As Always: This story is a work of fiction. Any reference to historical events, real people, or real locations are used purely fictitiously. Any names, places, or actual events are incidents of the author's imagination. I do not own twilight or the characters.

I do own Allie and any character that was not in twilight.



"All eyes on me in the center of the ring just like a circus. When I crack that whip, everybody gon' trip just like a circus. Don't stand there watching me, follow me, show me what you can do. Everybody let go, we can make a dance floor just like a circus."

~ Britney Spears


Chapter Three: Circus

Allie

I lay in my bed quietly listening to each tiny rain drop pat on my window. The golf ball sized hail stopping and starting every few minutes, clanking on the roof and windows. The fierce wind shook the hotel, gently rocking it back and forth. The lightening lit up my darkened room every few seconds. And the thunder, with each boom my heart jumped out of my chest, my fingers clutched the cream cotton bottom sheet tighter and my eyes squeezed shut.

Minutes after the echoing boom my heart would slow and I would slowly loosen my grip, my eyes would open and I would feel safe once again, until the next crash echoed through my large suite. I've always hated the thunder. When I was a little girl I would bury my head into my Demetri's hair and hide in his bed until it stopped. He always made me feel so safe.

I felt my bed bounce slightly as Duchess, my Golden Retriever, and Wallace, my Scottish Terrier, jumped onto my bed. They protect me from the things that go bump in the night. Or like tonight, the thunder.

Duchess curled herself into my legs making sure to keep her body facing the door, while Wallace curled up under my arm and let his head rest on my stomach.

I looked over the side of my bed to see Bear, my West Highland Terrier, sleeping with her stuffed teddy and Max, my English Mastiff, sleeping on his back with his legs in the air and his tongue hanging out of his mouth. The thunder didn't bother them. I'm sure they could sleep through world war III.

My body ached under the thick floral comforter. My eyes felt heavy and sore, as if I had sand paper under my eyelids. I could already feel the bruises forming on my body. Luckily they weren't anywhere I couldn't hide in the morning.

A flash of pictures ran through my mind. His face, his dark crimson eyes glowing as his hand came into contact with my already battered body. His dark hair fallin' in his face as he bent to forcefully kiss me and his tense hard body coiling as if he's going to spring at any moment.

A few tears slid down my warm cheeks. My skin has always been hotter than everyone else's. I'm just the freak that doesn't know who or what she is.

Duchess wiggled closer to my side. Her nose lifted my hand to rest lightly on her head. Go to sleep sweetheart. We're right here. You're safe, I promise. The words ran through my mind as if they were a blanket of safety always protecting me. I smiled softly.

It was almost two in the morning and I found myself wishing the thunder and rain would stop. No soon had the thought crossed my mind, the rain slowed and the thunder rolled off into the distance.

The vision I've been having flashed across my mind once again and I saw him sitting in the bar where I sing sometimes, here in Paris. That's where I would meet him and my life would change completely. The vision didn't tell me when I would meet him in the bar but I somehow knew it wouldn't be long now. My body still felt ridged and achy but I let the darkness finally pull me under, sinking into an uneasy sleep as thoughts of my golden haired Greek God took me over.

I sat quietly snuggled up to a blanket and pillows, on the small love seat besides the large window in my living room. Demetri was curled into the side of my body, his arms wrapped around my waist to hold my body against his. Bear was asleep in my lap. Demetri brought him home knowing I could never turn away a poor defenseless tiny animal. I immediately fell in love with Bear but that's not unusual for me. I have a love for animals like nobody else in the world.

Wallace and Oliver, my chimpanzee, were asleep at my feet. Duchess and Max were snuggled into their beds by the side of the love seat. Demon and Angel were standing guard, as usual, by the side of the love seat.

Demetri lightly kissed my forehead and whispered a sweet "I love you," before I turned back to the window. I could see the sun slowly setting just over the horizon of ocean. The sky was a beautiful palette of colors; reds, purples, blues, yellows, oranges, and pinks mixed together, lining the heavens. The once big fluffy white clouds were now a rose pink and dotted around the sky. The sky was alive with colors as the ocean's waves sang a soft lullaby, greeting the night ahead of us. Where the sky ended and the ocean began I couldn't tell. It was one of the most beautiful sunsets I've ever seen.

