The Vampire's Mate

Cassandra neatly folded her remaining clothes and put them on her luggage. She placed her hands around her waist and huffed. Cassandra glanced around and smiled. It's going to be the last time she will sleep in here.

"Are you sure about this, Cassy?" her twin brother asked. Cassandra grabbed a pillow on the bed and threw it at him. She wiped her sweat off her face and smirked.

"You've asked me that question a dozen times already. I'm sure of it, Blaze. My decision is final," she said. Blaze glare at him and picked the pillow up. Cassandra sticks her tongue out. She's a little childish, and she knows that.

"Mom will get sad. You know that she doesn't want you to leave," he said. Cassandra sat down on the swivel chair she had in her room and spun it around. She pouted her lips and heaved a sigh.

"I know, but I want to go to Academia, Blaze. It's been my dream school since we were young. I'm sure Mom will understand me," she said. Her twin brother sighed and grabbed the wooden chair near him. He sat beside her and patted her head. Cassandra's been preparing for all her life. And now that she has finally got an official admission to join the Academia, she will not miss the chance.

"I will miss you, ugly sister of mine," Blaze jokingly said with a smile. Cassandra mad face and leaned on his shoulder.

"I will miss you too, my annoying big brother," she said. Cassandra secretly wiped the tears falling from her eyes.

"Are you crying?" Blaze asked and cupped her face. Cassandra swatted away his hands and pinched him on his side.

"When you go there, make sure to stay away from any troubles. I know you, Cassandra; troubles are always going after you," he said. Blaze was with his sister all the time. He knew her through and through. "Don't make me go there and leave my Alpha position here," he added. Cassandra heartily laughed. Troubles love her as much as she loves it.

"Aye, aye, captain Blaze!" she said and saluted. Blaze glared at her and gently smacked her head.

"I'm serious, Cassy. Don't go making troubles in there," he said. Blaze wanted his sister to be safe. As much as he wanted to go and guard her, he couldn't. He is now the Alpha of the pack. It's his sworn duty and responsibility to protect his family and the pack.

"I will. Don't worry too much, okay? I swore on Caleb's pink underwear," Cassandra said and laughed. Blaze also laughed along with her. Caleb is the current beta. He is the son of the previous beta and Blaze's best bud.

"I will tell him that," Blaze said. Cassandra glared at him and punched him in the shoulder. Caleb will surely be piss if he knew.

"Blaze, let's go stargazing with Mom and Dad," she said. Blaze nodded his head and stood up. If Cassandra wants it badly, he will do it.

"Go get a thick blanket. I will call Mom and Dad," he said and left his sister's room. Cassandra went to get a blanket when she saw their family picture on the table. She couldn't believe she was going somewhere far away from them. Cassandra grabbed the picture frame and put it in her bag. The door to her room suddenly burst open, revealing his brother's head.

"Are you ready? Let's get going," he said. Cassandra nodded and put her jacket on as the cold winter night blew in the North. She quickly followed him and saw their parents waiting in the living room, hand in hand. They silently left the house and drove to the hill, where the view is marvelous.

Blaze parked the car after a ten-minute ride. Cassandra went out and dropped the thick blanket on the ground. The night is still young. The cold breeze brushed past her body with a soft swoosh. Cassandra shivered and rubbed her shoulders with the palms of her hands. Under the starry sky of perfect midnight velvet, the Reese's family sat on the blanket and gazed at the breathtaking sight above them.

"I remembered the last time we went here, Blaze left for two months to join the Council," her mother spoke while staring at the moon. "And now, we are here again because Cassandra is leaving," she added and sobbed. Cassandra's heart felt like it was being ripped to pieces, hearing her mother's soft cries. Her father instantly hugged her crying mother. Cassandra was too soft when it comes to her family. She wiped her tears away and forced down a gulp.

"Mommy, don't be like this, please. I love you guys, I do," she said and stared at them. "Besides, there's summer vacation. I won't be gone forever," she added. It's a great opportunity to go to the school founded by the Kings. Not only that, she will get a good education, but she will also be taught to be a skilled fighter.

