Chapter Two

Enjoy the added chapter. This story will be up fully soon. The King's Mate is nearly finished and this is up via a request from:

beyond_my_reflection

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I'm a survivor,

I'm not gon' give up

I'm not gon' stop, I'm gon' work harder

I'm a survivor,

I'm gonna make it

I will survivin',

keep on survivin'

Chapter Two-

Nephele's POV

I wake up to the slamming of a door, my ears ringing form the noise. I groan lightly, my body protesting from getting barley any sleep. Memories of last night and the strange man flash through my mind. Stupid man had me up all night, he was everywhere. Whenever I closed my eyes all I could see was him smirking. Whenever I let my mind wonder, my thoughts were on him. I groan again. Stupid strange man.

Stupid strange-devilishly-handsome man.

I shake my head lightly trying to vanish any thoughts of the man who is running through my mind.

You don't even know his name, cut it out.

My eyes snap open and I sit up analysing the room, finding my door closed with a racoon eyed looking Angelina. Oh no, not again. She comes rushing over and throws herself onto me, her arms around my neck and her head in my shoulder. She was balling her eyes out. I take a deep breathe mentally preparing myself for this.

"What's wrong Ange?" I ask gently hoping I wont provoke her

"He broke up with me! Over text!" She wails into my ear making me cringe. Sobs rack her body. I rub soothing circles on her back hoping this episode of 'Heartbreak with Ange' won't last long.

"Oh Ange. He was just a fling living in California remember. You did say no strings attached" I reply. Say begins to sob even more.

"But I liked him and... and he said he liked me too but I wasn't enough for him. He did the -" She pauses mid sob before continuing; "It isn't you its m-me an-" She wails again, my shirt becomes visibly soaked from her tears. He couldn't be civil about the break up could he? Fucker's these days am I right?

Oh my god. I roll my eyes.

"Ange, how about we get you some ice-cream, mint choc chip,  and we can watch some TV shows. Nick is coming over soon anyway so we can go to Brent's party later okay?" I ask quietly in a soft tone hoping she'll calm down. She pulls away from me, her sobs turning into sniffles as she drag the white lining of her hoodie under her eyes. I cringe when the hoodie now has black remnants of mascara lined on it. Guess who is washing that?

"Me" I grumble the answer to my mental question under my breathe and stand up, walking out of my dark room and into the kitchen where I prepare some scrambled eggs on toast. It is not like I didn't care about the break-up, I was just sick of doing everything, as anyone would be. I love her, I really do, but doing the washing, cleaning, finances to only name a few, is getting tiring. I sometimes wish Angelina would grow up, a maybe put a little bit of effort in, just a little. I sound like a brat but I couldn't help it. I would never say it to her face of course, it was just a silly thought in my head after all.

"Please, someone send me a miracle." I mumble under my breath, praying to some god out there that Life will turn itself around and send me some bonus cookies or something.

I pull the fry pan out , placing it on the stove and turning up the heat. I grab the eggs out of the fridge and crack them in a cup before placing that near the stove ready to go.

"Want anything else with it?" I ask referring to the scrambled eggs. Ange places herself on a bar stool over the other side of the island bench and places her head in her hands looking sad. This one she must have really liked. Poor girl.

This is why I don't get involved with guys. It just leads to more heartbreak which leads to more pain. She looks up, shaking her head lightly before dropping it back in her hands. I sigh.

Poor Ange.

I pour the whisked eggs into the pan before they start frying. A few minutes later and we have two plates of scrambled eggs on toast. I slide the plate over to her and I walk around with my plate and glass of lime soda water before taking a seat next to her. I watch her as she picks up her fork and stabs some egg with it before raising it to her mouth and chewing. Phew, atleast she is eating this time.