I've never really had the time to appreciate the sun setting, dipping slowly into an ocean of dark blue rippling water. When taken the time it's truly magnificent.

The only thing I could hear were the waves crashing against the shore. The beach was deserted at this time, partly because Demetri owned this half of the beach and nobody has set foot on our property, besides me, since he bought it for me. I wouldn't mind having guests or tourists or friends but nobody ever comes.

"I love you" I whispered pulling the soft blue blanket over my body. I sighed softly, closing my eyes.

"I love you too snuggle bug," he chuckled. Life was perfect but then again life has always been perfect with Demetri. "I thought tomorrow we'd . . ."

"Allie sweetheart" I felt a warm hand on my shoulder, gently shaking me.

"I'm sorry what did you say?" I asked looking up at Demetri but he was gone. "Dem?" pulling my feet out from under the dogs I stood up and wandered through the living room to the kitchen "Demetri, where did you go?" I checked the dining room and his office before I heard the loud scream from upstairs. "Demetri!" With Max and Demon on my heels I ran up the stairs to see a large man ripping Demetri's head from his body. "Demetri!"

"Pixie, snap out of it," something shook me again and my eyes snapped open, my body tense and coiled for the fight. A low hiss left my lips as I scanned the huge room in front of me, my body humming with power. "It's okay, it's just me," Jack, my bodyguard, said gently pulling me into his arms.

"Are we still in Paris?" I asked, feeling slightly disorientated. I could feel the tears well up in my eyes and trickle down my warm cheeks. The rain had stopped and the sun was shining brightly through the thick cloud cover. The stuffy air in the suite felt heavy against my chest.

"Yes, sweetheart," he whispered lightly kissing my cheek. "Everything's okay now, you're safe, take deep breaths;" he cooed softly, gently rocking me in his arms. "You're all sweaty, why don't you take a nice, warm, shower and change your clothes." I sniffled and nodded my head.

Jack pulled me into his arms, my head resting on his shoulder, and carried me into the bathroom. He placed me gently on the floor and turned on the shower, checking to make sure it wasn't too hot.

"Pixie?" I looked up at him, unsure what emotion my eyes were portraying.

"I'm okay," I murmured and stood, with shaky legs. "Out," I waved my hand shooing him away, "I'll be fine." He nodded once and left the bathroom.

I slipped into the shower and shuddered as the hot water cascaded down my unusually cold skin. My body felt exhausted after the long days and nights filming what was supposed to be my next big blockbuster. It was all a con of course. Erin would do anything to gain a little more money. That's what my life was, one big con.

When I was first introduced to the world of flashing lights, cameras, recording studios, and fanatic fans I thought I was on top of the world. I earned my first four - hundred and fifty thousand playing the role of Amanda in the movie Peters Wish. It was a small role but I was only beginning my career, I didn't have a clue what I was doing. My next movie came soon after, my grandmother and me, and then I hit it big scoring my first leading role as Lena in the supernatural thriller Gabriel's reunion. After that the roles came easy.

Erin provided me with the best teachers, acting coaches, singing teachers, vocalists, trainers, stylists; everything you can think of I had it. I was primped and primed until I was declared Pop Princess. It didn't take me long to fall into that role either. I became Allie Malone, super star over night.

I've done guest appearances on Law and Order SVU, CSI Miami, CSI New York, Scrubs, Criminal minds, How I met your mother, The Simpsons, ER, Grays anatomy, Desperate House Wives, The mentalist, CSI, The vampire diaries, 90210, King of the Hill, True Blood, Lie to me, House, The closer, and Gilmore Girls and thousands more. Most recently Eternal Night has been released around the world. I play the misunderstood evil vampire Juliet in one of the worst movies I think I've ever been a part of, although the world seemed to enjoy it. And within the next four years I'll be a part of the Forever Dawn series where I'll play the vampire that falls in love with the human boy.