"I know that, Cassy. It's just that I'm going to miss you badly, my child," her mother said. Candice hugged her daughter tightly. She knew her young would leave its nest once it grew her wings, but she did not expect to be this soon.

"Don't let boys go near you, understood?" Her father said.

"Dad!" she yelled. The hefty atmosphere began to disappear. Cassandra smiled at how protective her father when it comes to them. Her father would move mountains for them.

"That what I said to her, Dad," Blaze said. Cassandra rolled her eyes. As her twin, Blaze tends to be protective too. He's always there when Cassandra needed him. They spend the remaining hours talking, laughing, and watching the night sky before Cassandra goes to Academia.

"Won't you say goodbye to them?" Blaze asked as he caught Cassandra slowly walking away, bringing her luggage with her. They already went back from stargazing hours ago. Cassandra halted and sadly smiled at her twin brother.

"Send them my farewell, will you?" she said. "I might stay here if I told them personally," she added with a sigh.

"Goodbye, Blaze," Cassandra said, a tear fell from her eye. Blaze walked towards her and hugged her. He will surely miss annoying his little sister.

"Don't be sad and be brave. You are a Reese, remember that," Blaze said with a hint of seriousness on his voice. "I will see you on vacation, Cassandra brat. Good luck and keep safe," he added and pulled himself away. Cassandra blew a kiss to him and left the packhouse. She walked with her head, held up high, and breathed deeply.

"Wait for me, Academia."

For Cassandra, driving is really tiring her out. It's probably okay for her to run around all day long but she couldn't take driving for hours. Unfortunately, Cassandra couldn't transform into her wolf form because she brought her things with her.

Five long and exhausting hours. Cassandra needs to go to the port where the ship that exclusively caters to the Academia students is waiting. Cassandra was sweating bullets even though the car is fully air-conditioned. She was nervous as she was nearing the port of Ailes.

Cassandra managed to calm herself and parked the car on the vacant lot. She breathed deeply and went out, taking in the view of the vast crystal blue ocean in front of her. Selected students started to flood the port of Ailes.

"You can do this, Cassy! You can do this," she muttered under her breath while clenching both of her fists. Sir Logan McCane, one of the prominent senior professor of Academia and also the one who handed Cassandra the news, came into view. He was wearing a simple, sharp-looking, and well fitted black tuxedo with his glasses on.

"Good day, Cassandra," McCane greeted the young she-wolf in front of him. Cassandra smiled and slightly bowed her head.

"Good day, Sir McCane. It is an honor to finally meet you," Cassandra said and extended her hand for a shake. The professor chuckled and took it.

"Are you ready?" Sir McCane asked. Cassandra eyed the ship with the crest of the Academia elegantly engraved on it. She looked at professor McCane and nodded her head. She was more than ready. The lifelong dream she has was finally happening.

"Then, let's go inside," McCane mumbled.

"How about my things and car, Sir?" Cassandra politely asked.

"Ah! I forgot. There's someone who will get your things and your car. I will be needing your key," McCane said. Hesitantly, Cassandra put her car keys on the palm of his hand. Logan McCane smiled at her, seeing the wary look on her face.

"Don't worry. I will keep your things safe, so like you," he said. Cassandra quietly followed the professor and saw him handing the keys to a person. They went inside the ship and Cassandra couldn't help but be amazed at what's inside. The design was sophisticated and the wall was painted beautifully. Ian McCane suddenly halted and pulled something out of his pocket.

"Here's the key to your room. Your things will be delivered later," McCane said. "Also, take a rest and wait for the announcement later," he added with a smile. Cassandra smiled and proceeded to search for her cabin. She was grinning the whole time.

"R102," Cassandra keeps repeating to herself while looking at the cabins one by one. Her smile widened when she finally found her own cabin. She jiggled the keys and slowly opened the door. The room was comfy with its refreshing ambiance suited for traveling.

Cassandra sat on the bed and looked around once more. There's a small painting on the wall, a small cabinet, a table and chair, and a modern minimalist chandelier hanging above. Cassandra heaved a sighed and lay her head on the soft pillow.

"I missed them," she said waiting for her wolf's response.

