Beta and the Beasts

Vampire Realm

I stared ahead, my mind still clouded with confusion about everything that was happening. Fear lingered, but my desire for answers was stronger. We were now standing in a room that resembled a library, with tall shelves filled with books lining the walls.

"Hello, miss. I’m Cedric, the leader of the vampire ministry. I’m here to explain everything to you. The man you first met was one of our princes, Vladimir. I’m sure you’re wondering why you’re here, but you’ve been chosen to be Vladimir’s mate," Cedric said, his voice calm but authoritative. He was an older man, dressed impeccably in a black tuxedo, his glasses reflecting the dim light. There was something commanding about his presence, a quiet strength that made it clear he was someone important.

"You are now in the world of vampires. This realm is hidden from humans. In our society, it’s not only vampires who live here, but vampires hold the highest ranks. Within our world, everyone is equal by nature, but respect and status are based on rank. We have three main levels: royalty at the top, followed by ministers, and then the family rank. Each vampire is either an alpha or a beta. The alpha is the leader, and the beta supports them. Vladimir is your alpha, and you have been chosen as his beta. Every vampire alpha has a position of authority, but the royal family is the most powerful, with their bloodline tracing back to the original vampire rulers," Cedric explained, his tone slow and deliberate as though every word held great importance.

“What? How can you say I’m his mate and a beta? I’m not even a vampire!” I protested, struggling to wrap my head around the situation.

Cedric opened his mouth to respond, but Vladimir cut him off. "You are a vampire. You just haven’t awakened yet. It will be my responsibility to awaken you through a ritual, and it will take place before many witnesses."

I stared at Vladimir, my thoughts racing. Was he serious? How could I be a vampire without knowing it? The whole situation felt surreal, as if I had stepped into some twisted dream. I could barely keep up with everything they were saying. A part of me wanted to laugh at how absurd it all sounded, but the seriousness in their eyes told me this was all very real.

“So what exactly does a beta do? Am I just supposed to serve the alpha? And what if I don’t accept Vladimir?” I asked, my voice shaky, overwhelmed by all these new terms and expectations.

"The alpha will do whatever it takes to claim you. The bond between an alpha and a beta is unbreakable, marked from the start. Escaping from your mate or distancing yourself isn’t possible. It’s already sealed," Cedric said calmly, as though this was an unquestionable truth.

I glanced at Vladimir again. He was watching me, his dark eyes intense. Sure, he was incredibly handsome, but I wasn’t about to fall for that. I wasn’t someone who could be won over just because someone looked good. I had more self-respect than that.

"Vladimir has one week to convince you to accept the ritual. It will bind you together as mates. After the ritual, you will acknowledge and fully accept each other," Cedric added, breaking the tension with more information.

"And if I’m not convinced after the week is over? Can I leave and return to my old life?" I asked, clinging to the hope that maybe there was a way out.

Cedric hesitated, but before he could respond, Vladimir spoke up. "You can’t. There’s no going back. The bond between us is set. The only choice you have is to accept it, to accept me as your mate."

Frustration bubbled up inside me. I slapped my forehead, exasperated. What was the point of this conversation if I had no choice in the matter? Were they just toying with me?

Cedric, sensing my rising panic, added, "You don’t need to be afraid. Your alpha, Vladimir, will protect you. You only need to trust him, no matter what happens."

I didn’t respond. What could I say? Arguing seemed pointless when it felt like my fate had already been sealed. But deep down, I was torn. Was this my destiny, or just some cruel twist of fate? How could I be expected to accept all this so easily? Was I really supposed to start a new life here, in this hidden world of vampires? And did I truly have no other choice?

After our conversation, Vladimir led me absentmindedly back to the room where he first brought me. It turns out this would be my room here in the world of vampires.

"Rest now. You’ll need your strength for tomorrow," Vladimir said, but instead of heading to the bed, I walked straight to the balcony.

I stepped outside, feeling the cool breeze hit my face as I looked out over the terrace.

"Aren’t vampires supposed to sleep during the day and not at night? And do you really think I can rest after everything that’s happened to me? I was ready to end my life, but then I realized I don’t want to die. Now, instead of dying, I’ve ended up in a place I didn’t even know existed. I feel like I’m standing on a bridge again, stuck between life and death," I said, my voice drained of emotion.

I sensed Vladimir standing beside me.

"Our lives are sealed. No matter how many times we try to escape destiny, what is meant to happen will still happen," he said with deep meaning in his voice.

"You’re right, but what if there really is a way to do what you want with your life? Maybe there’s a way to control your own fate," I whispered, half to myself.

Vladimir didn’t respond. I didn’t know why, but it felt like we understood each other without words.

"I know I’m not someone easy to love, but I’ll do my best to make sure you never feel lonely or sad again," Vladimir said suddenly, making me turn to face him. We locked eyes for a few minutes.

In his dark eyes, I saw a swirl of emotions I couldn’t quite understand, but one thing was clear—he wasn’t happy. There was no trace of joy in his eyes, and I knew there was a deeper meaning behind it.

“Do you want anything to eat or something to do? Just tell me,” he asked, his voice unexpectedly gentle as it cut through the heavy silence between us. The intensity in his gaze was too much to hold, so I quickly looked away, pretending to be interested in anything but him.

“Ah, no,” I replied, forcing my voice to stay steady. “I think I’ll just rest now.”

The words had barely left my lips when everything shifted.

I gasped softly, completely caught off guard as I suddenly felt his hands settle firmly on my waist. His grip wasn’t rough, but it was certain—decisive. Before I could react or even question what he was doing, he turned me to face him. My breath hitched as our eyes met, his expression unreadable yet filled with something that made my heart pound louder than it ever had before.

“Vla—”

I didn’t get to finish.

His lips were on mine.

It was quick—so quick I almost thought I imagined it—but it was real. Warm, soft, and gone in an instant. My mind went blank, my body frozen as if time itself had stopped just to leave me suspended in that single moment.

Then he pulled away.

Just like that.

Leaving me standing there, completely stunned, my thoughts scattered and my heart racing uncontrollably.

“Rest well, my mate,” Vladimir whispered, his voice low and calm, as though nothing extraordinary had just happened. “I’ll see you later.”

And then… he was gone.

I blinked once.

Twice.

Three times.

Still, my body refused to move, as if trying to catch up with what had just taken place. Slowly, almost hesitantly, my hand lifted to my cheek, my fingers brushing against skin that felt impossibly warm.

No—burning.

My lips tingled, the sensation lingering as though he had never really left.

“Unbelievable…” I murmured under my breath, my voice barely audible in the quiet room.

My heart thudded wildly against my chest as realization finally sank in.

“That was… my first kiss.”

I let out a shaky breath, pressing my hand lightly against my lips this time, as if trying to confirm it was real.

And somehow, that only made my face grow even hotter.