Hi, I am sorry about the long delay, but everything has been stressful and I was worried about a trip that so close from not happening because of this virus. But everything turned out great, and I got inspired to write again. I hope that you will like this chapter. : )

Christian's POV

I handed the forks to Angelina and for a brief moment our fingers touched again. It was only for a couple of seconds, but it had shook me again to my core. Just the simplest contact , but to me it was incredible. I mentally cursed Adam, because he had been right when he had told me all about mates and how much I would crave mine. I had always thought he was joking or trying to scare me even, but the stories were all true. So true.

I hadn't been able to get Angelina out of my mind for months since I saw her for one brief moment in some store. Since then she has been always invading my thoughts, my dreams. Like I was completely possessed.

I have been with so many women during my long life. So many. I had forgotten most of them, their names, faces. They were just something to pass the time, a cure for my hunger for blood, or just because I enjoyed them. I have never lacked female company even as a human, and becoming immortal didn't change that .

But since fate had brought Angelina Davenport in my life, all the beautiful women in the world have lost their appeal to me. I knew that it sounded very romantic, cliché, but it was true. I could not find another lady fascinating no matter how much I have tried. I have tried to ask so many gorgeous women out, but something always had stopped me before our date. Their eyes weren't the same as Angelina's , their smiles wasn't as charming as hers, nor the addictive scent could tempt me the same way. They were just a cheap imitation, unsatisfying. I have tried to court women that had the same eye and hair color, but I soon realized I couldn't stand them. I couldn't stand their giggles, makeup, how they spoke my name or touched my hand. It was like all of their beauty was a poison to me. I couldn't be as tempted as before. I have tried to take some of them to my bed, but it had ended badly, their touch didn't spark passion in me. Only coldness, bitterness, anger. They weren't Angelina. At first I had thought I must be going crazy, my fixation with this stranger wasn't normal. There was no explanation why I wasn't able to go on a date with another or even kiss her. But every time I had tried , I felt like suffocating. Every time I had tried to kiss my date, Lina's kind eyes have appeared in my mind, and her scent have taken taken over my mind. I have been unintentionally comparing Angelina and the other woman, and my obsession always won.

I didn't know when exactly I gave up chasing other women, but I got so sick and tired of trying to suppress my urges for Lina, or to flirt with cheap imitations. I got tired of pretending I wanted another. Even when I had followed Angelina inside some club, I had eyes only for her. Like my eyes were drawn to the lovely woman even when I was talking to another. This consuming desire, this constant urge to be near Angelina, erased every chance of even a date with another lady. I had been torturing myself long enough. I had foolishly hoped that I could forget one pretty face with another . But I had underestimated the pull of the mate for my kind.

I had finally accepted that Lina was my mate and there was no escaping from her. I could go to the another country, continent, but I would still crave her. That was both a curse and blessing. I would never be alone again, I have found the woman meant for me. My gift. I had just to make her see we belonged together. That I was a kind, honorable man, that could love and cherish her like she deserved. That my angel would be happy with only me, because I was the man made for her too. I didn't have to ask Angelina to know she hadn't felt real love and that no man had succeeded to make her happy. Adam had told me that the mate couldn't have a real relationship , that something will always be missing. That with no matter how many tries, the mate will be alone and with no luck in love. Because he or she will be missing someone too, even without realizing it.

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Angelina's POV

I eyed the table, confused where should I place the forks. I certainly didn't want to sit near Christian, but would he be offended if I chose a chair that wasn't close to him? Would he insist us to be near each other? So he could take my hand in his, maybe kiss me? The thought itself made me grip the forks tighter. Only God knows what was going inside my abductor's head.

'' You can choose whichever seat you like, darling.''- The man's voice behind me had startled me. I turned around to find Christian near me, his charming smile made him look younger and almost normal and trustable. Almost. –'' I don't have any preferences about where I will seat either. I just want you to be comfortable.''- I swallowed back some very harsh words. The easiest thing for me would be to stab this guy in the neck with a fork and just let him bleed. Run like hell and try to find a way out. But Christian was a supernatural being, and he could hurt me even before I could reach the front door. Then he would dry me out of blood or maybe torture me for hours. No, stop! Thinking about death won't help me. And as much as tempting the thought of stabbing him had been, I couldn't do that now.

