Emily's POV

Finding myself in the forest again with no recollection of how I got here, I immediately know that I'm dreaming. I turn in a circle, trying to get my bearings as I wait for what I know is coming. As if on cue, I watch as fog begins to roll in, dancing across the ground and caressing the trees. Even after having this same encounter for several nights in a row, I shiver as I see the dark shape approaching me. I feel no malice from my visitor, but even still, she radiates danger. The thick mist parts around her, as though even it senses the threat that she poses.

She stops a few feet in front of me and I watch as a smile slowly makes its way onto her face. This is the closest she has ever gotten to me so I take advantage of her proximity to study her. She is undoubtedly beautiful with her long blonde hair and big blue eyes. Her skin is as pale as the moon and completely unblemished. I don't notice anything strange about her until her smile gets brighter and her teeth become visible. I take a quick step back when I notice her fangs, unable to stop myself even though I still don't feel any hostility from her. In fact, she seems rather delighted to see me and not even in the 'I'm going to eat you' sort of way.

I'm not sure what to do, as the dream has changed from its usual pattern. Before, I would watch as the shadowy figure moved around the forest, almost circling me but never getting close enough for me to really see her. I had even tried calling out a few times but nothing ever happened and then I would wake up. Deciding that I need to put on my big girl panties, I remind myself that this is only a dream and then take a couple of steps forward.

"Hi." Is my brilliant opening line.

She looks surprised that I am talking to her, but recovers quickly. "Hello young one, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. You are quite difficult to track down, you know." Her voice is slightly accented, but I can't place it.

I feel my eyes go wide as I begin to panic. "Who are you and why have you been looking for me?"

Noticing my alarm, her expression softens and her voice sounds reassuring as she says, "I am called Alwena and I have been searching for you because we need your help." As I go to respond, I feel the forest start to slip away. Just before I lose sight of Alwena, I hear her call out once more. "I'll find you again, soon. Don't fear me, Emily, I mean you no harm."

I jolt awake with my heart beating wildly. Quickly sitting up, I frantically look around, almost expecting to find myself in the forest. I begin to relax when I see the familiar sight of my dorm room and my roommate sleeping peacefully a few feet away. Glancing at the clock I see that it is only 4:16 a.m. so I lay back down. I try to go back to sleep but give up after about an hour and quietly get up. I go through the motions of my morning routine, but I can't get that dream out of my head. It was so much different this time, I mean, it felt so real. It reminds me of the dreams I had before meeting Keegan and that is what worries me. What if these dreams are a sign of emerging seer abilities? Only time will tell, I suppose.

I do my best not to dwell on what could just be a weird series of dreams and go on with my day. I have a hard time concentrating in my classes, and by the time the last one is over I feel exhausted. I drag my feet as I head back to Willow Hall. When I enter my room, I drop my bag and flop back on my bed. I allow my eyes to close, deciding to rest them for a few minutes before I find myself something for dinner.

