Mate

Adrian's POV
"Mate." He growled even louder this time. I immediately let go of her as she fell into the water. I stared in horror, unable to believe what I just heard, my heart pounding so fast, many thoughts running through my mind, while still wondering what I had heard. No, it can't be true; there must be some mistake somewhere. I felt like something went wrong; maybe there must be a misunderstanding. Then I recalled the words of Aunt Yvonne. I shook my head, not believing it. It happened to my father; it can't happen to me.
I was still in a battle with myself as she walked to me and gently caressed my cheeks. Her eyes were intense as she stared at me with so many emotions in her eyes. I don't know how to explain the feeling, but it felt surreal as her slender fingers touched my bare skin. Then she sat beside me. I noticed that her skin was looking more appealing to the eyes, and her lips were red, juicy, and worth craving.
"My name is Ariana." She broke the silence. I was startled, bringing me out of my dazed situation.
"I... I am... uh... what am I even saying? My name is Adrian." I stuttered.
She paused for a moment, her eyes scanning. Intently, I noticed tears forming in her eyes. I can't help but wonder what I might have said wrong that resulted in the teeming tears in her eyes.
"My father's name is also Adrian."
I felt saddened, but I'm not good at comforting, "And what happened to him?"
She swallowed hard as she thought for a moment, "He was killed by the demons and..." She paused. "Please, I don't want to bore you with my life. I'm sorry for acting emotionally in the first place," she swiftly added, trying to avert the topic.
"No, you don't need to worry; I won't force you to share anything with me, but whenever you are ready to tell me, I'll always be here to listen to you."
"Thank you; even though I don't know you, I feel like I can trust you." Her words made me feel a whole new world of emotions, making me feel slightly more uncomfortable. I can't explain the feeling. I tried calming my nerves, my heart pounding so fast, when I found myself leaning close to her lips, desperately wanting to feel how soft they are. She immediately stood up. I felt embarrassed as I looked up at her; she slightly looked away while plastering an awkward smile on her face.
"I'm very sorry. I... I, I should have, uh..." She stuttered.
I shook my head, unable to bring myself to look her in the eyes. I also stood up from the ground as I went close to her. I wrapped my hands around hers as I appreciated her. "I want to say thank you very much for what you did today. You fought so hard and defended me, which is something I'll never forget. For that, please take this as a little token of my appreciation."
When I said that, I brought out three gold coins as I handed them to her. I could see the shock registered in her eyes. She collected them while looking seemingly happy. "Since I was born, I have never seen gold coins before. Gold coins are only meant for the elites."
I smiled. "Please use them wisely, and whenever you need help, you can always contact me."
"How would I contact you, my lord?"
I felt slight pain in my heart when she said my lord; she made it sound so official, which made things even more uncomfortable for me.
"I recalled telling you my name is Adrian, and here is a pendant necklace; just touch the ruby and call out my name, and then I'll be there," I said with a smile plastered on my face. She nodded her head as she took the necklace from me.
She looked so innocent, like she didn't have a problem in the world. I awkwardly smiled and turned to leave so as not to make the situation even more uncomfortable.
"Thank you very much as well." I stopped and smiled, but I didn't look back before I continued walking. I should have just flown away, but I continued walking, thinking she would adamantly continue following me like Garcia did, but I didn't hear her steps behind me, which made me slightly disappointed.
So I walked a little bit farther. I then transformed into my dragon self. I was about to take off only to see Ariana standing in front of me; she pouted her lips while looking down.
"Please, can I go with you?"
Something within me was thrilled; I wanted to scream a loud yes. But I calmly transform into my human self and ask her, "Why? I thought I had given you enough money to be able to take care of yourself."
She swallowed hard and surprised me by hugging me tightly as she answered, "I don't know why, but I can't help the feeling like you are the only person who can really protect me from this dangerous world."