'' Thank you.''- I said after I cleared my throat. I chose the two opposite chairs for me and him. When my abductor handed me some red napkins, our fingers have brushed again, but not because I wanted it. It just happened. I pulled away my hand first. The dark-haired man smiled and headed to the oven to heat the lasagna.

'' Do you want some wine with the lasagna or it would be too much?''- Christian was next to the wine chiller and I noticed it was full. Probably with expensive wine. Nothing in this guy's home looked cheap or not bought with taste. I didn't doubt Christian had only the best quality of wine and other alcohol. Really, could he get any more perfect? My abductor was going through the bottles and he pulled one out. –'' I have some amazing red one, if you want to share it with me?''- His voice was almost seductive and from the way he was looking at me, I got the uncomfortable feeling that to Christian all of this was some sort of a romantic date. The lunch he had made for us, now the wine. The only things that were missing were the gift and a bouquet of red roses. But I had received a gift, sort of, I thought bitterly. The thought that Christian had bought clothes for me and he had guessed my measurements and tastes so well. All thanks to his stalking of course, but I hated to admit that the clothes were very comfortable and nice.

'' Probably it won't be wise to drink wine now.''- I answered , trying to sound polite. Wine would make me relaxed and sleepy and I certainly didn't want that. Did the vampire wanted to get me drunk so he could take advantage of me easier? I mean, he could do it without the alcohol, but still I couldn't just drink right now.-'' I like wine, but right now I don't want to…''- I hurried to add, scared to anger my abductor.

'' It's all right, Lina.''- Christian gave me a kind smile and put the bottle at its previous place.-'' I know you would prefer to be with clear mind, and I want that too. I just wanted to ask if you wish to try it.''- He rubbed his neck.-'' So what do you want instead -juice or a cola? ''- What kind of a game he was playing at? Why not kill me and just be done with it? I got that he was lonely, but I didn't want to be his toy and salvation. I didn't want to serve as entertainment for this man. I didn't want Christian to use me for his romantic fantasy or to listen to his love confessions.

'' Cola would be nice.''- I faked a smile and he nodded and headed to the fridge.

''Lina, can you please grab two glasses ?'' – He asked, his back turned on me.-''Just open the cabinet at my left and take two.''- Like a good girl I obeyed. I desperately looked around for something to hit his head with, but the moment had passed as Christian took out the cola and closed the fridge. I bit my lips as opened the cabinet and took two glasses out. Christian was trusting me at least enough to let me touch his things . He actually seemed pleased with himself as he had seen how I had looked around his home. The vampire knew it was work of art and he seemed to like to see my approval. I couldn't help it, I have never been in a more amazing looking or decorated with taste home. It wasn't only about the money, it was mainly about the taste. Everything seemed to fit with everything else perfectly. It was incredible and unnerving at the same time.

I hesitated before putting down the glasses on the table. All of this looked so surreal, so insane. I should break something in his head, not arrange the table for lunch! I wasn't his friend or girlfriend! I had never met Christian in my life before! But he held my life in his hands, I gulped and I carefully put down the glass on the table first in front of where I would sit. I had to pretend at least a little so the vampire wouldn't kill me. Yes, I could try something brave like stabbing him with a fork, but that won't surely cause him much pain. I had seen how fast Christian's wound healed when he showed me he was a vampire, I doubted I would accomplish something other than angering him. I could try to run around in this huge house and look for the garage and the keys for the car, but my abductor was much faster. Plus I didn't know this place well enough to just wander around. I could lock myself in some room or block the door with a furniture, but what good would that do me? This was Christian's home, and he knew every detail in it. And he wasn't even human and he could easily go through every obstacle I create. How exactly does a person escape from a supernatural creature in the real world?!

'' The lasagna will be ready soon.''- Christian came to me and handed me the bottle of cola with a smile. –'' Do you feel cold? Shall I turn the heat up?''- It wasn't cold, but I had shivered again from fear even though I was trying to stop myself from doing that.-'' Shall I get you one of my coats or a vest?''- The concern in his voice was too much for me.

'' No, it's warm. I am fine.''- I tried to smile too to reassure him that everything was all right although it was so far from the truth. This was so crazy that I again began to wonder if I was dreaming.

