It was as if a bucket of ice-cold water had been poured over all her fantasies of being with him, extinguishing them in an instant. The dreams she had secretly nurtured in her heart shattered like fragile glass, leaving behind nothing but disappointment.
She vividly remembered all the werewolf and vampire novels she had read over the years. In every story, whenever a vampire or werewolf found their mate, they became completely devoted to that person. They remained loyal for life and could never truly love anyone else.
If Felix had a mate somewhere out there, then what chance did she have?
Lost in her thoughts, Alice failed to notice the troubled expression on Felix's face. He, too, was deep in thought, trying to make sense of everything that had happened.
Why hadn't she turned into a dried-up corpse on Halloween night?
According to the curse, he was supposed to lose control of himself, transform into a ferocious beast, and kill her on the spot. That was how it had always been foretold.
Yet none of that had happened.
Instead, she had survived.
The more he thought about it, the less sense it made.
Then, suddenly, something clicked in his mind.
The prophecy.
The words spoken years ago by the seer of his kingdom resurfaced in his memory as clearly as if they had been spoken yesterday.
When you find her, she will be able to tame your beast.
When you feed from her, you will not lose your mind.
His eyes widened slightly.
Could those words explain what had happened that night?
Slowly, he began connecting the pieces together. The prophecy. The curse. Halloween night. Alice.
A strange curiosity stirred within him.
Could she really be the one?
Could she truly be his mate?
"Um..." Alice began hesitantly, twisting her fingers together. "When you find your mate, our friendship will still be intact, right?"
There was a hint of nervousness in her voice that she couldn't quite hide.
Felix looked at her for a moment before answering.
"Of course, it will—"
Before he could finish, the shrill sound of a ringing phone interrupted him.
Alice glanced at the screen and immediately picked up the call, shooting Felix an apologetic look.
"Mom?"
"Oh my God, Alice, baby! What happened?" her mother's worried voice echoed through the phone. "I've called several times, and no one answered!"
Guilt instantly washed over her.
"I'm sorry, Mom," she replied. "I've been pretty occupied."
Her mother's tone immediately changed from concern to playful suspicion.
"Oh? Did I interrupt you and Felix again?"
"Mom!" Alice exclaimed in embarrassment.
Almost immediately, her father's voice sounded from somewhere in the background.
"Young lady, your mother and I know you like him."
"That's right," her mother chimed in.
"Mom! Dad!"
Heat rushed to Alice's face.
Jeez.
Her cheeks felt like they were on fire. She was certain her face had turned as red as a cooked shrimp by now.
Then she heard a low chuckle.
Looking up, she found Felix trying—and completely failing—not to laugh.
Oh my God.
Could this day get any more embarrassing?
Still smiling, Felix met her gaze.
"Well," he said softly, amusement dancing in his eyes, "your parents aren't wrong."
For a moment, Alice forgot how to breathe.
Her heart nearly stopped.
"What?"