"Me too," her wolf replied. Cassandra bestowed her wolf a name and that was Christa. She's been on Cassandra when she was born. They are one. Cassandra closed her eyes thinking of what's possible to happen to her on the Academia.

"NEWLY SELECTED STUDENTS OF ACADEMIA, PLEASE PROCEED TO THE DINING HALL. I REPEAT, ALL STUDENT MUST GO TO THE DINING HALL. THANK YOU AND HAVE A NICE DAY."

Cassandra rubbed her bleary eyes as the announcement ended. She stood up and stretched her arms and legs. She picked up her jacket that her twin brother gave her on their eighteenth birthday and left the room. Cassandra followed the swarm of students in the dining hall.

Cassandra walked with grace and with her head held up high. Different races looked at her way as she confidently trudged to her designated seat. She is the proud daughter of Blake Reese, the Alpha of the Blue Moon pack. She has the blood of and Alpha.

"Good day, everyone. I am senior professor, Logan McCane," McCane announced on the center stage. He was assigned to give a small speech and guide the newly selected students as per the heads' order. "I welcome you all to Academia. All of you will be brief about the school's rules and regulations once we arrive. I wish you good luck, students," McCane ended the speech raising a glass of red wine. The dining hall was filled with claps and cheers, and the banquet started.

"Hi," a girl beside Cassandra politely said.

"Hello," she greeted her back.

"I'm Kimberly Brown," she said with a smile.

"I'm Cassandra Louise Reese," Cassandra replied. As the banquet progressed, Cassandra already has known Kimberly. She is the daughter of Robert Brown, the Alpha of Silver Claws, residing in the East. She was the same age as Cassandra, being twenty years old. The two talked about a lot of things and instantly became friends. They harmoniously ate their dinner together.

After eating scrumptious food prepared for all of them, the two girls bid their goodbyes to each other. Cassandra went back to her cabin and anxiously wait. She did sort of things to ease her anxiety, but it is not sufficient.

"ALL STUDENTS PREPARE YOUR THINGS. WE WILL BE APPROACHING ACADEMIA IN 10 MINUTES. I REPEAT, ALL STUDENTS PREPARE YOUR THINGS. THANK YOU."

Casandra stood up, "Did you hear that?" she excitedly asked.

"Of course, you dimwit," Christa replied causing Cassandra to frown but it couldn't hide the fact the Christa was also excited. They've been waiting for this. Cassandra dragged her luggage and with a last glance, she left the cabin. One by one, the students descended to the ship. The cold breeze touched Cassandra's skin, and she shivered.

"WELCOME TO ACADEMIA," Logan McCane announced. Cassandra's heartbeat fastened. She glanced at the tall buildings around them, eyes brimming with tears. She smiled and clutched her chest. She finally arrived at the Academia.

After the warm welcome given to the new students, they were brought to the hall. Cassandra couldn't help but be amazed at the sight in front of her. Academia was a sight to behold. From its fully furnished rooms with various styles and designs down to its marvelous technology equipped with the Archmages' power. It is simply astounding. While walking, Cassandra saw different races trudging around. Faeries, dwarves, elves, witches and warlocks, and of course vampires.

"The paper that every one of you holds consists of your dorm room number, locker combination, schedule of your classes, and lastly a map of Academia," McCane announced. Cassandra and Kimberly whom she saw earlier, looked into each other eyes. They were confused because there was no said paper.

"Whoa!" Cassandra heard some of the students gasped.

"What is happ-oh, shit!" she suddenly cursed when a paper appeared on her hand. "Archmage," she whispered and smiled. Being in the pack most of her life, Casandra wasn't able to witness what was happening right now.

"Follow Meynard. He'll show all of you where the dormitory is located," McCane said after taking in the initial reaction of students about magic. The man named Meynard appeared beside Logan McCane. Meynard is a member of sentinels whose job is to keep watch the students' safety. Logan McCane nodded his head to Meynard.

"Come and follow me," Meynard said. Cassandra and the rest of the students followed Meynard. While they were walking to the dorm, Meynard explained the rules. The dorm room will be shared by three people of a different race.

