The Second Star (Book Three of the Star Series)

She Found Her Mate

It has been alittle over six months and I have learned everything there is about being a vampire. Kayden and Kaley stayed for about a week and taught me to hunt and I got control of my speed and strength. After that mom took over on my training and she says that she believes I have mastered everything that she know about vampires. I even exceeded some of her expectations.

I am so excited for tomorrow. Johnny and the others are graduating tomorrow and being crowned King and getting mated to Ariel tomorrow. Which means that Kaley will be here. Her amd her parents never miss a chance to celebrate with us and to be honest I have missed her alot. Ever since she left she is all I can think about. And finally tomorrow I will be able to see her and show her everything I've learned. She wont be sneaking up on me anymore. I fall asleep thinking of her beautiful face.

The next day it takes all I have not to pace waiting for her arrival. I used to make fun of her when I found out that she had a crush on me. Now just the thought of her gives me butterflies. I am all ready for today's events. The graduation starts at two and it's already one thirty and I have yet to see her or her parents.

"Arc, we need to go. Mom will kill us if we arent in the front row and everybody has already arrived." Bella says as she pulls my arm towards the ball room that is set up for the ceremony. "Everybody hasnt arrived. The Steven's havent arrived yet." I say and she looks at me like I'm crazy. "What are you talking about. They have been here since early this morning. They are already seated." She says and I turn around.

"What? I havent seen them. I've been waiting all day for them." I say walking with Bella towards the ball room. "Oh? Is there a reason you were waiting for them?" Siri says walking up behind us nudging me. "No, I just havent seen thwm in awhile. I wanted to show them everything I learned." I say quickly trying to cover my feelings but my sisters know me too well. We are triplets after all.

"You know you dont have to hide it. We all love her." Bella says smiling. "Yeah and we know you love her too." Siri says smiling. "Oh my goddess. Please stop." I say embarrassed. "Arc and Kaley. Sitting in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G." Siri starts to sing.

I cover her mouth with my hand to shut her up as we walk into the ballroom. Alot of people glance our was so I quickly remove my hand and whisper to her. "I swear if you embarrass me I will make you pay." The girls laugh and run towards their seats as I slowly follow gazing through the crowd looking for Kaley.

I dont see her or her parents so I make my way to my spot next to my sisters. I turn into the front row and that's when I see her. Sitting next to her mom and dad on the other side of Bella. I stand there staring at her beauty when she looks over to me and smiles and waves. I wave awkwardly and take my seat. The graduation begins and I cant help but steal glances at the girl that stole my heart. I dont even knkw what is going on when everybody starts clapping. I glance at the stage and see that they are starting to hand out the diplomas so I clap along. I cant pay attention. I clap when everybody else does. Then when everybody stands and starts to move around I know it's over.

I stand up and make my way up to Kaley. "Hey. I missed you guys when you came. I was waiting for you." I say and I can see her shift her weight from one foot to the other. "Yeah. Sorry. I have alot going on right now. I had to help your sisters get ready." She says as she fidgets. She looks really nervous but I dont know why.

"I have been practicing. I wanted to show you guys how much I've come along." I say as Kayden and Cameron, her mom, walk up behind Kaley. "That would be great. Why dont we go outback and you can show me how your doing." Kayden says and I smile at the chance to show off for Kaley.

"Kaley honey, can you go help Siri and Bella get ready for the coronation. You know how they are with their looks. They need to be perfect when they are sitting up in front of everyone." Cameron says and Kaley all but runs out of the room. I watch her go in confusion. "So Arc, your mom tells me that you have mastered everything she knows." Cameron says bringing my attention back to her parents.

I clear my throat before I answer. "Yeah. I've gotten really good. I can run to the border in about twenty seconds and no wolf matches me in strength." I say but I'm distracted. "I'm sorry is Kaley alright. She doesnt seem herself." Cameron smiles and places a hand on my shoulder. "She is more than fine. She is just. How should I day this. She just has alot to process." she says and that confuses me more.

"Women issues. Dont worry about it. Let's go and see what you can do." Kayden says and places an arm around my shoulder leading me towards the backyard. Once we get out there I show Kayden everything that I've learned. We go for a quick hunt and he is amazed by how quick I took down the deer. The ceremony was about to begin so we head back to the house. "You have progressed wonderfully. Pretty soon you'll be ready to be fit to be King." He says.

I stop in my tracks. "I'm not gonna be King. Johnny is being coronated in a few minutes." I say confused. He knew that was what was happening today didnt he. "Of course. I just meant that you would make a good King. I did t mean anything by it. Hey you better go clean up you ha e to be on stage soon." He says and turns away from me.

"What and the heck is going on with them today?" I think to myself as I head to my room to clean up. When I walk past Siris room I can hear them talking to Kaley and I cant help but stop and ease drop.

"Are you sure?" Bella asks. "Yes. And I dont know what to do. I dont know if I should tell him or just keep avoiding him." Kaley says and I lean in closer. "That is so lovely. I cant wait to find my mate." Bella says sounding all sing songy. She is a bit of a romantic. "It is great. I have so many feelings and I want to be in his arms. I want us to connect. But I'm scared." Kaley says.

"What is there for you to be scared of. You found your mate. This should be the happiest time of your life." Siri says. "But what if I tell him that I found my mate and he isnt happy. He has been my best friend forever. I dont know what he will think." Kaley says and I cant listen anymore.

I storm off towards my room and slam my door. I punch the wall in anger. I was so stupid. So stupid. Of coarse she found her mate. She the same age as Johnny. I should have known that's why she avoided me. It must be awkward since the last time she was here we got closer than ever. I am such an i***t to think that she would want me like I want her.

I calm myself down and clean up and head down to the stage. I sit in my thrown on the stage and stare out into the crowd. I gaze over everybody my eyes land on Kaley who is doing everything she can to not look at me. "Well, two can play that game." I think to myself and glance through the crowd again.

My eyes fall on a group of girls that are over in the corner waving and blowing kisses. I smile at them and they all start to giggle. "Well, if I cant have the one I want at least I have plenty to choose from." I think as I watch the girls. The ceremony goes quickly.

As a turn in events Johnny and Ariel did the mating ceremony at the same time. Good. Now I'm not stuck up her again later. The music starts and I exit the stage. I head straight for the group of girls. I spend the next few hours dancing with the girls. At one point there was one grinding in front of me and another behind me and even with these girls throwing themselves at me my mind wouldnt leave Kaley.

I see her standing in the corner with Bella and Chet and she looks pissed. Good. That was my plan. She has no idea that I was falling for her and it my feeling mean nothing because she has found the one shes suppose to be with. She starts to walk towards me and I dont think I could handle myself talking to her so I do the only thing that pops in my head to stop the conversation.

I grab the girl grinding in front of me and spin her around and slam my lips into hers. And this girl is more than willing. Her tounge fights mine when I open my eyes and see Kaley turning around and heading toward the door. I push away from the girl I kissed and walk towards the exit by the stage.

Why do I feel so guilty? Why did watching Kaley walk away from me hurt so bad?