'' Ok, but promise to tell me if you feel cold.''- Christian rubbed his neck nervously as his eyes lowered to my lips, but he quickly looked away. –'' Please.''- The man in front of me looked just like it was our first date and he was doing his best to make me like him. Like I was willingly here and I liked him. I asked myself for the hundredth time why was it so important for my abductor that I feel good? So his crazy fantasy could turn into true? So I could like him? I wasn't sure what Christian was expecting of me.

'' I will, Christian.''- He smiled at me as he opened the bottle and poured some of the liquid in the glasses, filling up mine first. Like a real gentleman. I eyed his hands. Christian had a nice hands for a man, they looked soft and comforting. The type of hands that a woman would want to be touched with. The dark-haired vampire wore only that fancy wristwatch I had noticed before, no rings. But I had noticed a visible traces that he had worn a ring on his right index finger. No traces of wedding ring though. Had my abductor been married even? Probably yes. Somehow I doubted a guy this looking had never become a husband. And he had lived long enough too. So Christian must have had at least one wife, maybe several. After all he was very good looking, and maybe he wasn't always this insane. Maybe the loss of so many loves had made him like this. I couldn't just ask him if he had wives and how many, it was too personal and I might anger him. Christian knew my personal life from his stalking but this didn't mean I had to start to snoop in his right away. And I feared my personal questions could provoke the vampire to hurt me. I remembered with bitterness my wrist and how much it hurt when this guy lost control even for a minute.

-'' Do you want me to help you with the dishes?''- I said trying to sound as polite as possible. But I was hoping to see where my abductor kept the knives of something I could use or a weapon.

'' No, darling. ''- Christian came to me and I suppressed an urge to take some steps back. He didn't touch me even though he gave me the hungry look I knew so well. –'' Please, sit down, I will deal with the meal.''- With another charming smile, the man turned around and went to turn off the oven. I obeyed and sat down.

'' It smells delicious.''- I said just not to let a silence between us. But it wasn't a lie either. When Christian opened up the oven and took out the lasagna, the wonderful aroma made me hungry. It really smelt heavenly good.

'' Thank you, angel. I hope you will like it.''- The dark-haired man eyed me shyly as he was cutting slices. –'' I wasn't sure what to make for lunch and I really wanted you to like it, so I chose something Italian. One of your favorite cuisines.''- I bit my lips not to respond something harsh about his stalking and how much I disliked the invasion of my privacy. I knew my supernatural stalker was aware that I like Italian, Chinese and Mexican cuisine but there was no need to hear it from his mouth. –'' I am very good pastry chef too.''- He added in attempt to make another good impression to me. Of course he knew I adored chocolate and all kinds of baked goods. –'' I am sorry I didn't have the time to make a cake too, but I have prepared for dessert crème caramel.''- Another thing I liked.

'' You seem to like to cook a lot.''- I replied as Christian placed down the amazingly looking lasagna in front of me. The vampire winked at me when he sat down with his own plate. I noticed mine was fuller, he had cut for himself a small piece.

'' Yes, it's enjoyable and it relaxes me. I haven't realized before how calming cooking is.''- I guessed Christian was waiting for me to eat , just like before. He acted like a real gentleman that would wait for his lady to try the food first. So I grabbed the fork and I saw how my supernatural stalker seemed to relax. The thought that the food was drugged with something passed through my mind, but so far nothing Christian had given me was poisoned or with some sedative. Just normal food. But this guy had stuck a syringe in me with some sedative the previous night and I was sure he had more of that stuff. Would he use it if I started running? He didn't need it to control me but it still made me cautious about eating or drinking something. But I must not offend him so I lifted a small bite to my lips. I nearly moaned from how wonderful it was. I adored lasagna and this one was absolutely delicious.

'' It's amazing, Christian.''- I said and took another bite. The vampire smiled at me and began eating too. But his eyes were never leaving me. They kept moving between my hands, hair and lips. I knew only the promise Christian had made was keeping him from kissing me or touching me at least. It was absurd given the fact that the vampire had abducted me, drugged me, but still he was trying to stay true to his given word. Like that meant something to me! What games he was playing at?! He clearly didn't have any problem with sedating and abducting me! God, it physically hurt just to think about it! I lifted the glass to my lips so I could calm down. I had to start a conversation somehow, I couldn't endure silence right now.

'' Do you want salt or another spice, darling?''- Christian smiled at me as he was playing with napkin.-'' I wasn't sure how you like to eat the lasagna, so I didn't use many salt, but if you want some I will get it right away.''- I faked a smile. What a polite question!