Within the first year of my career Erin decided to up the stakes and boost my fame. I recorded my first album that year. Since then I have twenty-three solo albums recorded, countless music videos, tours, and award nominations. I have MTV awards, an Oscar, CMT awards, two golden globes and an Emmy. As I've grown into my career, I become a household name. The world knows me as a sweet innocent girl, the image Erin has always wanted me to project onto the world. I suppose the image has become a part of me over the years. My fans could never know I'm able to kill a human without lifting a finger, or sink my teeth into a beautiful silky neck and drain them dry. They couldn't know I'm immortal. They could never know I drink human blood at least twice a day just to keep my strength up. They'd be horrified to know the only way I can feed is to kill a human, even when I refuse it.

In the beginning I thought it was a great deal, I get to sing, dance, and act, all the things I love to do. Somewhere through the years the deal changed and I became a slave worker to Erin. I'm just her little puppet.

She's always wanted to be an actress. Time after time she's lived vicariously through other people's talents. For the past twenty five years she's lived through me. She got me my first commercial when I was five. When I turned six I was known as the world's pop princess, I am royalty. Move over Britney, Christina, and all the rest I came in as the lovely round faced, dimpled, big eyed, beauty that blew everyone away as soon as I sang a note or read a line. But that's what Erin wanted. She made me who I am.

For twenty-five years I've been surrounded by adoring fans, paparazzi, camera lights flashing in my eyes, people recording or reporting my every move, money being thrown at me from all directions, business deals and clothing lines, perfume fragrances, photo shoots and interviews, movie deals and contracts, big organizations wanting something from me, people coming and going, albums being thrown out faster than I can sing a note, movies being made quicker than I can lay out a line, and it's just all one big con. No longer am I just Allie but Allie Malone the biggest sensation since sliced bread. And it means nothing to me. I'm just a slave worker for Erin's enjoyment, here merely as a prop for her to have her fifteen minutes of fame through my name, my work, and my talent.

"Allie, are you okay in there?" I shook myself out of my thoughts and tuned the shower off.

"I'm fine," I replied as I stepped out of the shower and wrapped the large white towel around my body. I dried and dressed quickly before making my way into the living room again. Jack had ordered me breakfast knowing I'd be starving by the time my shower was finished. I gently kissed his cheek and took the tray of food out onto the patio.

I sat on top of one of the tallest buildings in the city. The hotel must have been at least seventy stories high, looking down at the adjacent buildings below. My legs swung lazily over the side while the rain began to sprinkle down around me. The cold drops stung my skin, but I didn't feel the pain.

Below the city was crawling with people. I watched as the humans scurried to find shelter. Cars sped by the buildings, splashing rainwater across the pavements. In the distance I could see the Eifel tower standing proudly for all to see. It truly was a spectacular sight. I never believed it could be so beautiful.

My eyes closed as the silence washed over me. I inhaled deeply, taking in the air, and exhaled slowly. The silence was blissful from up here. But still, I felt empty inside. This was supposed to be the best years of my life. I'd just finished the first set of my latest 'Circus' tour, 'Remember Me' was well on its way to becoming my next biggest blockbuster, the photo shoot we did yesterday morning was amazing, and I had a very nice paycheck coming my way – but none of it matter, not really.

All my life I've felt as if something was missing, a part I'd yet to find. Tears streaked down my cheeks impersonating the rain hammering down around me. My clean pajamas clung to my goosey ice flesh as I shivered from the cold. My left arm was throbbing under the bright pink cast but I ignored the pain. It wasn't half as bad as it usually is.

I loved sitting on top of the tallest building in whatever city I was in. As strange as it may sound, I always felt as if I belonged up here. This is my domain. I loved watching the world below as I sat, perched on the building's ledge. At night it was majestic to watch the lights of the buildings shine and the cars zip down the busy roads. The air was lighter than the air below. And, although I love it up here, I can't stand heights. But my body craved it, craved the adrenaline rush I always got as I looked down and felt the fear course through my body. I'd often wondered what it would be like to jump. Not to kill myself, but to feel the wind in my hair, the absolutely freedom that would come with flying towards the city below with nothing holding me back.

