Hello, I know some of you are going, "Really? Another story?"

Well, yes. I know it means I won't get to update on Secrets or Hannah's Lives or Experiences as often, but hopefully you can enjoy this while waiting.

I do not own Night World.

Kestrel POV:

Briar Creek was getting to be very boring, just like Mark Carter promised upon our arrival.

By ourI mean my sisters, Rowan and Jade, and I. We had run away from our island home in Maine and literally, into the wild.

After that it was all really a flurry of murder this and soulmate that.

Now, I was on my way to one of the more popular Oregon towns to, hopefully, find a club and some… dinner, I guess you could call it.

The bus screeched to a halt and I hopped off and strut into the night, ears tuned to pick up the beat of music and the smell of sweaty bodies.

I looked at myself in a nearby dark shop window. Golden hair in a sloppy side pony tail and heavy lashed eyes to match. I wore a very revealing black halter top and a mini jean skirt. My father would never approve, but an appearance like this made it almost too easy to hunt.

Speaking of not approving of my hunting style, there was Rowan. In truth, I think she would have let me come had I asked her and not just snuck off. All of us were getting sick of the little forest animals.

Here we are. I stood in front of a small building with a neon sign. Toxic Pulse flashed in green and pink lettering. The place smelled strongly of pot and weed and other illegal drugs. The blood would be gross. I walked right past the door without a second glance.

I soon came across a boy with a shock of red hair and when he turned around, I saw a pair of warm brown eyes.

He was a shifter, I knew it.

"What's a pretty little lady like yourself doing out this late at night?" He smiled, it was a playful smile, not a dangerous one.

"Looking for my next meal." I replied, flashing him my fangs.

"Hmmm," was all he said as he looked me over again, his eyes lingering on my bare legs and mid chest a bit too long for my liking. "Well, I pity the man you claim, no doubt you'll make it hurt."

"My victim won't feel or remember a thing." I corrected, making sure he knew I wasn't that cruel. "What are you doing, walking about at this hour?" I asked.

"Looking for someone." He answered shortly.

"Who?"

"Someone of no concern to you."

"Well, now you've made me curious."

"Yes." He looked around. Taking in everything, ignoring me.

"Maybe I can help?" I suggested.

"I doubt it." He laughed.

"Have you forgotten I am a vampire?" I took a step towards him and he looked at me.

"Go find your meal."

"I'm not hungry anymore." It wasn't entirely true, but what can I say? I was curious.

As if sensing he wasn't going to get rid of me he sighed and pulled out a photograph. "Have you seen her?"

The girl in the picture had the same red hair as the man in front of me, only hers was wildly curly. She was holding a soccer ball and smiling at the camera. Was she his sister?

"Her name is Maggie. She's my sister." I was right, they were related.

"No, doesn't ring a bell. Why are you looking for her? Was she kidnapped?"

"She was showing her boyfriend around the city when I ran into an old friend. After catching up with the person, I started searching for Maggie. I still haven't found her." He frowned and studied the picture.

"Does she have any particular scent?" I questioned.

"Peppermint. Her boyfriend bought her peppermint perfume at the last town we stopped at." He nodded as he was talking

"Okay then, let's get started." I held out my hand. "I'm Kestrel, by the way."

"Miles." He smiled and took my hand.

The world exploded in a shower of sparks. It was so beautiful. A pink haze engulfed our senses, wait, our?

Yes, our. Miles tone echoed through my mind. It was so loving, welcoming.

Soulmates an unfamiliar voice whispered. You can't fight it.

There was no way I had a soulmate!

I yanked my hand away before I could be dragged into the crystal labyrinths of his soul. My soul.

We stood there, just looking at each other. I could hear his heavy breathing synchronizing with mine.

"If you'll excuse me, I have a meal to find." I said, walking away.

"I thought you said you weren't hungry!" Miles called after me.

"Good luck finding your sister." I called back, reminding him of what he had originally set out to do.

"She can wait. She has Delos." He raced to catch up with me, I just increased my pace. Soon, the pounding of footsteps were replaced with the beating of wings.

A bird huh?

Without thinking, I glanced behind me and up.

An eagle.

It looked so beautiful, with its wings spread far. He was going so fast, wait, I had slowed down!

Something caught my eye and I swerved for it. The druggie joint I had spotted earlier.

Perfect.