SOULMATES

  It had been a week since Isabel arrived in a small town called Forks. It was a quiet pce where everyone seemed to know each other. The closeness was uling for Isabel, who valued her privacy. Fortunately, her mother had purchased a house far from any neighbivihe isotion she desired. She'd also been gifted substantial money—enough to st her a lifetime. Yet, the memory of her father trying to kill her over her passion for humans still haunted her. Her siblings weren't much better, all siding with him, except for her sister Amelia, whom she hadn't seen in over a hundred years.

  Now, Isabel lived in her secluded home with Nyxshade, her shadow cat, who was more of a panion than a pet. Nyx was a gift from her mother and had been with her since childhood. She was as rge as a full-grown tiger, her fur bck as midnight, and her bright green eyes capable of pierg the dark. Nyx could move through shadows and blend in with them, making herself invisible at will.

  As it was time for Nyx to hunt, Isabel decided to join her, as hiking always brought her peace. While they wandered, she suddenly caught a st that was as alluring as it was unique—vanil mixed with fresh raindrops. Drawn to it, Isabel ran through the woods but stopped behind a tree, masking her st. A few yards away, she saw a tall, beautiful blonde preparing to poun an unsuspeg deer. The woman was a vampire; Isabel could tell by the way she drank the deer's blood. It was strahough. Vampires usually avoided animal blood si cked the nutrients they needed. Isabel recalled a she had entered a thousand years ago who'd tried the same diet until she warhem it would lead to madness aual death.

  As Nyxshade returned, finished with her hunt, she rubbed against Isabel's leg, purring tentedly. Isabel scratched her head and gnced back at the blonde, who was now standing and staring right at the tree where she hid. At that moment, Isabel realized the truth—this vampire was her mate.

  "Hello? Is someohere?" the blonde called out.

  Before Isabel could answer, Nyxshade ran over and leaped onto the woman, knog her to the ground.

  "What the hell?" the blonde shouted as Nyx began to purr. She froze, unsure what to do.

  Isabel stepped out from behind the tree, a smile pying on her lips. "Scratch her head. She likes that."

  The blonde hesitated but reached up aed Nyx, who purred even louder. Isabel k beside them, the two of them with a smile. "What's your name?" she asked.

  The blonde looked at her, surprised and fearful. "Rosalie Hale." Rosalie hesitated for the first time she had known herself.

  "Beautiful," Isabel murmured. She could tell Rosalie was stunned, likely never having entered a demon before, especially not one irue form, plete with horns. Isabel's wings were tucked away, but the rest of her demonic features were on dispy.

  "It's okay; I won't hurt you," Isabel reassured her. "My name is Isabel, and that shadow cat on top of you is Nyxshade. Go ahead, pet her some more. This is my first time seeiake to someone so quickly."

  Rosalie softened, stroking Nyx's head. Isabel moved closer and kneeled beside them.

  " I call you Rose?" Isabel asked gently.

  "Yes," Rosalie replied, looking at her tenderly.

  "I'm a demon," Isabel expined wheiced the lingering fusion in Rosalie's eyes. To prove it, she unfurled her wings, allowing them to spread wide, aail swayed with its sharp end glinting in the sunlight.

  Rosalie gasped, captivated by Isabel's beauty. For the first time, she felt an overwhelming rush of emotion and love, the kind that only a mate could feel. She had an urge to embrace Isabel but feared it might be unwele.

  Sensing Rosalie's dilemma, Isabel took her hand, promptio stand. Nyxshade slid from Rosalie's p aled beside her. Drawing Rosalie close, Isabel ed her in her white wings. Rosalie leaned into Isabel's chest, her 6-foot frame fitting perfectly with Isabel's t 7-foot height. She held onto Isabel tightly, as though afraid she might vanish.

  "Is this a dream?" Rosalie whispered.

  Isabel lifted Rosalie's and kissed her softly, p all her love into the gesture. Pulling back slightly, she rested her forehead against Rosalie's. "Does this still feel like a dream?"

  Rosalie chuckled. "No, and I'm gd it isn't."

  "Good," Isabel smirked, gng at a nearby tree. "If that didn't vince you, I'd have to find other ways—like take you on that tree over there."

  Rosalie pyfully spped Isabel's shoulder. "Yoing to be a handful, aren't you?"

  "Maybe," Isabel ughed. Rosalie took in her appearance, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

  "What kind of demon are you?" Rosalie asked, still slightly in awe. "I thought demons had red skin and wings without feathers."

  "Most demons do," Isabel admitted. "But I was born different. I'm a warrior demon. I used to be part of the demon army."

  Rosalie squeezed Isabel's hand, sensing her sadness. "Was it difficult? Because you're different."

  "Yes," Isabel replied softly. "But I'll tell you about it someday, I promise."

  "Whenever you're ready," Rosalie said, kissing Isabel's hand tenderly.

  "Now," Isabel said, g her fihrough Rosalie's as they began to walk, Nyxshade trotting behind them, "there are a few things you should know about our bond."

  "Okay," Rosalie nodded, listening ily.

  "First, your body and mind will be shielded from danger, stantly."

  "Wow?"

  "Really. And after we… mate our bond, you'll receive a gift."

  Rosalie stopped, looking at Isabel with intrigue. "What kind of gift?"

  "Holy, I don't know," Isabel said, smirking. "We'll find out after we make love." She waggled her eyebrows pyfully.

  Rosalie ughed, a lightness in her heart. "Oh great, I found another Emmett!"

  "Who's Emmett?" Isabel's pyful demeanor darkened slightly. "He's not your boyfriend, is he?"

  "No, no!" Rosalie said quickly, hugging Isabel. "Emmett is my best friend. He always looks out for me."

  Isabel rexed, sighing in relief. "Good. And you must know something important, Rosalie—a demon's mate is everything to them. We would kill and torture to proteates. Do you uand?"

  Rosalie pulled Isabel into a gentle kiss. "Yes, I uand."