My eyes fly open when I hear my phone ringing and I notice that I apparently fell asleep because I've lost about an hour. Seeing Keegan's name flashing, I quickly answer and am pleased when he invites me for dinner. I freshen up and then study for a bit while I wait for him to get here. When he texts me to say that he's in the lot, I grab my phone and keys before heading out the door.

~~~~~~

As we wait for our food at the restaurant, I am feeling anxious. Keegan said he has things to tell me, and by his tone, it sounded serious. Already on edge, my mind is going off in all sorts of directions wondering what it could be. Keegan pulls the curtain closed as soon as our plates are placed in front of us and then asks me the last question I would have imagined.

"What do you know about vampires?"

For several moments I just stare at him trying to erase the image of the fanged woman from my dreams from my mind before finally finding my voice. "Well, not much honestly. I know the basics; like that they are night walkers and feed from humans. I also know that their ashes can be used in spells. Why do you ask?"

"I didn't know about their ashes, but the other things are correct. They aren't as bad as people make them out to be in pop culture, but they are dangerous. Although, in that regard, so are we. So, we try to get along the best we can. There are some bad ones, just like there are bad wolves and witches. Mostly though, they stay to themselves and only take a little blood from each of their donors, be they willing or unaware." He says.

"Ok, while I always enjoy gaining knowledge, why are you telling me this?" I ask.

Keegan is quiet for a few seconds, looking as though he is carefully planning his response. "There are some vampires around our area right now. We don't know anything about them, only that they are hanging around this town and the one closest to the pack lands. I've had warriors searching for them, but we can't get them pinned down."

I sit up straight at his words. He is sharing pack business with me for the first time. I try not to show him how excited I am about this display of trust but I feel my lips stretching into a broad smile. "Thank you for telling me."

He gives me a weird look before asking, "Why are you smiling? This isn't exactly good news." Shrugging, I try to straighten my face out but fail miserably. My attempts don't go unnoticed by Keegan and I watch as his lips twitch before he starts to chuckle.

I giggle along with him for a moment before I can answer. "I'm just really happy that you trust me with this, that's all. I can't help it. So, what are the vampires doing here?"

Returning my smile, he says, "We don't know. That's the problem. They aren't causing any trouble, but that doesn't necessarily mean that they won't. Their scent is everywhere like they are searching the whole area for something."

My pulse speeds up at his words. "Or someone." I whisper.

His head jerks back. "Why do you say that?"

"It's me. They are looking for me." I tell him.

Keegan stares at me. "How do you know that? Why would they be looking for you?"

"I don't know for certain, but I am pretty sure. I think they need my help. I have been dreaming of a vampire. She spoke to me last night for the first time and said she needed my help or something. Her name is Alwena and she said that she didn't want to hurt me. I believe her."

His eyes widen at my answer. "Alwena? Are you sure?"

"That's what she said. Why?" I ask.

Keegan rubs his hands over his face and sighs. "Alwena is one of the oldest vamps I know of. She is originally from Russia, I think, but she is now the leader of a clan of vampires. Last I heard, they were living in Illinois, near Chicago."

"That's close to my hometown," I say softly. "What do you think this means?"

"I have no idea.  Alwena and her clan are known to be peaceful, so that takes a lot of the worry away. We will continue trying to find them, but I have a feeling that they will find you first. I know you have a lot of anti-tracking spells on you, but vampires can move past them with enough time and effort. If you catch sight of anyone who you think even just might be a vampire, I want you to call me. Okay? I don't think they will hurt you, but I don't trust them enough to leave you alone with them."

I want to remind him that I'm not weak, but then realize that I would feel the same way if the situation was reversed, no matter how strong he is. "I'll call. I promise."

"Thank you." He says, looking relieved. "I'll keep you updated on anything we find out from now on. I'm sorry that I have been holding back. I just didn't want to scare you away with any of this. I'm falling for you fast and I don't know what I would do if you decide I'm not worth the trouble."

I immediately reach for his hand. "Hey, don't think that way. I guess you haven't noticed, but I'm falling for you, too. We are meant to be together, and so we shall be, no matter what comes our way. You are worth all the worry in the world, don't doubt that." I watch in awe as my words sink in for him and his eyes start to water. When a single tear glides down his cheek, I decide we are in desperate need of something to brighten the mood. So, as usual, I decide making fun of him is the way to go. "Holy jabberwocky, Keegan! Are you crying? Does my little ginger snap need a hug?"

He scowls at me, as expected, before rubbing his hands over his face again. "I wasn't crying. Obviously, there was something in my eye."

"Yes, they are called tears." I deadpan. I don't know why I get so much enjoyment out of poking at him, but it is becoming one of my favorite things.

"No, it was like dust or something. I wasn't crying, my eyes were just watering all manly like. I am an Alpha." Keegan defends.

"Don't lie to me, I'm your mate." I say with a serious face.

His face scrunches up as though he is in great pain before he grinds out, "Fine, a little, but it's your fault for spewing your feelings all over my face." A giggle bursts out of me and Keegan's scowl grows, making me laugh even harder. After a bit, he cracks a small smile. "Why do you insist on pointing out my weaknesses?"

"Because they are only weaknesses while they make you feel weak." I say sagely. "You are strong and powerful, even when you are crying like a baby. " I wink.

He scoffs at me and rolls his eyes but I can still see the small smile tugging at his lips. "Whatever. You are just like Aidan. Always giving me the business because you think it is funny. Don't deny it."

"It is pretty entertaining. I feel like Aidan and I should high-five right now." I say and watch as Keegan's eyes fade from green to brown more quickly than I've ever seen. Immediately Aidan holds up a hand and I slap it while grinning at his smirk. As suddenly as he pushed forward, he falls back and allows Keegan to take control again and I can't hold back my laughter as the smirk gracing his face swiftly transforms into a scowl. I will never get bored with these two around.

A/N: Sorry for taking so long with this update, but be warned the next will probably be slow coming, too. I've got a lot to do over the next week or so and I probably won't have time to write. Until next time...Please Comment and Vote! Happy Reading!        ~~TheCaster