"What?" Belinda couldn't believe what her boss was telling her. She had done nothing wrong to be fired.

"You must understand that after what happened—"

"Those deaths weren't my fault." So, it was the people of the town who demanded that he fire her.

"I'm sorry but my hands are tied."

This was the job she'd had since she was sixteen, and she enjoyed it. Sometimes they did get a rude customer or two, but most who came to the café were wonderful people and cute kiddos who filled the café with laughter as they ate their pastries whilst their parents enjoyed their coffee.

"Fine." Without another word, she turned to leave, holding her chin high. Despite not agreeing with his decision, she understood the pressure. Families of those murdered yesterday hated her. In their eyes, she was the reason they'd murdered their loved ones.

As she strolled through the streets of the town, she noticed how everyone created distance from her, as though she had a contagious disease. Perhaps this was the reason no one ever returned to the town after being chosen. Everyone treated you like an outcast.

"Belinda, wait." Skylar seized her hand. "Did you not hear me? I've been calling you for the past few minutes."

"Sorry."

"Why aren't you at work?"

"Well, Jeffrey fired me."

"What? Why?"

"Honestly, I don't care anymore." She picked up her pace and Skylar kept up. "Everyone in this town now hates me."

"That's a bit of an exaggeration. Those who matter still love you."

She paused and smiled as she met her friend's gaze. "I know I shouldn't care, but how can I get another job?"

"I'm sure Luis will hire you at the bar."

Belinda chuckled. "And that would be a mistake. I'd be slow at making drinks."

"I mean I was too when I started." She draped an arm around her shoulders. "So, what did you think of Fane? You can't deny he has the looks."

"He's not my type."

Skylar let her go, laughing her ass off. "Oh, wow. How dare you lie to your best friend."

"Does it matter if he's got everything I want in a man? He is one of the supernatural."

Skylar sighed. "For centuries women have been chosen... I'd always hoped they were treated well, and not like lower beings... I hope Aurora is being treated well."

Belinda hugged her. "I hope so too."

"Is everything alright?" Ezra asked, stopping by their side.

Belinda pulled away from Skylar, forcing a smile. "Of course."

For a fleeting moment, his eyes rested on her mark. "Does it hurt?"

She brushed her fingers over it. All day she had avoided looking in the mirror, which was why she also had no makeup on. "No. Is it big?"

"No. It almost looks like a tattoo."

"I wish it could be removed like one."

"Weren't you supposed to work today?" he asked.

She hesitated for a moment, aware that he already didn't get along with Jeffrey. "I got fired."

His brows knitted together. "Why?"

She shrugged. "I have no idea." When he made a move to head down the street, she seized his forearm. "Where are you going?"

"I'm going to—"

"It's not worth it. Please—besides, they probably threatened him with no one going to the café again. Usually, it's packed in the mornings, but today, no one came."

"That's ridiculous. You had nothing to do with what happened," Ezra said.

"In their eyes, I'm the reason they're dead."

"We were heading to get something to eat. Do you want to come?"

She couldn't stop the smile from creeping into her face. "I don't want to be a third wheel."

"What?" Skylar's face flamed. "Why would you say that?"

"Oh, nothing. I'm going home to get some rest. See you two later."

For the longest, Belinda hesitated before standing in the full-length mirror in her bedroom. Her eyes locked on the intricate crescent moon within seconds. If it had appeared anywhere, she could have hidden the damn thing, but it was plastered right in the center of her forehead. She headed into the bathroom and rummaged through the drawers until she found scissors.

As she stared at her reflection in the mirror above the sink, she hesitated. She'd never cut bangs, and part of her knew if she tried, it'd be a disaster. But then again, her hair would grow back. If she ruined it, she could wear hats. She grabbed the strands of hair and started to cut her curls. Once she was done, the bangs fell in tight blond curls just above her eyes.

She brushed them back with her fingers and paused as the mark began to glow a soft golden color. When she leaned closer to the mirror to get a better look, her bright blue eyes which stood out against her rich-brown skin began to glow as well.

Her head throbbed, and she groaned, placing a hand over her temple, the soft glow emanating from her eyes intensifying. Her surroundings blurred, replaced by an elegantly decorated corridor. Someone beside her laughed, speaking in a language she didn't recognize.

She clung to the sink when soothing electricity shot through her body. The bangle she wore became ice-cold and it was as though her head had been smashed against the wall with a force that would crack her skull. A scream escaped her lips, and she stumbled to the side before regaining her footing, opening her eyes once she noticed they were squeezed shut.

What the hell was that?

Her parents barged into the room; concern plastered on their faces.

"Belinda are you okay?" her mother asked.

"Sorry," she said, walking back into the bedroom. "I saw a spider in the bathroom." A lie she doubted her parents believed. She attempted to smile to reassure them that she was fine. It fell the moment her eyes locked upon the golden paper in her father's hand.

"Did you read it?" she asked, her voice quaking.

