Dragan's keep

      Alysia dragged herself out of bed and headed downstairs.  Her father Darius handed her a cup of tea as she walked into the dining room.  Her parents always had breakfast with her every morning.  School started a week ago, and Alysia couldn't wait to get to school.  Today was the head cheerleader captain elections and she was one of the candidates.  She had worked hard for the last three years in high school to get to where she was now.  She had it all planned out.  Her best friend and boyfriend would be applying to the same college as she was.  Her best friend Amanda and her would be room mates and junior year, they would all rent an apartment together.       Amanda and Alysia have been friends since third grade when they bonded over Louisa Silverman’s sleep over.  The two were inseparable after that.  Jeremy Collins, the hottest guy in school and her were the it couple since freshman year.  Now that Jeremy was team captain, it was natural that she would be cheer leading captain.                 The sound of a horn outside woke Persephonie from her daydreams, Jeremy was outside waiting to take her to school.  With a quick kiss to her parents, she flew out the door to meet Jeremy.  As she walked out of the house, she spied a moving truck sitting outside in front of the house next door.  Alysia was curious because no one ever moved into her small town.  As she looked the half opened truck, she got a feeling of being watched.  The teenager turned her head towards the two story house, where a figure stood just in the shadows.  A quick blare of Jeremy's horn snapped her back to reality and with one last glance, got into the seat next to him.  She placed the tray of blue and gold cupcakes she was carrying on her lap after she got in the car.  She brought them for the cheerleading squad hoping to gain a few votes for cheer leading captain.  Jeremy snagged one of the treats as she leaned over to give him a quick peck on the cheek.                 They pulled up to St. Leo Academy fifteen minutes before the start of the school day.  Soon after her arrival, the intercom summoned her into the principles office.  She quickly handed the tray of cupcakes to Jeremy as she headed to the office.  "Those are for the cheerleaders not you and your buddies." she called back to him as she walked away.  Alysia wondered what the principle wanted.  She was a good student so she knew that she wasn't in trouble. She approached the secretaries desk but suddenly stopped in her tracks. A tall lanky boy was casually leaning on the wall next to the desk.  He looked up and suddenly she was starring into the greenest eyes she ever saw.  Suddenly all the air rushed out of her lungs and she felt dizzy.  Here legs suddenly turned to jelly and she could no longer keep her body upright.  Before she hit the ground, a pair of strong arms were holding her close to a muscular chest.  Alysia kept on looking into those eyes wondering why anyone could smell so good.  The irritated voice of the school secretary pulled her out of her trance.  She quickly pushed herself upright and mumbled a quick thanks before turning to the secretary.           "Miss Jackson, as you are now aware, we have a new student starting today  As class rep one of your duties is to show him around and make sure he knows where to go."  Alysia looked back at the guy and he gave her a sexy crooked smile.  Her heart rate spiked again and she wondered if she would be able to survive the morning.  She gave him a shy smile and introduced herself.  Those eyes once again held her in a trance for a minute before the secretary ordered them out of the office.  Alysia was glad for her dark caramel skin or her face would be bright red.       She took the class schedule from Connor and helped him find his locker and helped him to his first class.  Since They were in different classes, she hastily made her escape after walking him to the classroom door.  Alysia slept walked through her morning classes and soon it was time for lunch. She sat at her usual table with Amanda and tried not to think about the new student, Amanda noticed her best friend was unusually quiet  during lunch today. She looked closely at her and realized her friends eyes looked glazed and unfocused. "What's the matter? "asked Amanda in alarm. "are you ok,  sick?  What’s going on?”  Alysia put down the fork she was using to push her food around her plate.  She opened her mouth to speak but just then Jeremy came to the table.  “Sorry I was so late babe.  Got a new lab partner and figured i would take him under my wing. "Alysia stared at the person standing next to her boyfriend.  It was the guy that had been running through her mind all morning.                  Conner stood looking at her as if he wanted to devour her.  Alysia quickly looked back down on her plate feeling guilty about the thoughts running through her head.  "I already met your lovely girlfriend this morning." came his deep hypnotic voice.  "She was the class rep that showed me around.  Quite enjoyed my time meeting her."  Her heart skipped a bit when she heard those last words.  Did it mean he felt the same way she did?  Alysia looked up and saw those piercing green eyes still looking at her.  She hastily looked at Jeremy but he didn't seem to notice anything out of the ordinary.  Alysia quickly got up and left the cafeteria, she couldn't handle sitting at the same table with these two guys.   She hurriedly ran into the bathroom and splashed water on her face.  What was she doing?  She loved Jeremy.  They had a perfect plan.  Why did this guy had to come to her school and ruin everything.  And why did he have to be so dam sexy.  As Alysia stood in front of the mirror having a small melt down, Amanda walked into the bathroom and gave her a searching look.  "Alysia what is going on?  And before you think about lying to me remember that i can read you like a book."  Alysia stood staring at her friend not knowing what to say.  All she could think about were those eyes that seemed to pierce through her very core. Under Amanda's daunting gaze, Alysia came up with a quick excuse.  "I.. umm...  I am sick."  She then gave two coughs hoping to throw her friend off.  "Girl, that fake cough aint fooling nobody.  I saw you when you came in this morning nd you were just fine.  Either tell me what's going on or you can find yourself a new best friend."  Alysia sigh and decided to tell the truth.  Her friend knew her to well, plus they never kept secrets from each other.  She told Amanda about meeting Connor that morning and how it turned her world upside down. She looked down at her bracing for a lecture about being true to your man and not hurting him for a boy she just met.  Instead she felt arms wrapping around her and smelled Amanda's lavender body wash.  She looked up at her friend in surprise,   " You're not mad or disappointed with me?  I didn't want to tell you because i didn't want you think I was a flirt that ran after every cute boy I see."  Amanda squeezed her again and smiled.  " I've known you forever and I know you're not like that.  Plus have you looked around this school?  There are plenty of cute guys everywhere but you only have eyes for Jeremy.  Personally I think your boyfriend rates seven on the cuteness scale but that's just me."  Alysia gave a little smile at her friends joke and felt a little better.  " Come on and wash your face and lets go.  Remember we have to vote for the new captain today."       The girls left the bathroom and resumed the rest of their day.  Alysia tried to concentrate on her classwork but all she could think about was those green eyes and sexy smile.  As soon as school was over, she rushed home scared that she would run into Connor again.  If she limited her time with Connor then maybe this weird infatuation will wear off and she could go back to planning a very happy life with Jeremy.  Half an hour after she got home, her mom knocked on her door telling her to come downstairs and meet the knew neighbors.  Alysia was thankful for the distraction.  Maybe this would keep her mind off of Connor for a few hours.       She walked down the stairs and froze at the bottom.  Sitting in her living room with four other strangers was Connor.  Alysia felt hot all over and she began to feel dizzy again.  She quietly stepped back trying to sneak back up the stairs.  Just then Connor turned his head and their eyes met again.  Alysia legs buckled and he quickly ran to her before her legs gave out.  " I've got you."  he whispered in her ears.  The heat intensified and she felt an itching in her back.  "Is she the one?"  asked a female voice behind him.  He stood aside and a tall woman came forward.  She was wearing a loose floral dress and her eyes were as green as Connor's.  Alysia figured that must be Connor's mother, but what did she mean by the one.  "Yes mom, she's the one I told you about.  She showed me around school today."  His mother paused for a minute and looked at her son.  They seemed to be communicating before turning back to Alysia.  "Yes that's what I meant."  she said.  "The one you met today."  She stared at Alysia with tear filled eyes and gave her a  gave her a smile.  The rest of the family came over to introduce themselves.  They looked at her the same way their mother did and Alysia wondered what was wrong with these people.       Her mom came into the room carrying snacks and drinks.  Alysia excused herself claiming she had a headache and went back to her room.  She picked up her phone to call Amanda and realized that it was turned off.  She turned her phone and saw she missed six calls and fifteen text messages.  Confused, she checked her phone and realized that she skipped practice and missed the election results.  She buried her face in her pillow and screamed.  How can this day get any worse.  Her coach had a strict attendance policy.  That means she might lose her position in the varsity squad and be bumped to alternate or have to sit out the first official cheer competition.       The phone began to ring, and Amanda's anxious voice came over the line.  "Where have you been?   You skipped out on practice and coach was not happy.   I had to tell her that you were coming down with a fever so you had to go home.  I have good news and bad news about the election.  You won captain, but since you ditched practice without letting coach.  Congratulations meet your new co captain."  Alysia gave a sigh of relief and grinned at the phone.  Having Amanda as her co captain was a sign that she should forget about Connor and stick to her original plans.     Amanda then brought up the topic of Connor.  She wanted to know why her best friend was so attracted to the new guy and did it mean she would be breaking up with Jeremy.  Even though Connor made her heart race she told her friend she had no interest in Connor.  "Why should I give up everything for a stranger I just met.  Plus his family was really weird,  They kept on giving me these strange looks and looking at each other.  I think the only reason I like him was because of that accent."  Amanda didn't seem very convinced but she let it go.  "Listen, if you are weirded out by his family, then I completely understand you not wanting to start anything.  You need to get yourself under control especially around Jeremy.  No one wants their girl drooling over another man."  Alysia's face burned with guilt.  Her friend was right, she couldn't keep acting like a star struck i***t every time Connor walked into the room.  Even thinking about that man now had her knees feeling weak.  