Last time this had happened it had been over a popular football with a fully paid scholarship going to our university. He had sex with her, with her expecting it to last a little longer than two nights, before he ghosted her and was seen making out with his long-term girlfriend, who I may add had know clue he was cheating on her every Friday and Saturday. Also another reason I don't do men. Yeah, yeah, some would say that not all men cheat and are untrustworthy, and I know women are too. Women can be just as bad as the notorious 'cheaters' and 'un-loyal' people when in reality it is both genders. I just don't do men because I don't want to be hurt, and falling for someone is most likely going to do that to you.

I take a bite of my toast, finishing it rather quickly before placing it in the sink, sculling the Soda Water before turning to the couch by the TV. I make a mental note to wash the dishes when Angelina is watching her desired TV show or Movies. Who knows what it'll be today.

Stop being so negative.

I scold myself mentally. I promised her I'd be her for her when she needed it. Now go get the couch ready. I shake my head, pursing my lips before lifting up the cushion of the couch, revealing a sofa-bed. I fold out the soft bed, pulling it to its full length before grabbing the blankets and pillows required for the 'fort' as Ange calls it, to be ready. I finish it in record time, myself becoming faster at doing it because I have done it at least 6 times by now. I smile at all the memories we have made on this couch. No, get your head out of the gutter.

Ange comes and plops herself down in the right corner of the Sofa, a blanket tightly wrapped around her like a cocoon. I smile at the sight, at least she always finds comfort in bedding and food. Shaking my head with an held-in chuckle I turn on the TV, preparing Game of Thrones for Ange before I lay back in the left corner of the couch, my phone laying on the flat arm. My eyes focus on the screen, partially interested in this TV show although I have watched it before.

My phone vibrates, it being on silent, half way through the freshly started episode. My eyebrows creases in wonder. Who will be texting me now? Nick isn't coming over till a bit later and is probably working because he has a shift this morning. I pick up my phone, looking over at Ange only to see her munching away with a large spoon of choc-chip ice-cream. Personally my favourite was either Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough or Chocolate, oh or maybe Chocolate Fudge. Shaking my head escaping the strange thoughts I pick up my phone.

Good Morning mea nympha. Hope you didn't dream to hard about me.

10.37 am

Why does he call me 'my nymph'. More importantly I don't even know the person, they left no name. Creepy. I reply instantly, scared if anything to know how someone got my number.

Who is this?

10.37 am

Your worst nightmare or your greatest pleasure. You shall chose, but little cloud you should eat more, scrambled eggs on toast isn't enough for you to keep up your health.

10.38 am

I instantly freeze. How is that possible? Our curtains aren't drawn apart form one I was sitting adjacent to. The doors was triple locked, with four inch nails holding the door in place to prevent burglars getting in, or making it harder for them to get in. There hasn't been anyone in our apartment in the past twenty-four hours apart from Angelina and I. We are also situated on the fifth floor of a seven story apartment complex. It was impossible. I don't answer, slamming my phone down on the arm chair harshly.

"Ange, I am going to go have a shower. Will you be okay?" I ask gently wanting to get away from this room right now. The urge to tell her about our stalker is at the tip of my tongue but I don't. She has enough to worry about, is that being a bad best friend?

(A/N Mikayla please tell me if this ever happens. I think it would be beneficial to our friendship if you did. Plus I have no time for dominant or perverted men. sry)

I sigh when she gives me a grunt and holds up her ice cream tub, dangling it in the air symbolising she will be fine. I laugh a little, it being a fake laugh because I am feeling not in the laughing mood. My phone buzzes again. I pick it up hesitantly, walking to my bedroom.

Don't ignore me, animus meus.

10.41

My heart. I blow out a large breath at his choice of words for me. I do not bother trying to figure out why I am able to understand and translate the strange words. There was no point, it will just lead to more unanswered answers.

I place down my phone. Why did this- this stalker intend on calling me things which I can randomly translate yet without ever taken a language class. Realisation dawns on me.

Just like the guy last night.

No I cant be. It's probably just like those documentary cases you see on TV where they wake up and can suddenly speak in perfect French or perfect Italian. Yeah, it had to be. That was the only explanation for something like this. The guy yesterday, even though saying I was his 'love' or something, couldn't get my number. He didn't know my name nor did he have my fingerprint. It wasn't possible. It couldn't be possible.

