Almira

Prologue

A L M I R A

Prologue
Almira Davenport

"Thank you again for doing a double date with me, Almira," Julie thanked me, smiling.

"It's not a double date, we're just third and fourth wheeling you and Zein," I responded bitterly.

Julie Arnolds, my best friend since we were infants. She found her mate, Zein Long, a couple years ago while in line for a show. So while she goes on happy little dates with her mate, I get stuck being paired up with strangers she thinks could be a good suitor for me, on "double dates". I do it out if the good in my heart.

She squealed and ran up to Zein when he turned the corner. I sighed, following behind and waving at him. He gave Julie a quick peck on the lips and then nodded at me.

Soon they walked into the theatre holding hands and the guy who I was stuck with walked beside me. Turns out his name was Ross.

He kept trying to make small talk with me, but I wasn't really interested. I mean, what's the point? He's not my mate. He tried holding my hands, so I'm sure of at least that.

Julie begged Zein to swing by a bakery so she can get chocolate covered strawberries. I decided on a cut up caramel apple, which was a good choice.

~-~

"I had fun tonight," Ross said, his hands in his pockets, smiling down at me.

I looked at him for a moment before sighing. "I'm going to go ahead and let ya down easy. I had fun, but this isn't going to go anywhere," I said, looking at him.

His face twisted into confusion and anger. "What do you mean?"

I bit my lip. "You're not my mate, and I don't plan on being with anybody but him. I don't go on these "dates" because I'm looking for someone to occupy me. I came because Julie asked me too, and as her friend, I complied. Don't think anything of this date," I responded, crossing my arms.

He hissed and his fangs protruded his mouth. "Look, Almira, I don't like rejection. So take back what you said."

My eyes widened in disbelief and shock. Who does this guy think he is? "I can't really think of anyone who does like rejection. The point of rejection is to move on and forget that person."

He went to grab my arm and I took a step back. "Let me put it this way for your pretty little face. You're not going to reject me. In fact, you're going to accept me, and if you don't, bad things will happen," He retorted.

I started taking steps backwards. "Look, I've already told you I'm not interested in you, Ross. Please respect that and leave me be." I folded my hands and turned around on my heels towards the opposite direction of Ross. "Have a good night!"

I walked and didn't look back. I didn't want to. If he was following me, I'd hear him, but I didn't hear any footsteps.

The chill air nipped at my skin and I continued walking home. The street lights dimly lit the streets and I couldn't be more excited to get home and jump in my bed sheets and read all night long.

I soon heard footsteps behind me and stopped, looking behind me to see what was there.

Nothing.

I turned back around and came face to face with a hooded figure. I yelped and jumped back. He quickly brought a piece of cloth up to my face.

Before I knew what was happening, I blacked out.

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Thank you for reading Almira. I hope you enjoy the story and I'm always open to CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM. I won't tolerate hate comments :)