Senior year was going to be a nightmare.     The next morning, she headed to school determined to get Connor out of her head.  Much to her dismay, Jeremy spent the whole car ride talking about his new buddy Connor.  Alysia shifted uncomfortable in her seat, wishing her boyfriend would forget that Connor existed.  She tried to get his attention by talking about their Friday night date and he suggested setting up a double date for Connor.  At that very moment, Alysia wanted to strangle her boyfriend in frustration.  She had to figure away to break up this bromance.  There was no way she was going on a double date with those two.      At lunch, she tied to ignore Connor and put all her attention on Jeremy.  The girls in the cafeteria kept on looking over at their table and giggling.  She knew that the reason for all the attention was because of Connor, but that only made her feel aggravated.  A pretty blond senior made her way to them and began flirting with Connor.  Alysia glared at the intruder wanting to scratch her eyes out for looking at him.  A nudge from her friend made her come to her senses and she looked at the guys checking to see if they noticed.  Connor was looking at her in amusement, but Jeremy was to busy setting up Connor with the girl to notice her odd behavior.  Despite her best efforts, a double date was set up and Alysia sat there contemplating becoming a nun.      At practice that day, there were several guys watching them.  Alysia never saw them before and wondered if they were from a neighboring school.  Some of the girls were going a bit crazy over them, and one of the cheerleaders went over to them in the middle of practice.  The cheerleading coach, Mrs. Gillesber screamed for her to get back but was ignored.  The girl. who]s name was Cynthia ignored everyone and wrapped her arms around a handsome red haired boy.   He picked her up in his arms and left the field with her.  The other girls who were going crazy soon followed and went up to the remaining boys.  Alysia looked on in astonishment.  She didn't know what was going on.  One of the girls that left practice was Susan Kirpatrick.  She was one of thee shyest girls in school and doing something that bold was out of character for her.  Her coach was now on the phone calling the police reporting a k********g as she rushed after the leaving couples.  Alysia pinched herself to make sure she wasn't dreaming.  She knew it was strange for the girls to just abandon practice, but why is coach freaking out and calling it a k********g.       Amanda walked up to her and looked at her.  "What do we do now co captain?"  she asked.  Since everything was such a mess, she decided to end practice early.  The rest of the team chatted excitedly as they left the gym.  As she got to the front of the school, she saw Connor leaning against a black sports car.  She bent her head pretending not to see him.  She heard him calling her name and she froze in place.  Why did he have such a hold over her.  She was fighting to keep herself in control and just the sound of his voice undid everything.  "Listen, I need to talk to you." he said, walking towards her.  "I need you to do me a favor."  At that point, she would have done anything for him.  "Your parents are going to start giving you vitamins.  Please don't take it and meet me tonight at my place.  Don't let your parents know you didn't take it or that you're meeting me.  Tell Amanda not to take it either, and I'll explain everything when i see you tonight."  He touched her cheek before heading back to his care.  That simple touch sent shockwaves through her body and she was left feeling breathless.       As she watched him drive away, she wondered what he was talking about.  How could he know that her parents were going to give her vitamins and why all the secrecy all of a sudden.  Amanda soon pulled up and Alysia got into the car.  The two girls talked about the weird events at practice and Alysia told her friend about Connors cryptic comments.  Amanda volunteered to go with her to see Connor later that night.  All the weirdness started when he came into town, and they both wanted to get to the bottom of it.      Her parents were both waiting for her when she got home.  On seeing her walk through the door, they gave a sigh of relief.  "How was school today?" asked her mother anxiously.  "Did you meet any strange boys today?  Did Connor or anyone tell you anything strange?"  The worried looks on their faces confused Alysia.  Did they hear about the girls that went off with those guys, she wondered.  It seemed like an over reaction to such a simple matter.  Her parents seemed eased by her answers and let the matter drop.       Than night after dinner, her dad handed her a pill and told her that it was a vitamin.  "Darling senior year in high school is very stressful.  I think these vitamins will help keep you healthy and focused."  Alysia stared at the pill in her hand not sure what to do.  She stared at her parents anxious faces and smiled at them.  She held out her hand to get the glass of water he was holding and let it fall on the floor.  "I'm so sorry dad.  I don't know why I am so clumsy today."  she got up and went to get another glass of water.  While she was at the sink, she dropped the pill down the drain before filling the glass.  The brought her empty fist to her mouth and pretended to take the vitamin.  "How do you feel?"  asked her father while watching her intensely.  "I feel ok." she replied hoping her parents wouldn't figure out her deception.  "Hey mom, was planning on hanging out with Amanda tonight.  Can she sleep over?"  Her parents happily agreed and headed upstairs to their room.         A few minutes later, Amanda rang the doorbell.  The two girls hurried upstairs and Alysia turned up the tv in her room.  "Did you parents give you vitamins?" asked both of them in unison.  Amanda nodded her head and her friend answered yes.  They needed to find out how Connor found out, and what was in those vitamins.  Alysia suggested they sneak downstairs but Amanda had a better plan in mind.  Before ringing the doorbell, she had placed a ladder under Alysia's window.  That way they had less chance of being discovered.  Alysia locked her door, then followed her friend down the ladder.  They snuck around the back of the house and knocked on Connor's back door.       They didn't have long to wait before Connor's father opened the door and let them in.  Alysia felt nervous and her hands began to sweat.  She followed him into the living room where Connor and his family was waiting.  "Is she one to?" asked his brother looking at Amanda.  Connor nodded yes and his brothers looked at her with great interest.  They quickly got up and introduced themselves to the young woman.  A look of disappointment suddenly appeared on their faces and they sat back down.  "What's going on?" asked Alysia.  "How are you related to all these weird events in out town?"  Connor's mom,  mrs. Brady, asked the girls to sit so she could explain what was going on.     "Sixteen years ago, several of our newborn daughters were kidn*pped from our village and we could not find them or their kidnappers.  That was till a drunk was talking loudly about rescuing some babies from monsters in Ireland.  One of our investigators happened to over hear the story and questioned the man. That was six moths ago.  Our family was chosen to check out the town and see if the information we got was true."  Alysia looked at her in confusion.  "What does that have to do with us or what's been going on in the town." She asked.  "You girls are among the children that were kidnapped."  Alysia looked at her in disbelief.  She jumped up and stared at the people around her.  "There is no way my parents aren't my real parents.  Why would you say something like that.  Why would you say such a horrible lie."    Amanda stood up next to her friend, anger and disbelief showing on her face.       "Calm down." said Connor.  "Let them finish.  We will prove it to you soon."  His voice put Alysia at ease, but Amanda was still upset.  "Listen girls, I know this is hard to believe, but we are telling the truth.  In our village, all our children find their soul mates at sixteen.  That's why Alysia is so drawn to Connor and that's why his brothers were disappointed that there were no feelings for Amanda.  We can finish the bonding process with Alysia and my son tonight.  Then everything will be made clear." said Mr. Brady.      Alysia suddenly felt self conscious as everyone turned to look at her.  "What is the bonding process.  Is it like brain washing?  Will it hurt her?"  asked Amanda standing protectively in front of her friend.  "No, its nothing like that." assured Mrs. Brady.  "All they will do is face each other and let nature take it's course."  Alysia took a deep breath and agreed.  This attraction isn't going anywhere and this one way to see if she and Jeremy are truly meant to be together or if it was Connor.  Amanda asked her if she was sure and she nodded yes.     "Just one small thing, we won't be doing the bonding here.  We will be joining the other girls that found their mates today."  said Connor's mother.  "Just hold your questions till after the bonding ceremony.  I'm sure most of your questions will be answered then.  Everyone climbed into the family's van and drove to the forest at the edge of the town.  As soon as they arrived, Alysia was whisked away to a tent standing near the clearing.  The other girls were already there looking nervous and excited at the same time.  They all felt the same way about their partners as Alysia felt for Connor.  The first girl was escorted out and a few minutes later, a roar was heard.  Alysia tried to look out of the tent but was stopped by someone standing outside.       She began feeling uneasy.  She began pacing back and forth wondering if she had made a mistake.  As each girl left and didn't return, she got more ad more nervous.  More roars were heard and also applause.  Images of young girls being fed to hungry lions began to fill her head and she began to look for a way to escape.  She had to find Amanda and get out of there before whatever was doing the roaring had her for desert.  She looked around the tent for anything she could use to cut a whole in the back of the tent.  Before she could find anything, she was her turn to go out.       As soon as she walked out of the tent, she saw Amanda waiting for her.  She grabbed her friend in a bear hug and sobbed in relief.  Amanda looked at her in alarm and wiped her face.  " Why are you crying?"  she asked.  "Don't worry, i saw the other girls go already and everything went fine.  Once you are bonded to Connor you will finally understand what's been going on and realize they were telling the truth.  Amanda escorted her to the middle of the clearing where Connor was waiting for her.  All Alysia's fear and doubt disappeared as soon as she saw his handsome face.       The closer she got to him, the faster her heart raced.  As soon as his hand touched hers, a shock wave went through her body.  He bent his head and kissed her plump lips as she wrapped his arms around her waist.   She began feeling dizzy and had trouble breathing.  Her back began to itch and a skin began to change color.  Connor held on to her and kept her calm as a pair of wings sprouted from her back.  Her wings matched the green scales that sprouted all over her body and she felt a roar coming out of her throat.  The clearing erupted in applause and she finally felt whole.  Connor stood looking at her with pride and joy and she knew that he was her destined mate.