She should have read the damn thing, but how could she take her time when she had seconds to sign it. If she hadn't, she feared the barriers protecting the town from the beast lost to madness would shatter. Since she could remember, she had been told the supernatural kept the lost ones out, and in return, when someone had a mark, no one stood in their way when they came for them.

For the longest, she had believed the magic protecting the town created the marks, but last night she had been in the river when hers appeared. It seemed more like she was destined to be marked whether she was in the town or not.

"Sweetheart, only you can see its contents."

When he handed it to her, the moment her eyes fell upon it, it was as if an invisible pen maneuvered across the paper, creating elegant cursive letters in scarlet ink. She already knew she was to be Fane's blood source, which meant he was a vampire, something she had assumed the moment his eyes glowed scarlet. Although, she had no idea if vampires were the only supernatural with such features.

"I need fresh air."

Before her parents could stop her, she powerwalked out of the house. Of course, the moment she set foot on the porch, all eyes of the neighbors outside were on her. Some looked at her with evident pity, others with disgust.

She headed toward the dense forest, only to come to a halt when Catherine blocked her path. "What the hell do you want."

Her eyes lingered on the paper before she glared at Belinda. "You should have left like the rest."

"Nothing forces me to do such a thing."

As she stepped closer, Belinda noticed her two friends standing close. "Even if you cover that thing, it changes nothing. I don't care what the alliance agreement states."

Belinda rolled her eyes and pushed her out of the way, but she caught her wrist, turned her around, and slapped her across the face. Astonished, Belinda stared at Catherine. She was the child of the governor, but that gave her no right to put her hands on her.

"Maybe that knocked some sense into you."

Belinda glared at her before swinging her closed fist, connecting. Catherine stumbled, almost appearing as if she was about to lose consciousness. Her friends came to check on her, of course shouting how dare Belinda lay a hand on her. Ignoring the fact that she struck first.

Belinda turned on her heel and entered the forest. As she strolled through the path that led to the river, she read the contract. She was to leave every weekend with Fane, but it didn't state anywhere when she had to start doing such a thing. With a deep breath, she closed her eyes, listening to the relaxing melodies created by the birds high on the canopy.

Perhaps everyone was right.

She should have left with him, even if she was petrified to end like the rest. Just as Aurora's mate had come personally, he had as well. He had wanted to ensure her safety, and she returned the gesture by rejecting him without thinking it over.

"Did you read it?"

She snapped out of it and whirled around to find Fane standing feet from her. "Not all of it." She stared at the contract in her hands. "What happened earlier?"

"You connected with me using our bond."

"Bond?" She turned and continued her walk to the river, aware that he was following. "What do you mean by that?"

When he seized her forearm and pivoted her around to face him, she was taken aback and didn't react until he grasped her chin and turned her face. She jerked away, but before she could say anything, he asked, "Who hit you?"

Oh, her cheek must have been red. "It's not of importance. Besides, I returned the favor."

A smile tugged on his lips. "The bangs suit you."

She kept her eyes focused on the contract. "What else did you add to this? I hope nothing too extreme." For three years, she was to spend time with him, exactly how long she had to fulfill the terms. If she still wanted nothing to do with him, she was free to do whatever she wanted. "Why three years?"

"Did you want more?"

She forced herself not to smile. "Why though? You could have asked for more or forced me to be your blood source until my last breath."

"As per tradition, the chosen soulmate is given three years."

"What happens if the chosen soulmate is already in love with someone else?" she asked, gaze still focused on the document in her hands.

"If you loved someone already, you wouldn't have been chosen as my soul mate." Her eyes lifted to meet his. "It would be cruel to do such a thing."

So, the mark gave away more than she liked. "What else would prevent someone from being chosen? What if I've been with hundreds of men?"

A hint of a smile graced his lips once more. "Why would that matter?"

"Some men would care about such a thing."

"That would not be a factor."

"Interesting." She continued reading and her eyes widened at the last part. "You want two children..." For a moment, neither spoke nor met each other's gaze. "That's a bit extreme, don't you think?" If within the time given, she didn't feel anything for him, she doubted it would be easy for her to lay in bed with him. "Why would you add this to the contract?"

"You left me no choice."

"Excuse me?" She shot him a pointed look. "Are you saying there aren't vampire women you can have the children you desire with? That's nonsense."

"With you, the chances of a successful pregnancy are guaranteed."

Her eyes narrowed. "So, everyone who is chosen—"

"Of course not."

"Then why the hell would you add this?"

"Time is ticking for me."

"Really? Huh." She glanced at the contract. "Interesting. I must be blind because I don't see anything here about you dying if this isn't fulfilled."

When he took a step closer, she retreated a couple. "My father was poisoned, and he is slowly dying. Trust me, I have little time to have an heir. If I fail him, our enemy will have total control."

"You're his only son?"

"I'm his only living son."

She fell silent for a moment. "How long does he have?"

"He was given three years."

Her heart almost leaped out of her chest when he broke the distance, stopping mere inches away. At this proximity, she noted his eyes had a hint of blue in them with a black rim around them. She resisted the urge to shove him away when he raised his hand to grasp one of her dirty blond curls.