'' No, the lasagna is good as it is. You don't have to worry, Christian, it's very tasty.''- I wished he would stop acting like a concerned host or worse- a man on a first date. Hearing all these stories about mates, true loves and destiny had surely messed this guy's head, but not mine. I didn't believe in such romantic things, I wasn't a little girl anymore.

'' Good, I did my best.''- I was sure many women would find his smile very charming and addictive. Of course if they aren't his prisoners and don't know that he was crazy. I drank some of the cola because my throat had gone dry. It took every bit of strength that I had not to shake or stab with the fork the man in front of me. He wasn't even a human at all. How exactly my life had changed like that? I had been living into one reality just yesterday and I woke up into another. My normal life turned upside down. For the first time in my life I was in a mess, I wasn't sure how to get out from. Every other problem I had faced so far was nothing compared to be abducted and by a real vampire. A vampire that had stalked me for months and bought me clothes. How he had guessed my measurements was beyond me but it made me feel uneasy. We continued to eat for some minutes in silence, and I knew I had to break it first.

'' What else do you like to do besides cooking?''- That question sounded hollow to me, but it just left my lips. It sounded like a question I would ask if I was really on a date and I liked the guy. But right now it only served as an icebreaker. Part of my plan Christian to trust me more and let his guard down. I knew it won't be easy. But we couldn't just stand into one room in silence, right?

'' You mean my hobbies?''- I nodded.-'' Well, I like to learn and try new things, Lina. Being what I am has made that a lot easier, another reason why I would choose this life again . I had mastered several languages. I like to swim in the sea, to read books, to visit new places and take pictures. I have played on a piano and a guitar, but I prefer the piano more. I like fast cars. I have learnt how to drive a plane. I can draw a little. I had done everything I couldn't have before as a human.''- His brown eyes got this sad look in them, and for a second I felt pity. To grow up poor must have really been awful. My parents were never rich, we were like most people nowadays. We had been to the sea many summers and I had a very happy childhood. Yes, it wasn't ideal, but I had never starved. I could never imagine what has been for Christian and his family especially when he had been a child.-'' My life started at new with my turning into a vampire and I never let an opportunity to pass me by. I made a vow to myself to live a great and happy life.''- It was kind of understandable. If I had been poor most of my life, I would want to grab every chance of joy when I could too. But to drink blood to survive, to kill people? To watch everyone you ever loved die while you remain the same? –'' What about your hobbies?''- I swallowed the last bite of the delicious meal. Didn't he know from his stalking?! Or he was trying to maintain the conversation?

'' Well, I like to travel too, I have always loved it.''- I put a lock of hair behind my ear and his eyes traced the motion. –'' I like to read books, to listen to music and hang out with my friends.''- My stomach did a flip when I thought how worried sick my parents and friends must be when they have tried to call me. Then another thought made my blood freeze. Christian had stalked me for months, so he must have seen my parents and friends too. Would he hurt them? Had he done something to them?! And why exactly I haven't thought about this before?! The worry must have appeared on my face because the dark-haired man covered my hand with his to get my attention.

'' Your family and friends are all right, Angelina.''- Christian squeezed gently my hand to reassure me no harm has come to anyone I held dear.-'' I promise you.''- Why should I believe him?! Christian tried to lace our hands, but I pulled mine off quickly. He didn't show if he was offended by that.

'' Swear to me that they are all right.''- I said, surprising myself with my bravery. But the fear of what might have happened to my family and friends was bigger than my fear of this man right now. If Christian had touched them, I would stab him with the fork and try to hurt him with everything I could get my hands onto. I even grabbed the fork tightly in my hand, ready to jump and attack him.