Take a deep breath.

Run.

Jump.

And leave all your fears behind.

I could easily teleport myself down to the pavement. Or I could scale the wall and propel myself through one of the windows. But that wouldn't be as much fun. Where is the rush in teleporting from building to building? And whatever happened while I was flying back down, I knew it would be worth the risk. Because what have I got to lose? Nothing.

I've always dreamed of having a normal life with friends and a family. I want to have someone to talk to other than my manager, my publicist, my tour manager, my stage crew, or even Jack. I want to have girlfriends I can talk to. I want so much more than this. I want to live my life and see the world. I've been in Paris four months and I haven't seen any of it besides my trailer, the hotel room, and the set. I've dreamed of coming to Paris since I was a little girl and all I've done is work since I arrived. That's all I ever do. That's all I'm aloud to do.

"Scoot," Jack said, sitting beside me and pulling me back into his arms. Jack and I have been together for almost eleven years. He's my bodyguard and best friend. He takes care of me when I'm simply too tired to care anymore. To me he's more of a friend than an employee but I know one day I'll have to say goodbye to him, like I do with everyone else.

"I'm so tired," I said watching the rain fall once again.

I turned back to smile at Jack. His long black hair fell in his face and down his ears as he lightly kissed my nose. I've spent hours running my hands through his silky locks. I've never felt anything so soft between my fingers.

"I'm so sorry Allie," Jack said tightening his grip on my body. I instantly curled into him, enjoying his skin against my much warmer skin. "I'm so sorry," he whispered kissing my hot pink cast I'd gotten just last night. "I should have been there to stop him."

"Stop who?" I asked looking up at him. I knew exactly what he meant but I wasn't about to admit it. "I tripped over myself, I told you this last night when you picked me up, remember?" I said lightly. He sighed and nodded his head but I knew he wasn't going to drop the subject. He never does.

I moved back to sit in the love seat and searched the streets. From my balcony I could see the set, the film crew were still taking down the last of the final scene. The people in the streets were running for shelter as the rain began to fall faster and heavier than it had been before.

My eyes, once again, cut to the handsome blond man sitting just across the street. His eyes were continually on the sketch book in front of him but I could see he wasn't paying attention to what he was drawing on the page. He was deep in thought.

My own sketch book lay on the coffee table. I've always loved to draw. Most of the time what I draw is what I see in my head. The endless buzzing of thoughts and pictures are constantly passing my mind in one big blur. If I'm not drawing I'm dreaming. Because I'm psychic my dreams are often like visions only longer and in more detail. More often than not I act out my dream or I'll talk in my sleep.

The vision I've been having flashed before my eyes. The beautiful blond man held a piece of my puzzle I'd yet to find. He was my mate. And I couldn't wait to meet him, to talk to him and finally touch him. I'd dreamed about this day for years and now I've finally found him sitting just outside my hotel. I know he's been watching me for the past six months and I've been waiting for him to make a move but he hasn't done so yet. Maybe today will be the day he changes my life.

"Alright," Erin, my manager, said barging through the door. I jumped but she didn't seem to notice. "You're kiddo! You were wonderful! The makeup crew did a great job with those fake tears, you were amazing!" She had no idea they were real tears, then again she doesn't know half the things I actually do. I don't bother telling her anymore, she just forgets ten minutes later. "You'll be flying back to New York in three days, rehearsal for your US tour starts on Monday. We'll go over everything then. We have a travel day Thursday, first stop Seattle!" She said excitedly. "Don't forget about the new movie release you're going to on Wednesday, did you want to fly solo for that one? I could get Jerry, my cousin, to take you if you prefer?" She paused briefly looking at me and then Jack "You'll let me know." They'd make such an adorable couple! Maybe I can convince Jack to take her to this premier, she thought quickly. "Don't forget to check in with Felix if you go out and Jeffery has the night off tonight, it's his anniversary with what his name," she said waving her hand in the air.

