A Twist of Fate

8 | "Mate"

Derrik's POV:

It was just yesterday I learnt about the prophecy from Matthew and finally read the stack of books I got myself. I was supposed to meet Daniella in an hour near the forest, for our run together. I was not very excited to go this time because Matthew made me promise that I'd break up the whole "mate" thing to her. I had an idea. 

I'd pick her up at her home so we could talk about it on our way to the forest. I was extremely nervous. Anyone around me could tell that I was a wreck at this point by the sweat beads on my forehead and my constant fiddling with my hands. I sighed, making my way to her house. 

I knocked on the front door, waiting for a response. A male voice called out, "Be there in a minute!" It didn't take me long to realize it was Darra. The house smelled of vampires. Good thing it was so far away from the packs or we'd go wild! I was completely normal, of course. This was because my mate was a vampire. 

The door opened to reveal a tall (6 foot tall), pale - looking guy, with cold grey eyes. "I'm here for Daniella. Is she home?" I asked. "Who are you?" He shot back. I got the feeling that Daniella hadn't told him about me. "My name is Derrik. Derrik Wolfe." I answered. I really hope she told him about the werewolves being no harm, at least. He nodded in response, and I mentally let out a sigh of relief. 

"Hey, Dan!" He called out. "She'll be here in a minute. Do you want to step in?" He added. I noticed how he tried really hard not to make it obvious that he did not want anyone, much less a werewolf to be involved with her. "No, thank you. I'll just wait out here." I responded kindly. 

After a few grueling minutes of staring and trying to keep composure, Daniella appeared behind Darra. "Hey Derrik. This is a pleasant surprise. What are you doing here? I thought we were just going to meet up near the forest like we normally do!" She asked.

"I actually thought that maybe this time I could pick you up? Do something different." I replied, hoping I didn't sound desperate. "I hope it's no big deal." I added. She seemed stunned by something I said. I was worried. Did I do something wrong? Was it something I said? "I-I'll just be s-sure not t-to do that i-in the future..." I said, unsure if I was doing the right thing. I turned around and was about to leave, when she said, smiling, "Oh! I'm sorry. No - no... Thanks. This is a nice change. " I was glad I hadn't done anything wrong before I broke up the whole 'mate' thing to her. 

She came outside, giving Darra a grateful smile, as if trying to thank him for not tearing me into pieces. She closed the door behind her, smiling at me. 

We started walking to our usual spot. She hummed a tune while I kept thinking of how to break it up to her. 

I coughed, trying to get her attention. "Hmm?", she responded. 

"I have to tell you something." I began, but was cut off by her. "I have to tell you something, too. Ask you, something, actually." I should have been relieved, but I was afraid. Afraid that she'd not want to spend any time with me because of her brother, or say something that contradicts everything I need to say. 

"Okay, okay, but can I please start?" I pleaded. She nodded her head, motioning me to continue. "Thanks."

I heaved a deep sigh before continuing, "I was paying more attention than normal to you because you're my... mate..." I wasn't sure of her reaction, as her face fell, her eyes widened and she turned to me. "What?", she whispered. "Yes. I really wasn't sure of it the first time, so I did some research. Now I'm positive that this is possible. I'm sorry I waited so long to tell you. I'm sorry." I rushed. I closed my eyes, taking in what I, myself had just said, relieved it was done. 

I felt a warm hand on my cheek. I opened my eyes to see a smiling Daniella. "I was actually going to ask you why I felt so different after the day we went running. I was going to ask you more about why everything seems odd, not in place, but I think I have my answer." She said. She pulled me into a hug, and I hugged back, thankful that she approved. 

This time, we decided not to run, but instead, settled for a campfire and marshmallows. We decided to play 20 questions. I love the game!