Hello everyone,

Honestly I never thought we'd be here again, even more specifically with this story. A lot has happened and changed since the last time I posted on this account and even more so published the prequel to this, Ever Mine: A Christmas Miracle. I won't get into it here, but I want you to know that any of the stories I have on this site will never be left unfinished, and any sequel I promise will, to the best of my ability, be posted and finished as well.

If you want the outline for how I'm going to be completing the stories I have up and in what order they are, go to my profile. If you wish to have active participation in changing the outcome of the poll that has decided that order, please go to my group, Bexie25 Fanfics, on Facebook and vote! Also join the group if you want teasers and the like for this story and my others.

Deciding to keep it short and sweet, so I'll leave it there. :)

Please enjoy...

~O~

Ever Mine: We'll Start with Forever

A vampire saved from madness by the gift of a mate on Christmas. With love in their hearts, they'll start with forever. But what happens when something infinitely human puts all of that, and that vampire's sanity, at risk? How far is he willing to go not to fall back into madness?

~O~

I wandered the streets alone tonight.

The houses were lit up, twinkling and glittering with the cheer that came with this time of the year. A few of the street lamps and trees even had some small decoration. There was an understated, barely-contained glow of excitement, a sort of nervous anticipation and tired resignation.

Coming to a stop, I sighed and sat down on the park bench at the end of the street. I glanced to the right, back at the houses. Closing my eyes, I let myself listen, for just a moment, to the excited children as they climbed into bed—some not so quietly. I listened to their parents' thoughts as they tried to usher them into bed, and their secret satisfaction when one mention of needing to be asleep before Santa came had the children in bed faster than ever. I smiled glumly to myself as my own memories at the tender age of eight came to mind, only for it to fall as I found they could not compare to the joy here.

That seemed to be my way in life.

Back home, three short miles away, three perfectly matched pairs were singing carols, sharing smiles and laughter, being with loving company in front of a glowing, warm fire.

They were happy and I was not. Thus, I exiled myself to lonesomeness. A few hours ago I had opted out and begun a walk into town to clear my head.

Christmas had always been hard for me, but this year was especially rough. It had built up the past few decades as the more years passed, the more I noticed how utterly alone I was. Yes, I had my family—I had my sire and father Carlisle, caring mother Esme, and my four siblings—but I did not have what they had. What I so wished for.

A mate.

Until this very night, one year ago.

I had never expected my wish to come true. I had hoped it would, but I was so at my wit's end that I saw no hope at the end of the tunnel of darkness. But then she opened the door and said seven sweet words. Words I would never forget. "Excuse me, but… are you all right?"

My eyes closed and I smiled at the memory of the turning point of my existence. I knew as soon as I looked up and I saw her, as soon as I breathed in her scent and looked into her eyes.

She was so very beautiful… and she was so very mine.

I was sure she had to think me crazy as I sat in that diner, waiting for the end of her shift. Me—a stranger—a mute hanging on her every word, and barely able to let my own slip through my lips due to the utter awe I felt at the sensations running through me from her mere presence. I had found my answer to an eternity alone, and she was not even aware.

But she was patient. She was caring, and lovely, and oh, so beautiful. And she was mine.

Mine.

The beast within me rejoiced, his eyes shadowing her.

Finally, when her shift was over and I was able to speak with her, I told her everything and she understood… she wanted me as I wanted her, she… she felt for me, loved me even, despite the pain in her heart.

And now…

Now her very life, and mine as it was ever entwined with hers, was in danger. And all I could do was watch her die.

I know there was a lot of repetition in this first chapter from the first chapter of Ever Mine: A Christmas Miracle. It won't be like that going forward.

Posting schedule: every day or every other day until we finish the story. I have not really got a plan for it, but the chapters will remain perhaps around this length, maybe a little longer-matching the first story.

IF there is any other info you guys needed, let me know and I'll happily slot it into the next chapter.

Hope you enjoy and please review... I would love to know who is joining me on this ride!

bexie25