*The Mated Beast*

Chapter One

My heart sank just a little as i made my way to the terminal with my ticket in hand. My mother always said that this was fast approaching but i never thought it was this near. As i reached the security at the gate i gently tugged on my side bag as i handed him the ticket.

"Have a safe flight ma'am" was all he said as he tore the ticket and gave me a small smile.

Walking into the coach i saw my mom just a few seats ahead packing away her small travel bag in the compartment just above our seats. Walking over, i did the same as i took the available seat next to her. A sad smile formed on my lips as i remembered the first time they had taken me on a plane. It was only three years ago. They had just gotten a new case that had required them to move to California for a few months. It was a really important case that their superiors didn't want to be handled by anyone else and seeing as how i was only 12 years old at the time and still needed looking after they decided it was best if they carried me along. It was their way of shooting two birds with one stone. They had closed their case in less than three months, but for some reason, we never left California, until today that is.

"Good morning passengers" i was dragged from my revere as the pilot's voice rang throughout the cabin. "This is your captain speaking. Strap in please and put away all devices as we prepare for take off."
Strapping myself in i rested my head on the back of my seat and listened as the engines roared to life. As i was about to look through the window i coudn't help but notice the pain that rested in my mother's eyes as she gazed out at what she once called home. Reaching over i took her hand in mine and gave it a gently squeeze. She turned to face me with tear filled eyes as she gave me a reassuring smile. Still holding on to her i closed my eyes and allowed the darkness to take over, and before i knew it everything went silent.

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My eyes fluttered open as i felt someone gently nudging my arm. Turning around i was met by my mother's bright blue eyes as she smiled widely at me.
"We're here" she giggled. She seemed happy and i couldn't help but giggle myself. Its been a month since I've actually seen her smile that much. Since my dad passed away a few weeks ago, things haven't been the same. She's not her usual carefree self. She spent most of her time in her old room crying, and other times she'd wake up screaming in the middle of the night. That's why she's decided for us to move to New York. She's already gotten a new job and she'll finalize my schooling as soon as we settle in.

"Lexy" i'm dragged from my revere as my mother shoves my travel bag into my lap. "Are you okay sweetie? I called you about three times" she asked, her voice laced with concern.
I gave her a reassuring smile as i made my way out to the terminal "i'm fine mom just a little tired from the long flight"

When we got off the plane we had collected
Our bags and now we were finally outside on some solid ground. It was still dark out as we made our way to the exit where all the cars were parked waiting for new arrivals. Reaching into my back pack i was about to grab my phone when i noticed my mom a few steps ahead talking animatedly with a strange man. He was about 6.7" with dark brown hair that fell just right above his forehead. He was dressed in a black jeans with a blue shirt that fitted his chest perfectly.
Walking over, my mom stretched out her hand for me and pulled me into her side.
"Riley this is my daughter Alex. Alex this is Riley, he's a friend of mine and he'll be taking us to our new home" she said excitedly.

"Nice to meet you" he said as he smiled and extended his hand to me.
Taking his hand in mine i smiled and gave it a gently shake "likewise"

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'Tell me you love me i need someone on days like this i do on days like oh can you hear my heart say oh oh oh oh you ain't nobody till you got somebody you ain't nobody till you got somebody'