"Hope for love, pray for love, wish for love, dream for love...but don't put your life on hold waiting for love."
― Mandy Hale

 Vlad's P.O.V.

The sound of my foot tapping against the hardwood floor in my room echoed all around as my frustration began to build up. I kept up the tapping not knowing what to do. But be angry with me for just leaving my mate like that all alone. What is the matter with me!? Why!? Why after so long I finally meet my mate and it's during my patrol! The look he saw on her face when she noticed I was gone strike pain into my heart. That look could tell me she must think I had rejected her. Seeing her pale blue eyes tear up as she walked away crushed me more. I wanted to rush over to her right away and claim her as mine. My fangs wanted to sink deeply into her neck marking her so no other male would dare look or even try to hit on her.

"What am I going to do..."

Knowing that I can't stay in my room for long since I have to give in my report to the queen on my findings. Should I even tell her I found my mate? Knowing my queen, she would want to know about this. I know she looks forward to meeting my mate one day. It would be wrong of me to keep this secret from her. I just hope she takes it well. Sighing out a deep breath I marched my way to the throne room where my queen was just sitting reading what looked to be a romance novel. Just how many has she read over the past month?

Clarinda noticed my presence placing her book down to the side as she gave me a welcoming smile.

"Welcome back Vlad. How was your patrol? Any trouble?" Clarinda asked.

I bowed. "No, my queen. Nothing troubling to report so far."

"Is that so. Then that's good to know. But why do I feel you have something else to inform me on."

Damn. She's good at knowing how I am. I can't hide things from her no matter how hard I try to with my poker face. I can fool my friend David, but he's just an idiot.

"There is my queen."

"What is it then?" she asked.

I hesitated for a moment before coming clean to her.

"I found my mate while I was on patrol."

I looked at my queen to see her smiling brightly with her pale complexation and rosy cheeks.

"That's wonderful Vlad! Where is she!? What's her name? Is she human or not? When can I meet her?"

I can just tell she won't be happy with what I have done.

"I'm sorry my queen. I don't know her name or anything. I found her while I was on patrol and we locked eyes, but I left because I was still on duty..."

The look on her face turned from happy to anger fast as her eyes glowed crimson red with power making me take a step back.

'How could you just leave your mate alone like that after only just meeting her!? That poor girl must think you rejected her! How can you choose to work over your mate? Had I not taught you well Vlad?"

I flinched. "Yes, my queen. You taught me well but I was in the wrong to leave just like I did."

"Vlad, I understand that you take your work seriously considering what's been going on, so I can understand why you left, but for once be selfish and do something you want and not what I want at times. You're not the only one I sent out on patrol."

"I understand my queen," I said.

"I have new orders for you now."

I looked at my queen wondering what new orders I'll be given.

"Your new orders are to find where your mate is and apologize to her. After that I want you to get to know her before you bring her here with me to meet."

The written shock on my face as I looked at my queen was surprised by her new orders to me. I was happy to receive them, but what about the other works I need to get done?

"I will do as you say. Not because it was your order, but because she is my mate and I won't let her go."

Clarinda smiled pleased with my words.

"Very good. You may leave now. Be sure to make it up to your mate."

I gave one last bow before heading out to find my mate. I had to focus hard to locate her scent. Her lovely scent of apple and kiwi. Both of my favorite fruits. Finding was much harder than it seemed since it was now becoming so late and I fear she could already be asleep. I was about to give up when the smell of fresh apples and kiwi filled my nose as I got closer to the source I could hear my sweet mates voice. I could hear her beautiful laugh from the distance as I got closer the smile faded from my face as I could see she was laughing with some guy as he hugged her. Who the hell is that!? How dare this person touch my mate! I got closer to them when my mate looked up to see me as her whole body stiffened up. She pulled away from the guys' hug.

"Amelia?" The guy asked looking to where she was starring with his eyes on me. I played him no mind as my focus was on my mate Amelia.

"So, your name is Amelia? What a beautiful name you have." I smiled at her. I could see her shiver from the pleasure of me calling her name with a blush beginning to form. "I came to talk."