I shake my head clearing my thoughts, blocking the number before turning my phone off and throwing it on the bed. I shut my door, looking around making sure all my curtains are drawn closed and strip my closed in the partially dark room, light coming from the illuminated fairy lights. I walk into the bathroom opposite my bedroom and strip of my bra and panties, grabbing the dry fluffy towel and placing it on the sink bench. I sigh looking in the mirror.

Looking back at me is a girl with a large cut lacing from under my breast to my belly-button. Another one ranging from the far side o my rib to the other. I sigh as these scars bring back a horrific memory. I squeeze my eyes shut forcefully, swallowing my nightmares and saving them for another time. I step in the shower and let the warm, burning hot, water run down my back burning me in the process. Although I don't feel the pain.

My mind is to preoccupied with him.

"Are you sure I don't look to slutty?" I ask for the thousandth time, Nick standing in behind me in front of the floor mirror I was currently staring into. I run my hand done the slick grey dress and breathe in deeply.

"You  look breathtaking El. Hopefully creep isn't there though, he would freak." He mutters more to himself than me. Last time the teacher, who gets too close for comfort, saw me in this he ended up beating up a student who was 'admiring' me from afar. I push the thoughts away before it can go to far.

The dress was firm fitting, it hugging me like a second skin. It was a low cut on my breasts with two shoe string straps. It was also very short and I didn't really like it. Although I did at the same time. It looked good on me, apart from the fact that I'll have to suck in the whole night. Didn't want my little muffin top showing now would I? I snort as the thought comes to mind. Who cares anyway, only I have to impress me, not anyone else. I slip on a pair of rose gold heels before sitting patiently on my bed awaiting Angelina who insisted on getting drunk and getting laid to solve her problems. I cringed at the idea but whatever made her happy. Plus some Vodka and Bourbon n' Coke couldn't hurt.

Angelina barges into the room with just  bra and panties on and I hold my hands to cover my eyes. She puffs out some air.

"Nothing you haven't seen before El. You to Smith." She mentions Nick, using his last name and I giggle lowly. She was right. We have had the pleasantries of seeing her naked. It's a long story and it wasn't sexual either. Plus we have known each other for years. I purse my lips and nod, not looking at her to save her some privacy.

After a few minutes she hums, I look up to find herself twirling around in the mirror like a princess. Her cocktail dress was completed with beaded frills all of different colours. It was the typical party dress I imagined when thinking of the term. She turns to me with a raised brow and I nod. The dress did suit her, perfectly to be exact. The dress screamed 'fuck me', just like she wanted. Not that I minded. We both had a different point of view referring to sex and love, with her not caring and me wanting to wait. I loved her nonetheless. She turned back around picked up her dangling bag from the top of my mirror.

"Okay. Lets go party!" She screams at the top of her lungs making me cringe. I look towards Nick as he gives me the same look.

This was going to be a long night.

Two Hours Later

The abandoned house, or barn should I say, is filled with loud music and blinding florescent lights. The music so loud at times that it blocked out the sounds of couples moaning and groaning whilst they kissed and committed to other things I wish I had no apart in seeing. It didn't stop the smell of sweat, lust and alcohol though. I had downed a Bourbon and Coke but nothing else, only some water that I watched the bartender somebody hired pour it to make sure it was not drugged.

This typically wasn't my scene. It was Angelina's. She was the party goer and popular one, always has been, always will. I was her shadow and I couldn't care less. I didn't want to be seen. I preferred it that way, being invisible I mean. I was the cliché type.

I sigh and turn around looking for Ange from where I am sitting on a bar stool. My eyes scan the crowd, my heartbeat peaking when I meet the black eyes of Mr Vaughan. I squeeze my eyes shut and reopen them quickly, finding no one standing where I thought he was looking at me from. A shiver runs through my spine. I am just imagining things.