"William," I told her but she wasn't listening to me.

"Don't forget about the meet and greet Tuesday afternoon in LA before we fly to Seattle and then you have to be back in New York for the Jay Leno show that night. Friday is your first concert we'll have rehearsal all day and then you'll do a meet and greet after the show and dinner with the stage crew, your back up dancers, and the band. While we're on tour I really need you to write write write! I'll bring in the writers but I want this next album all you. Until then you're on your own kiddo. Enjoy your three days in Paris. Please don't get into any trouble while I'm not with you! I don't want to see horrid headlines about my girl in the paper now do I? Stay in the hotel, it's safer. I'll meet you at the airport on Sunday! Call me if you need anything!" She kissed my cheeks and rushed off again. I shook my head in frustration. Sometimes I wish things weren't so rushed all the time.

"When am I supposed to actually breathe!?" I asked in frustration. There was a slight growl to my voice that I'm sure Jack didn't miss.

"I'm sure she scheduled it in," he chuckled to himself. I glared at him and turned back to watch my blond god but he was gone.

I sighed softly and kissed Jack cheek "I'm going to change, I have to be at the bar tonight. It's my last show." I said with a big smile.

I jumped off the couch and quickly ran into my room and into my closet. I stood motionless in front of the racks and racks of clothes not knowing what to wear. I wished I could see what I was wearing when I met him. Would it be tonight? Would he speak to me tonight or maybe it wouldn't happen? Would I have to wait another twenty five years? I hadn't seen the outfit I'm wearing when he finally approaches me, all I could see in the vision was him.

Pondering the millions of designer clothes I gently touched the fabrics. Taffeta, Faille, Moiré, Cashmere, Lace, Chiffon, Jean, Leather, Messaline, Sateen, all so lovely and beautiful.

I sighed and changed into my skin tight black skinny jeans, a long sleeve sheer stripped gray shirt, a black waist coat and a black leather jacket to hide the bruises on my arms and back. I pulled on knee high boots with silver buckles running up and down the sides and a black beanie with a black scarf that covered my neck.

As I was trying to cover the bruises under my eyes a vision flashed across my mind. I saw him enter the bar as usual, taking his regular table at the back. I saw his beautiful smile and his hand fly across the page of his sketch book. But nothing more. Nothing substantial that told me he'd make the first move tonight. Perhaps I would have to do it . . . pondering that thought I left the bathroom in search of Jack.

"Are you, Felix, and Ethan taking the next three days to explore?" I asked moving back into the main half of the suite to see Jack's eyes widen at the sight of my outfit. He's very over protective sometimes.

"Felix and Ethan are," he said. "I'm staying with you," he eyed my outfit and frowned. "Especially if you're going to wear that out in public." He looked at the tiny dress and shook his head but I ignored him. Jack was like my older brother but I loved it, he kept me safe. He sighed and rubbed his hand against his head. You're sure he's your mate, Allie? This is the guy? You're positive? Jack thought.

Jack was the only one I could ever trust with this information. The only one that wouldn't try and hurt my mate to keep me as their slave.

I nodded firmly.

"You should take time off, you never take time off. Go explore. I'll be just fine by myself. I have some things I want to do, I'll probably just end up taking the dogs out." I said lightly kissing his cheek once more before I left the hotel feeling a slight bounce in my step.

My mood had lifted considerably since Erin's visit. I suppose it's the temporary boost of energy before the exhaustion kicks in. Or it could be the fact that I'm about to see the man that will one day, hopefully soon, change my life completely. I haven't seen what will happen once I meet him and talk to him, he hasn't made that decision yet. But I don't care. I know he will protect me from Felix and Ethan. With any luck he'll take me away from Paris and we can start a new life together.

When I left the hotel I jumped into a cab and told the driver where I needed to be. I would wait for my blond haired God and finally, finally see him in person.

While I watched the sights pass by out the window I mindlessly wondered what I'd do with the three days I had to myself if he didn't show up today. I've never really spent time by myself, I've never been allowed to be by myself. Since I've met Jack he's always been with me, always. And before Jack there were other guards, other measures taken to keep me locked up.