As their gazes met once more, his eyes swirled into a pool of crimson. Her heartbeat raced at the realization that he was famished. She had signed the contract, agreeing to every minor detail in it, including being his blood source.

When his lips parted to reveal sharp double fangs, she knew he was testing her. He expected her to recoil in fear. Although she indeed was close to having a heart attack, when he moved her hair out of the way, exposing her neck, she tilted her head, giving him better access.

He dipped his head to her neck and pressed his warm lips against the tender skin before biting down. She pressed her lips between her teeth to stifle a cry at the pain. As he drank her blood, he didn't move closer or pull her to him.

This was nothing but a mere feeding.

Once done, he retracted his fangs and stepped back. For a moment, she wobbled when she took a step, and without thinking, she clung to his shoulder, afraid she might collapse. When certain she wouldn't faint, she stepped back and averted her gaze.

"I should return home."

He blocked her path, pulling out a small golden box engraved with intricate designs that reminded her of crescent moons and roses.

As he handed it to her, she asked, "What is this?" When he didn't answer, she opened the box to find a necklace. She admired the heart-shaped ruby, running her fingers over the rose and vines wrapping around it. Obsidian flames appeared to flow through it.

"A friend created it just for you. It will protect you against my enemies."

By the time she lifted her gaze, he was gone.

"We heard about what happened with Catherine," Ezra said from where he stood beside her bedroom window.

"That woman has a screw loose," Skylar said. "She thinks simply being the child of the governor gives her the right to step over anyone she desires."

"Isn't that most of them though?"

Skylar laughed. "True. They think simply being in positions of power gives them the right to do whatever they want, even if it's against the law. But that woman forgets that her father can be voted out any moment."

"I doubt such a thing might happen," Belinda said as she lay back on her bed, staring at the boring white ceiling. "Most in town do like him."

"True." Skylar sat at the foot of the bed. "So, what did the contract state?"

"Did he ask for a child?" Ezra asked.

Belinda sat up. "Two children.":

Ezra raised his eyebrow. "Two?"

"Yes. Two. Dos. Deux. Duo—"

"Okay, I get it." He laughed. "It just seems difficult to believe he can conceive two children. It's extremely difficult for vampires to have children. For all we know it could take years."

"Well, I have three."

Skylar chuckled. "Best get ready for countable nights without sleep."

Belinda's cheeks flamed. "Oh, shut it."

"Oh, please. I doubt it would be hard to have sex with that man."

Her entire face blazed. "I'll admit that he's good-looking, but I'm not one to jump into bed with someone simply because they're handsome."

"True. I remember when we went to the club down in the city—Your face was hilarious when men wouldn't stop talking to you."

"They were too forward alright." Their laughter filled the room. "I remember things too—Like you two disappearing for two hours." Now, it was Skylar's face to turn to flush. "I couldn't find y'all and if I recall correctly when I did, you came from the corridor that led to the private rooms."

Skylar hit her with a pillow. "You knew all this time, didn't you."

Belinda laughed her ass off. "Oh, come on. You two make it so obvious."

"Fine, we've been dating for six months."

Belinda glanced at Ezra who had a huge smile on his face. "And exactly when were you two going to tell me?"

"We were simply waiting for the right time," he said.

"Honestly, we wanted to ensure this was serious."

"Six months to me seems serious."

Skylar's smile could blind anyone. "Let's get back to the contract—stop trying to divert the conversation."

"Well, I tried." She lay back on the soft mattress. "You two know I haven't been with anyone."

"That's because everyone sees your dad is a cop and runs for the hills." They both laughed.

"You're also a homebody who never wants to go out. You can't meet people if you're always locked in your home," Ezra added.

"You both make great points."

"What exactly does the contract state?" asked Skylar.

Belinda read it to them. "There is no way out of this."

"It doesn't state you can't date humans during those three years."

"Skylar, no one will date me now."

"Are you willing to have your first time with him? Because if not, then we can go to a club in the city and—"

"I'm way too shy for such a thing. You witnessed that last time you made me go to that club."

"Fine. There is still another option. You don't have to have sex with him to give him the children he desires. You can be his surrogate—my cousin did that for a friend who couldn't have children."

"I hate to be the negative one," Ezra said. "There is someone out there who wants you dead."

"So what? You want her to pretend to be in love with Fane just so he'll protect her against—"

"Wait a minute, I didn't say to deceive Fane. That would make matters worse."

"Don't argue, please." Belinda stood and picked up the box on the nightstand. "He gifted me this." She took out the necklace, admiring the ruby. "He said it would protect me from his enemies."

Ezra took it from her and motioned for her to turn around. After she did, she raised her curls so he could put it on. When she faced them once again, she clutched the pendant, noting the warmth that emanated from it.

"So, what are you going to do?" asked Skylar.

"There's nothing that I can do but follow the terms of the contract."

Ezra's words replayed in her head. Someone out there would stop at nothing until they killed her, and her only option of protection was Fane. Spending the weekends with him couldn't be that bad, could it?