I find Nick dancing, third wheeling more like it, Ange and some cute looking guy who goes to another college nearby. I smile, shaking off what just happened or it thought happened. It never actually happened.

I smile approaching Nick because Ange is to caught up in grinding on the lust crazed male behind her. I shift to look at what she is doing as I walk over to a secluded conrer with Nick following me. She was now whispering no doubt seductive lies to the poor bloke. I laugh. Poor guy, he is going to be left broken hearted tomorrow morning. You could already see the lust and passion for her in his eyes. I look back towards Nick, with him smiling at me.

"Are you ready to go.?" I ask him, practically screaming over the loud music. He shakes his head and smirks.

"Yeah, I just need to go to the toilet. Meet here in five?" He screams back. I nod my head and head back over to my bar stool which is still left vacant.

This whole place is more of a club than a college party. There was a bar and benches, along with tables. I was surprised at this because most parties were just bare, no bar or anything. Only the music and the people, along with some brought in beer.

My thoughts were pulled away when I saw the black, cold eyes of my teacher standing in the crowd approaching me. I instantly stand up, putting myself on guard. So he was here.

Why would a teacher be at a students party? Strange man, he was at my brothers party. This was getting stalkerish. That was not normal.

He smiles coming to a stop in front of me, a little too close for comfort but I don't dare step back. If I do I may run the risk that he can corner me into the curve of the room. If I stay where I am I can run to the side.

"Good Evening Nephele." He says to me strangely, the way he says my name causing a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach.

"Hello Mr Vaughan." I say back really not wanting to be here. My eyes flicker around the room for anybody I know. I see Ange disappear into one of the lofts on the side of the bar her new boy toy following closely behind her. Nick is nowhere in site and I panic a little.

"Call me Derrick." He smiles sinisterly. A mile that had chills running down my spin.

"I do not think that is very professional Mr Vaughan. You are my teacher and I, your student." I keep all efforts to remain professional.

His hand raises slowly, reaching out to my shoulder and slowly dragging his hand featherily down to my waist. The look in his eyes was scary, he looked like he wanted to hurt me. To torture me and I was most likely right.

"When I tell you to call me by my name, you call me by my name." His voice was deadly, threats and hidden messages.

As he says this his hand reaches my hip and gives it a dominating squeeze. I shrink back slightly, a plan set in my head. I don't reply, instead I shrink my elbow back, curling my fists as I was taught by my father and slam it into Derrick's nose. Hearing a sickening crack and a deadly groan from him I run past his flailing arm and out of the barn. I rush through the crowd of people pushing my way through trying to escape the crazed man.

I made it to the dispersing crowd and rushed out of the large painted red wooden doors, scrambling to my feet as I nearly trip on some lose rocks.  I gain my speed back and sprint to the ever darkening woods, probably not the best idea I must admit, but I knew these woods. I used to jog in them all the time. That was before however.

A shiver runs through me as I hear an animalistic roar behind me. I run faster, pressing my limits as I dodge trees whilst flying over boulders and logs. My heart was pumping insanely fast, not from running but out of fear.

I am tackled from the side, my body acting as a sack, the force drivsing me into a tree. I scream as pain consumes left side of my body. I am flipped around to face my attacker.

My attacker, Derrick, holds me up against a tree by my throat. I grasp for air, my feet flailing through the air as I am lifted, dragged against the tree bark roughly. I feel the wood lodge itself into the skin between my shoulder blades and down through my back. Another scream tears itself through my enclosed windpipe.

I go limp as I was taught to, effectively loosening his hold on my neck enough for me to breathe. And enough time for me to bring my knee up between his loosely parted legs, kicking him where the sun will never shine. Hard. He gasps in pain, doubling over and clutching his manhood.

More like womanhood. That thing was tiny.

I did not need the inappropriate thoughts right now.