Now I had a sense of freedom and I was fully prepared to enjoy it while it lasted. There was so much I wanted to see in Paris. With as much as I've traveled in the last twenty-five years I've never truly seen anything besides the tour bus and venues where I perform. There's never time to explore and see the world. Erin says it's a waste of time.

The taxi pulled up next to the bar and I smiled nervously. "Thank you," I paid the driver and tipped him well.

"Uh . . . Miss?"

I looked back at the driver and smiled, seeing what he wanted before he spoke. "Will you . . . uh . . . sign autograph for my . . . my uh . . . daughter?" he said in a thick French accent.

"Of course!" My smile brightened and I pulled out one of the pictures in my purse that Erin makes me keep for times like this. I signed it quickly and thanked the man again before stepping out of the car and making my way into the small familiar bar. I ordered a double bacon cheese burger with extra fries and a coke before I sat down at one of the empty tables.

The bar was quiet so early in the day. Light music filled the room and smoke clouded the air around me. I pulled out my iPod and my sketchbook and settled in for the wait.

I waited.

And waited.

And waited.

And waited.

I've never been a patient person so waiting the six hours for his arrival was torture for me. I suppose I was a little excited this morning and might have gotten here a little too early. My set didn't start until six and I still had an hour to wait.

While I waited I doodled in my sketchbook and wrote down a few lines that may work for a couple of new songs. I'd drank almost an ocean's worth of coke, two slices of double chocolate cake, and an entire packet of extra large gummy worms before the patrons began to fill the bar.

"Hey Allie!" Michelle, a tall blonde with a wide smile waved at me as she went into the back room to fetch her apron and notepad. I smiled and waved in return and went back to my book.

"Is there anything else I can get for you, Miss. Malone?" the waiter, Fredrick, asked shyly.

I smiled softly. "No, thank you." he nodded once and left again.

I easily found my favorite CD on my iPod and leaned back in my chair. The music always soothed my nerves before going out on stage but I wasn't hearing Debussy's notes for long. Other notes were running through my head, a fragment of a tune that pleased and intrigued me. I turned down my iPod and listed to the music in my head, playing with the fragment until it evolved into a fuller harmony. Instinctively, my fingers moved in the air over imaginary piano keys.

The new composition as really coming along when Bernie the bar manager asked if I was ready to go on. I quickly jotted down the fragment of an idea and stood up, brushing my pants clean of any crumbs that may have fallen.

I looked at the door nervously, one last time, and saw the rain pelting down against the empty street. I sighed and followed Bernie into the back room. I warmed up quickly and waited for him to introduce me as he always does.

The usual nerves and excitement rolled through my body. I had butterflies fluttering a mile a minute in my stomach and my heart was beating out of my chest. I took a few calming breaths and made my way to the stage.

My eyes scanned the room, recognizing a few regulars, a few locals and a few new comers. There was a cute little girl in the front row holding up a small poster that said 'I love you, Allie!' She was cute with curly blond hair and big green eyes. I gave her a little wave and she screamed happily. Next to her was a woman with the same curly blond hair and a big smile. In the back of the room was my table of admirers. I wasn't really in the mood for an admirer. Well, except for my golden haired God.

Automatically my eyes swept across towards his usual table and there he was. I couldn't keep the smile off my face. I felt the relief wash over me and the butterflies tumbled faster and faster. His eyes met mine and my smile widened slightly. A soft smile played on his full lips too and I felt the tingles run down my spine.

I could clearly see the bite marks covering what little of his neck I could see. His jaw line was ravaged as well as his neck. I knew from my visions that there were more scars over his torso and down his body but they did nothing to weaken his beauty. I'd say they only enhanced it. His scars proved he was strong and a skilled warrior. He was a God among mere mortals. Absolute perfection.

