The Vampire Prince and I

Chapter 4

Sage was stood waiting for me near my locker. “Hey Sage,” I grinned, hugging her. I ignored Atlas’ presence a mere few metres away.
“Hi Alara! Um, why is he here?” She asked, pointing her thumb in his direction.
“Ugh my father has assigned him to me. He’s supposed to keep me safe whilst they learn more about the threat after last night.” I explained.
She looked concerned. “What threat? Are you okay?”
“I’m fine don’t worry. I don’t think I should talk about it here, I’ll tell you later.” I was worried some of my classmates would overhear.
The bell rang and so we headed over to class. Atlas waited till I had entered the classroom and then left. I felt my phone vibrate and quietly looked at the message. I’ll be waiting outside at half three. I placed my phone back into my pocket, not bothering to respond. How did he even get my number?
Most of my classes were exam preparation as our exams were just around the corner. Our territory consists of only vampires. No humans are allowed to cross the borders. In fact, most humans don’t even know we exist. Because of that, our curriculum was a little more...unique. Whilst we learnt the usual mathematics, science, English...etc. We were also taught about our history, about werewolves, witches and magic. Instead of standard physical education, we had training. Father insisted that everybody receives combat training. He says we must always be prepared.
At lunch time Sage and I joined our other friends; Sophie and Kiara. We’ve all been friends for years, but Sage and I have known each other the longest. “Are you guys excited for prom night?” Sophie asked, bringing up pictures of her navy blue dress to show us. Prom is only a month away, one month before my eighteenth birthday. We all nodded excitedly.
“Do you guys have a date yet?” Kiara questioned, smiling at her girlfriend Alice, who was sitting with her own friends. Alice and Kiara have been dating for a year, so Kiara already had a prom date lined up.
“I’m going with Alex,” Sophie told us. We squealed with excitement for her. She has had a crush on him for years. “Alara, I think Alex’s friend Jasper is going to ask you to go to prom with him.” I felt my cheeks blush. He’s never made it shy that he has a little thing for me.
“Oh my god, hottest guy in our school Jasper?” Sage exclaimed, hitting me on my shoulder.
Sophie nodded. “But you can’t say anything! Alex will kill me if he knew I told you guys. Are you going to say yes?” She asked me.
“Of course she will, it’s Jasper!” Sage swooned.
“Probably.” I agreed, laughing at their faces. Our friendship group isn’t the most popular, but we get along with most people. We tend to keep to ourselves. I think most of the school are cautious of me as I’m the king’s daughter.
“He’s on his way now!” Kiara squeaked as he appeared behind my shoulder.
“Hi Alara. Hi girls.” He nodded at my friends.
“Hey,” I smiled. He was very good looking; his blonde hair complemented his freckled cheeks and hazel eyes.
“Can I get your number?” He asked. If I wasn’t mistaken, he almost seemed shy.
“Sure.” I put my number in his phone and handed it back to him. His fingers brushed past mine and our eyes met. “Good luck for the game tonight by the way.” I smiled shyly.
“T..thank you. Did you want to come? You can bring your friends, half of the school will be there, but it’d be fun to see you.” He grinned.
I opened my mouth to say yes, and then realised I was probably not allowed to. “Of course she does, we’ll be there!” Sophie answered for me.
“Great! I’ll see you later Alara,” he beamed, he walked away back to his friends. I laughed to myself when I saw them cheer when he started talking.
“Can you believe that? Alara you need to wear something cute tonight!” Sage giggled.
“I might not even be allowed to go,” I sighed as we left to walk to class.
After finishing lessons for the day, I walked outside to meet Atlas. He was wearing a leather jacket and leaned casually on his black jeep. “Afternoon Princess,” he mock bowed.
“Alara is fine,” I said, but couldn’t help but giggle at his curtsy. I hopped in the passenger seat, and he drove us home. Atlas stared at me curiously as I giggled at the texts Sage was sending about Jasper. After we arrived, I went up to my bedroom and sat on my bed. I had a text message from Jasper with the time of the football game, seven o’clock tonight.
Thanks! I look forward to it.
I was wondering if you wanted to grab some food after the game? My treat.
I bit my lip nervously. I wanted to say yes. This would be my first ever date, but I needed to ask permission first. I knew my dad would be in meetings until late tonight, so I decided to try and work my oldest brother.
I found Rowan in the kitchen, he’s always in here. “Hi Alara,” he greeted me, before turning back to making his pizza. “I’ve heard about Atlas,” he mentioned cautiously.
“It’s so annoying, but I understand why,” I said, wanting to drop the subject. “I have a favour to ask...”
“And what might that be?” He smirked, looking over at me.
“Can I go to the football game at the school with Sage tonight?” I asked. I left out the detail about Jasper as I knew that would be a no. “It’s one of the biggest games of the school year and I think it would look bad if the pack’s princess didn’t show up to support.” I added, knowing that would likely sway him.
“Hmm have you asked father?”
“No, he’s too busy.”
“Okay, but you must bring Atlas with you.” Rowan agreed. Hah that would not be happening.
“Yay thank you!” I beamed, throwing my arms around him. Rowan was seven years older than me, so we weren’t as close as the others. When I was only six, father made him start training almost daily. It’s paid off though, as he is one of the strongest warriors at only twenty-four.
I walked towards the staircase and bumped into Atlas. “I was just on my way to find you. I wanted to check what your evenings plans were?” He asked.
“Sage is coming over and we’re going to hang out,” I smiled sweetly.
“Okay have fun, I shall visit a friend tonight then. I know your brother is at home tonight.”
“Okay see ya!” I called over my shoulder as I ran upstairs to call Sage and ask her to come over and get ready here, that way Rowan wouldn’t be suspicious. Sage arrived shortly after and went straight to my walk in wardrobe. “You need to wear something sexy,” she stated.
“Sage it’s a football match, how about these?” I asked, holding up a pair of high waisted blue jeans and a striped, cream jumper.
“Hmm, only if you wear these boots?” She offered, handing me some knee high boots. I had a quick shower before I changed into the outfit. Sage was also wearing jeans and a sweatshirt, but she hadn’t bothered much with her hair or make up. Instead she sat me down in front of my mirror and blow dried my hair for me. I put some make up on, opting to add some eyeliner and lip gloss.
After we had finished getting ready, we decided to sneak down the stairs. I convinced one of the guards to give us a lift to the school, promising my father was aware.
We sat in some of the seats at the front of the pitch and cheered our school’s team on. I must admit, I do not know much about football, but I did enjoy watching the boy’s play. Jasper ran over after he scored the winning goal and lifted me up by my waist. “Thank you for coming, you look amazing, you must be my lucky charm.” He gushed. I laughed at his excitement.
“Well done, you were incredible’!” I praised, he looked great.
“I’m going to grab a super quick shower to freshen up and get changed. Do you want to wait in the locker room? Or you can wait in my car?” He offered, handing me his car keys.
“I’ll wait in your car, thank you.”
As I walked over to his car I couldn’t help but shake the feeling I was being watched. I hurried over to his Audi and climbed in, locking the doors afterwards. His car was nice, probably as his father is the kings general and on a very healthy wage. I watched as everybody left to go home, waving at Sage who was leaving with Sophie and Alex.
A couple of minutes later I noticed Jasper running over, not wanting to make me wait any longer. I jumped as I noticed a tall man with red eyes staring at me from behind him. He vanished into thin air as Jasper reached the car. “Are you ready?” Jasper asked as he climbed in the car. I nodded quietly, trying not to think too much into the vampire who was watching me. “Great, buckle up.” He said, as he started the engine.