Serendipity

Caught In A Trap

I quickly sprang into action stuffing the stolen crown into my backpack. I had to get out of here and fast. I slung it over my shoulder and made my way downstairs. I slipped some cash onto the front desk and took off out the front door. Hopefully the owner wouldn't be too upset with me.

"Hello? Miss?" A voice called out as I walked in the dead of night.

I didn't turn around and kept walking. Who could possibly be awake right now? As I kept walking I got a sick feeling. I was being watched. Just as I rounded a corner heading to the path that led out of the village, I was forced to stop. Standing before me was a group of people all socializing around a fire. They immediately turned to face me as I took a hesitant step backwards. What the hell was going on here? 

"Hello there." A man said as he approached me with a smile.

He kept getting closer hostility rolled off him in waves. It was clear I was going to need to get out of here as soon as possible. For now I had to buy some time and make a plan.

"Umm hi?" I replied glancing around trying to find a way to avoid the party I had stumbled into.

Just then there was a growl from behind me. I spun around to see the man I had stolen the crown from. Kingston Briar. He had a look of amusement on his face as he spoke.

"The moon sure is beautiful tonight." He said grinning.

Panic washed over me. How was he here? How did he find me so fast? I turned and bolted towards the forest edge. I gasped as I was tripped and fell to the ground. Catching my breath I stared up at the bright full moon raised high above me. This had never happened in my entire life. Had I really just been caught? I was startled as I was pulled up to my feet. I looked up at the man wondering just who he was exactly.

"Ah right. Let me introduce myself. I'm Kingston Briar." He said offering me his hand.

I didn't shake his hand and backed up slightly. What was happening? I would have assumed he would demand I return the crown first and foremost. Not introduce himself as if we were going to be friends. Also how did he know I was wondering about him in the first place?! I shook my head, my mind was spinning.

"I'm aware of who you are Mr. Briar." I said softly as he tilted his head.

"I'm not so sure little thief. Now. Please return my crown." He held his hand out palm up so that I could pass him his stolen possession.

I paused. He wasn't going to take it by force? I had no experience getting caught before but I don't think this is what was supposed to happen either. I decided to stall and avoid forking over the precious crown. After all there was still a chance I'd get away and finish this job.

"Give it up. You're not completing whatever job they sent you here to do. Hand me my crown and we can discuss what happens next." He said with a sigh.

"Did you just read my mind?!" I blurted out in shock.

"Not quite." He muttered looking away.

"Why is this crown so important?" I questioned him and he raised his brows.

"You really don't know anything do you? You have no idea what you're getting involved in." He stated in surprise.

"What do you mean?" I replied shaking my head in confusion.

"You know nothing Kaitlyn Forger. That's what I mean." He growled at me.

I gasped in shock as his deep blue eyes swirled into one dark black color. My body trembled slightly as I felt an overwhelming fear towards his presence. I couldn't help but ask myself if this man before me was even human. My heart raced in my chest as he chuckled deeply. 

"You're observant. And perceptive. Of course you'll figure it out sooner or later." He grumbled closing his eyes.

When he reopened them they were back to normal. I opened my mouth to speak. I wanted to ask him so much. He shook his head at me and ordered me to return his crown. This time I didn't refuse or stall. I slid my backpack off my shoulder and pulled out the crown. I was about to hand it back to him when a cold chill ran through me. I hesitated.

"What are you?" I asked looking up at the man before me.

"I'm your mate. That's all you really need to know." He said with a sigh as he took the crown from me.

I blinked in confusion. What the hell was a mate? I watched as Kingston Briar turned to what I could only assume was a trusted friend of his. He passed the man the crown and gave him orders to lock it up or something. While they were still distracted I took the opportunity to run. This whole thing was way too weird for me. I was getting out of here. As I ran through the woods I frowned. How had he known my alias? Distracted by my thoughts I got sloppy with my movements as I navigated the various tree roots creating the rough terrain.

"Kaitlyn!" I heard a growl in the distance and my eyes widened in shock.

I ran faster now. Was that guy really coming after me again? He had his crown back. What more did he want from me? I suddenly tripped on a root and went crashing forwards. Tumbling down a hill I winced in pain. This was not good. Not good at all. As I reached the bottom I hit my head and the world around me faded to black.