Within milliseconds I bring down my heel on the side of his ankle, damaging some tissue helping me get away. I take the few moments of his vulnerability to run knowing he will catch up to me eventually. I go back to running, sprinting through the forest away from my nightmare behind me. My back burns with pain, me being able to feel the large pieces of invasive bark moving in within my skin whilst I sprint.

I sprint even faster hearing footsteps behind me, them growing closer with every heavy footfall.

Someone please help me

I scream into my mind, thinking it of silly. No one will answer me. It was stupid. I scream as I see his shadow behind me, the moonlight reflecting his face paced movements. I turn back to look him in the eyes. It was a mistake and I knew that but if I was going to be potentially assaulted if not worse. I knew there was no way out. He had caught me once, he was about to catch me twice. My feet fumbled on a small rock sticking out of the ground, my toes crashing into it and sending me flying.

I fly through the air in a cry, my toes burning from where I just hit them. I closed my eyes and wait for a harsh impact, expecting the impact to hurt.

I am meet with the force of a solid but yet soft object, myself still standing straight and not crumpled on the ground. I open my eyes to reveal the soft fabric of cotton stretched across a large muscular chest in the form of a business shirt. The business shirt had white buttons, buttons that I followed up to meet the face of the strange man.

Stupid strange-devilishly-handsome man.

I gasp as my eyes lock onto his, his being the same blue-grey shade they were yesterday expect now they were changing. Changing from the blue-grey storm and into a dark maroon red. My mouth agape, his eyes lock down onto mine before softening and changing back to their blue-grey colour.

It was the man from yesterday. The guy that I couldn't get out of my mind.

HIs eyes held many emotions, one being worry, followed by anguish and stress. Another one was unread as it travelled to fast for me to see. He eyes travel all the way down my body, especially focusing on my back where I can already feel the blood oozing gently down my marred back.

The man growls, pulling me closer to him, his arms wrapping around the small of my back. I start to pull away but I am placed behind him within milliseconds and being held back by another man which I have not fully seen. I scream as I watch the man get closer the Derick, Derick now cowering in fear as the man approaches him. Moving like lightning, I watch the man puncture through the Derick's chest, ripping through the bone and tissue of where his heart should lay. I am speechless. Cold air escapes my mouth where my scream should sound, but no sound escapes. I am frozen in place, pulling against the mans arms. I slip forward, my knees cracking against the stone under me. The force was not enough to break it, just enough to bruise.

"Tangere enim non est meum docebunt." The man's voice is roughly heard, so low I am even surprised I could hear it.

That will teach out not to touch what is mine.

The words translated instantly. Was he referring to me? I couldn't process anything, my thoughts all jumbled and ripped apart.

I watch as the man fully rips Derick's heart from his body, it still beating in his hand and it took everything in my body not to vomit. I cringe, trying to shuffle back onto my hands. I get onto the backs of my hands, the smooth rock under men changing into pine needles and dirt as I use my legs to kick back. Without even realising it my back comes in contact with a tree and I scream as the pain flares to an eleven. Sobs rack my body as I slump on the ground move into a fetal position.

My adrenaline is starting to die down and I can feel the toll it is taking on my body. My body sags, pain flaring around my back. Tears leak out of my eyes as the man approaches, his eyes on mine as he softly extends his arm out to place it on my cheek. He swipes a fallen piece of hair out of my eyes caringly. I lean into his touch lightly, graciously enjoying the warmth and sparks that come along with the touch.

No. I can't fall asleep, I need to defend myself.

"Sleep now nubes meum" He whispers gently in my ear as my eyes flutter shut with his command. I feel myself being lifted lightly but my mind is too hazy to care. The only thing on my mind when I feel into the depths of the darkness people call sleep was his words.

My cloud.

QOTC:

What is your favourite Ice-cream flavour?

ATOQ:

Chocolate-chip Cookie Dough!

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If your waiting for the read, go check out my other book > The King's mate  < Whilst you wait! The first ten chapters are pretty foul but after you get past that phase I do recommend.

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https://www.wattpad.com/542661966-the-king%27s-mate-prologue

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