SOULMATES

It had been a week since Isabella arrived in a small town called Forks. It was a quiet place where everyone seemed to know each other. The closeness was unsettling for Isabella, who valued her privacy. Fortunately, her mother had purchased a house far from any neighbors, giving her the isolation she desired. She'd also been gifted a substantial sum of money—enough to last her a lifetime. Yet, the memory of her father trying to kill her over her compassion for humans still haunted her. Her siblings weren't much better, all siding with him, except for her sister Amelia, whom she hadn't seen in over a hundred years.

Now, Isabella lived in her secluded home with Nyxshade, her shadow cat, who was more of a companion than a pet. Nyx was a gift from her mother and had been with her since childhood. She was as large as a full-grown tiger, her fur black as midnight, and her bright green eyes capable of piercing the dark. Nyx could move through shadows and blend in with them, making herself invisible at will.

As it was time for Nyx to hunt, Isabella decided to join her, as hiking always brought her peace. While they wandered, she suddenly caught a scent that was as alluring as it was unique—vanilla mixed with fresh raindrops. Drawn to it, Isabella ran through the woods but stopped behind a tree, masking her scent. A few yards away, she saw a tall, beautiful blonde preparing to pounce on an unsuspecting deer. The woman was a vampire; Isabella could tell by the way she drank the deer's blood. It was strange, though. Vampires usually avoided animal blood since it lacked the nutrients they needed. Isabella recalled a coven she had encountered a thousand years ago who'd tried the same diet until she warned them it would lead to madness and eventual death.

As Nyxshade returned, finished with her hunt, she rubbed against Isabella's leg, purring contentedly. Isabella scratched her head and glanced back at the blonde, who was now standing and staring right at the tree where she hid. At that moment, Isabella realized the truth—this vampire was her mate.

"Hello? Is someone there?" the blonde called out.

Before Isabella could answer, Nyxshade ran over and leaped onto the woman, knocking her to the ground.

"What the hell?" the blonde shouted as Nyx began to purr. She froze, unsure what to do.

Isabella stepped out from behind the tree, a smile playing on her lips. "Scratch her head. She likes that."

The blonde hesitated but reached up and petted Nyx, who purred even louder. Isabella knelt beside them, observing the two of them with a smile. "What's your name?" she asked.

The blonde looked at her, surprised and fearful. "Rosalie Hale." Rosalie hesitated for the first time she had known herself.

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"Beautiful," Isabella murmured. She could tell Rosalie was stunned, likely never having encountered a demon before, especially not one in her true form, complete with horns. Isabella's wings were tucked away, but the rest of her demonic features were on display.

"It's okay; I won't hurt you," Isabella reassured her. "My name is Isabella, and that shadow cat on top of you is Nyxshade. Go ahead, pet her some more. This is my first time seeing her take to someone so quickly."

Rosalie softened, stroking Nyx's head. Isabella moved closer and kneeled beside them.

"Can I call you Rose?" Isabella asked gently.

"Yes," Rosalie replied, looking at her tenderly.

"I'm a demon," Isabella explained when she noticed the lingering confusion in Rosalie's eyes. To prove it, she unfurled her wings, allowing them to spread wide, and her tail swayed with its sharp end glinting in the sunlight.

Rosalie gasped, captivated by Isabella's beauty. For the first time, she felt an overwhelming rush of emotion and love, the kind that only a mate could feel. She had an urge to embrace Isabella but feared it might be unwelcome.

Sensing Rosalie's dilemma, Isabella took her hand, prompting her to stand. Nyxshade slid from Rosalie's lap and settled beside her. Drawing Rosalie close, Isabella wrapped her in her white wings. Rosalie leaned into Isabella's chest, her 6-foot frame fitting perfectly with Isabella's towering 7-foot height. She held onto Isabella tightly, as though afraid she might vanish.

"Is this a dream?" Rosalie whispered.

Isabella lifted Rosalie's chin and kissed her softly, pouring all her love into the gesture. Pulling back slightly, she rested her forehead against Rosalie's. "Does this still feel like a dream?"

Rosalie chuckled. "No, and I'm glad it isn't."

"Good," Isabella smirked, glancing at a nearby tree. "If that didn't convince you, I'd have to find other ways—like take you on that tree over there."

Rosalie playfully slapped Isabella's shoulder. "You're going to be a handful, aren't you?"

"Maybe," Isabella laughed. Rosalie took in her appearance, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

"What kind of demon are you?" Rosalie asked, still slightly in awe. "I thought demons had red skin and wings without feathers."

"Most demons do," Isabella admitted. "But I was born different. I'm a warrior demon. I used to be part of the demon army."

Rosalie squeezed Isabella's hand, sensing her sadness. "Was it difficult? Because you're different."

"Yes," Isabella replied softly. "But I'll tell you about it someday, I promise."

"Whenever you're ready," Rosalie said, kissing Isabella's hand tenderly.

"Now," Isabella said, lacing her fingers through Rosalie's as they began to walk, Nyxshade trotting behind them, "there are a few things you should know about our bond."

"Okay," Rosalie nodded, listening intently.

"First, your body and mind will be shielded from danger, constantly."

"Wow?"

"Really. And after we… consummate our bond, you'll receive a gift."

Rosalie stopped, looking at Isabella with intrigue. "What kind of gift?"

"Honestly, I don't know," Isabella said, smirking. "We'll find out after we make love." She waggled her eyebrows playfully.

Rosalie laughed, a lightness in her heart. "Oh great, I found another Emmett!"

"Who's Emmett?" Isabella's playful demeanor darkened slightly. "He's not your boyfriend, is he?"

"No, no!" Rosalie said quickly, hugging Isabella. "Emmett is my best friend. He always looks out for me."

Isabella relaxed, sighing in relief. "Good. And you must know something important, Rosalie—a demon's mate is everything to them. We would kill and torture to protect our mates. Do you understand?"

Rosalie pulled Isabella into a gentle kiss. "Yes, I understand."