait until this night was over. All I wanted to do was get into bed and sleep.