Lucien's Dream Mate

Chapter 1

Chapter 1
ANASTASIA

Cold crisp air pushes my dark brown hair back off my face as I run my regular route through the park trail across the street from my apartment building. Tall lanterns light my way while large trees that line the path cast off dark shadows secluding me from the rest of the park. Taking a deep breath, my nose is filled with strong scents of dirt and musk weirdly giving me a sense of calm. 

As I come up to the end of the trail I slow my pace before tilting my head back to look up at the moon lighting up the opening in e main park area. It holds a simple playground; swings, rusted slides and several red metal benches around the perimeter. As I make my way over to take a rest on the inviting bench, I feel my phone vibrate in my sweatpant pocket. Already knowing it is my dad, I pull out my phone to find my screen illuminate with a text.

Where are you? 
Coming now, Just finished my run I text back.
You would think being a 19 year old that has never been to a party, never had a boyfriend, and gets noticably good grades would get some slack when its only 9 pm on a friday.

Unfortunately, that's not the case for you Anastasia, I grumble to myself, returning my phone to my front pocket. Standing up on my feet I raise my hands high above my head to stretch my body, leaning from side to side continuing the slow rhythm a couple times before bending my body forward to stretch the rest of my back. Pulling my body back up I raise my left shin to my chest and repeat the same to the other. I continue to stretch the rest of my body getting lost in my thoughts, letting myself forget my surroundings.

His face pops into my head exactly like it does every time. He smiles at me with his signature half raised smirk that has played repeatedly in my dreams since I was 17. For 2 years I have dreamt of my imaginary man being my savor; his face coming into view every time, seconds before I awaken from my sleep calling him "my angel". Painted images of deep green eyes with gold specks peirce my soul saying a million unspoken words, with dark glossy hair that feels so soft, I sometimes have the sensation still sparking through my finger tips when I awaken.

Shaking the images away I Glance down at my sleek black watch circling my slim wrist with shiny metal. I spot the time shocked that 45 minutes have passed.
"shit!" I hushed under my breath. "shit! Shit! Shit!"
"Dad is going to kill me!" I continue to myself as I start to make my way home.
That's strange my dad hasn't tried contacting me, I think to myself. Maybe he's being nice today .. HA! I doubt it.

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The front door of the apartment building didn't lock. Residing in the bad part of the neighborhood it wasn't the safest place to live, but it was what my dad could afford for us. The familiar smell of cigarettes fills my nose, as I drag myself up the stairs to the 10th floor. The elevator had been broken since the day I had moved in, that being 5 years ago when my mother left my dad and I, without a trace. It feels like it was just yesterday; I came home to find a note of the kitchen table.

I do this to protect you.You'll understand soon. I'm sorry and I love you both.
~ mom xo
I still replay those words in my head, they made no sense to me. Had she been in trouble? What was she running from? Did she not love us? Why did she leave? Would she return?

Reaching the 10th floor door, the metal door handle feels cool against my sweaty palm. Pulling the door open, the squeak of the door echoes throughout the walls creating a steady beat in my ears. Stepping into the hallway a shiver slivers up my spine, putting me on alert. My body goes tense as I turn my around to look behind me.