'' I swear, Angelina.''- His gaze was never leaving mine and I was pleased to hear that he sounded nervous about my reaction.-'' I would never hurt someone close to you, angel.''- His voice was almost desperate and full with need for me to believe him.-'' The family and friends of the mate are sacred for my kind. A vampire can't hurt, feed from or do anything that will endanger someone close to his mate. Adam told me that it will be like ripping your own heart apart.''- Christian swallowed and ran a hand through his hair.-'' Please, believe me, Lina, I haven't done anything to cause your loved ones harm.''- His hand reached for mine, but he quickly pulled it back. I let the fork go, because it was getting hard to breathe. The terrifying images of what might the vampire had done to my loved ones were repeating over and over in mind. All the blood, pain. Death. I bit my lips so I wouldn't scream.-'' Angelina?''- I heard my name, but I couldn't say something, the fear had paralyzed me. And guilt was starting to take over me. Like someone had taken the air off my lungs. The surroundings began to swam before my eyes, but I clenched my fists to try to stay focused. –'' Look at me.''- I felt a hand on my shoulder and and I looked at my right. Christian was next to me, and I didn't remember seeing him get up. I met his gaze.-'' Please''- He got down on his knees and took my hands into his. I haven't realized I was shaking so much. I should get a grip on myself and try to calm myself down. But it was so hard!

'' Are they well, Christian?''- Was he lying to me?! I felt so stupid for thinking that a man that has killed for centuries, had probably abducted so many, would have any problem with telling lies. And I so desperately wanted to believe him!

'' Yes, they are, Angelina.''- The voice was so broken, the eyes had tears in them, and he sounded absolutely sincere. –'' Please, believe me. Even for only this.''- The dark-haired vampire gently squeezed our laced hands.-'' Please.''- Christian lifted our hands to his lips, kissed them and placed them over his heart. I was taking very deep breaths to calm down. I didn't like the fact that Christian was touching me, but right now I needed a human contact, just a calming touch. Something to ground me and offer me a little bit of comfort and warmth.

'' I will believe you.''- Saying it was so hard. I lifted my eyes from our laced hands, which the dark-haired vampire still held close to his heart, and met the brown gaze of my stalker. He still looked very sad and scared from my little nervous breakdown. Like he was reliving my pain and fear and he really didn't want to hurt me. I would believe him. Not because Christian couldn't be an amazing actor, but it would help me remain my sanity if I believed my loved ones are all right. I had to have something to hold onto. If I began to think about death , I would lose my clear mind and most importantly, my hope. Hope that I will survive, hope that I will get out, hope that someone will look for me. Hope that after this , there will be still happiness for me.

'' Thank you.''- Christian smiled at me kindly and rose up. –'' You believing me even for only one thing, means so much to me.''- He hesitantly caressed my cheek and I winced from how warm and kind that touch was. –'' That gives me hope that maybe there is a chance for me and you.''- Anger boiled in my veins. What chance?! He abducted me and used his abilities to prevent me from going somewhere! From leaving! He was literally forcing me to endure his company!

'' You claim that you want me to love you.''- I should stop , but our conversation had left the safe zone for what felt like centuries. Ever since I thought of my loved ones. I should try to initiate a small talk again, but I was still under the influence of my emotions. –'' But do you know what love is?''- I regretted this , but I couldn't take it back. I got too far. Christian's eyes changed their hue to red for a second, but he didn't touch me.

'' I haven't felt like I do with you before in my life, Lina. All of this is so new to me and it terrifies me.''- Christian took some step back but I saw in his eyes the need to touch me again. But this time he was fighting it.-'' It terrifies me so much. I don't know if this is what a real love should feel like, or a real soul connection should make me like this. All I know is that you are meant for me.''- He smiled sadly.-'' Like I am meant for you. Have you ever wondered why your previous relationships never worked, darling? Why you have been left , why you felt like something was always missing?''- I stared at him with disbelief.

'' This is just how the life is, Christian. Sometimes relationships don't work. This is just life.''- But he was right about one thing, although I would never admit it. I have often felt like something was missing in my relationships. Or that some guy that I had gone with on a date won't be what I needed. Like I was searching for something, not knowing what that even was, and I couldn't find it.

'' Maybe. But like you are my mate, I am yours. No man you have dated could give you what you need because he wasn't me.''- I wanted to wipe that smile off his handsome face so badly. –'' I know you don't believe yet in the whole concept of mates. But I have lived long enough to know it's true. Adam had made everything in his powers to make me believe because it is a part of what I am now. He wanted me to be prepared for my mate when I meet her. The truest form of love ever. ''- I pushed the chair back and I rose up.

'' Can I go to the bathroom?''- I wanted to splash my face with water and use the bathroom . And I would be alone, at least for a while.

'' Of course.''- Christian nodded. –'' But don't take too long, angel.''- I winced as the familiar wave of compulsion invaded my mind. I turned around and hurried to reach the bathroom.