His wild untamable honey blond hair fell in his face and graced his ears and neck. He had the type of hair you want to run your hands through all day. It looked soft, silky, with just a little shine to it. His broad shoulders and lean muscular body seemed slightly cold and unforgiving. He had a hard disciplined look about him. His entire presence gave off a sense of danger, power, but I could feel my relief rushing through my body. He was here. With this beautiful God by my side nobody could hurt me ever again. No human or vampire would dare go up against this stunning creature.

He had that tall, lean, leonine, rugged look. The kind of man you see in most romance novels. His eyes delve into the deepest depths of my soul and I could see him playing the aggressive leading male; see him taking me out of here so we could be alone, hell he could take me here if he wanted to. The mere thought had me creaming my panties.

I turned away from his watchful eyes suddenly. I felt my emotions swooping through my body like a rollercoaster. I never imagined I'd ever feel this way. I haven't even spoken to him yet but already I felt . . . something more for this man. I knew I'd love him in time but I never considered it to be this little time. Could I be in love? It could be Lust or desire. I know these emotions very well but it wasn't either of them. There was a sudden intensity I've never felt with anyone else. It was like the rushing of water cascading down upon me and I couldn't do anything but enjoy the rush of emotions I felt pouring into my body. I've never felt anything for anyone this fast, especially a man. I felt things for him I've never felt for anyone in my life. I know he is my mate but I expected to work up to this feeling. Love at first sight, like this, isn't possible. I don't believe in it.

I turned back to him, the longing in his eyes was as clear as my two hands in front of me. I could see the heartbreak in his beautiful features. I know. I know what he's feeling. I'm feeling it too.

It hit me again, the strange pain echoing through my body, the powerful undeniable shock to my chest, like a lightning strike had hit me. I'd felt a few times in the last few weeks. But the pain went deeper this time, tingling through my body like tiny electric shocks. I felt like I couldn't breathe, like there was a heavy weight lying on my chest. I felt my heart beat speed up and I looked up at him. The need I felt for him grew stronger and stronger. Not a need to have sex with him, a need to be closer to him.

I felt his desire hammering into my body and for the first time in my life I found myself insanely, instantly filled with desire and an urgent need for this man in front of me. We hadn't spoken to each other yet and I was ready to beg him to bend me over the table and fuck me until my legs could no longer hold me up. If the look in his eyes was any warning, he was feeling it too.

My body ached for him.

I needed him.

I wanted him.

I craved only him.

I felt such a strong relief. He was here. I was safe. His eyes were boring into mine and I knew, I might not love him now, but I will. I could see it. He was the one, my mate. And nothing could tear us apart now.

"Allie!" Rebecca hissed from beside me. My head snapped up and I realized I hadn't spoken a word yet. The audience was staring at me as if I'd lost my mind.

I cleared my throat and shook myself out of my thoughts. I announced my departure and watched as his face fell. From where I stood I could just about see his eyes darken significantly and I couldn't help but feel a little nervous. He would never hurt me, I knew that, but vampires tend to attack when I'm around.

When the music started I unconsciously closed my eyes and lost myself in the opening melody take me over. I listened to the sound of the piano filling the room and took a steadying breath before I sang the first note.

I continued to sing four more songs, ignoring the whispers in the audience. When the last song ended and I dropped my head, roaring applause and whistles could be heard throughout the bar. I thanked my audience, bowed and descended the stairs with the band.

Breaking my usual routine, hoping that he would introduce himself, I made myself comfortable at the bar and ordered a bottle of coke.

I felt as if an iron vice-like grip had been clamped around my heart. I was consumed with only the feeling, an unwavering tugging in my chest. My breathing grew more rapid as the emotions surged through my body; need, lust, desire, love, they were all so powerful.

My fingers gripped the edge of the bar but it was not the bar I needed to hold onto, it was him.

I watched him sketch me for a moment, until his head lifted and our eyes locked. In that moment, everything around me went blank and all I saw was him.

I could see him wavering, unsure if he should make the first move, if I wanted him too. And I couldn't wait any longer. I had to have him. It had to be now because I wouldn't get another chance. I stood slowly from my seat, taking a deep breath, my smile still in place, and walked towards my destiny.