After explaining, the students went to find a room of their own. Kimberly bid her goodbye to Cassandra and walked away. Cassandra waved her hands and heaved a sigh. She flips her card and saw her dorm number.

"110," she softly said. She began walking and inspecting the room one by one until she found what she was searching for. Cassandra breathed deeply before knocking in front of her dorm room. It was opened by a girl, shorter than her with wavy hair.

"You are the new student, right?" she asked. Cassandra nodded her head and was shocked when she was hugged by the girl.

"Oh my god! Abby, she's here!" she squealed and dragged Cassandra inside. Another girl was sitting on the bed, holding a book in her hand. She stood up and extended her hand for a handshake.

"I'm Abegail, and this crazy girl is Lisanna," she said, introducing herself and the girl who hugged Cassandra.

"I'm Cassandra, do you mind if I ask?" she said. Cassandra wanted to confirm something. After all, she will be with these three for four years.

"Are you perhaps...a vampire?" she blurted out. She wasn't prejudiced of her race, but werewolves and vampires had histories of countless wars and deaths. Soon after, the leaders came into agreement, but there are still some vampires and wolves that are hostile to each other. Abegail laughed and answered 'yes'.

"Lisanna is a witch and I'm a vampire, but don't worry, I won't bite you, wolf," Abegail said while showing her fangs. Cassandra playfully bared her teeth at her. It was what Meynard said about sharing a room with a different race.

"Damn, this year will be interesting," Cassandra muttered to herself.

"Abby! What the hell was that!?" Lisanna angrily said. "Don't be mean towards Cassy! Now, come and help her with her things," she added with her hands on her waist. Abegail rolled her eyes at her and the three started helping Cassandra.

"Damn, I'm hungry! Did you brought the whole house with you, Cassy?" Abegail asked. Lisanna sat on the chair, exhausted while Cassandra laughed and put the last remaining clothes on her cabinet.

"Let's go eat in the cafeteria," Lisanna suggested. "Treat us, Cassy, okay?" she added and giggled. Cassandra rolled her eyes at them. She picked her wallet up and followed the two that went ahead of her. Cassandra locked the door behind her and joined Lisanna and Abegail. The three went to the Academia's cafeteria.

It wasn't just a simple cafeteria. It was like a five-star restaurant. The meals include different delicacies cooked by famous chefs.

"Let's sit there," Lisanna said and pointed to a table in the corner of the room. Cassandra wondered why Lisanna chose the farthest table, but it was okay to her. She wasn't planning on gaining unwanted attention to herself.

Lisanna ordered her food, it was chicken tortilla soup and fried calamari same with Cassandra. While Abegail ordered roasted beef with mashed potato and a pack of O negative blood. The buzzing sound around the cafeteria stopped when a group of students entered.

They walked gracefully as if the cafeteria was a runway and they were the models. There were three girls walking in front and three boys following behind them. When they passed the tables, the students either bowed their heads or avoided the groups' gaze. Cassandra narrowed her eyes at them.

"Lower your gaze, Cassy," Lisanna whispered. Cassandra looked at her as if she had grown two heads. "Please," Lisanna begged and whimpered. Abegail clenched her hand into a fist.

"Tell me everything," Cassandra seriously said and lowered her gaze. The power swirling in the air around brought tension as the group continued to walk. They were dominating the students with their intense gazes. After ordering their food, the group left. Lisanna breathed a sigh of relief.

"Now, tell me who are they," Cassandra said and crossed her arms and legs. The cheerful vibe on the cafeteria earlier had returned to the way it was. Lisanna gulped and glanced at Abegail beside her.

"I'm out of here. You can tell her," Abegail said and stood up, bringing the pack of blood with her. Lisanna and Cassandra watched Abegail retreating.

"What happened to her? Her mood changed drastically when she saw them," Cassandra said. She picked her bottled water and drink.

"She had a past with one of the guys that belong to that group," Lisanna said. "Anyway, those six had the highest rank here in Academia," Lisanna started telling Cassandra everything she knew.

"Those boys following them are Jet Crane, he is a warlock, Liam Wright, a werewolf from the West, and Oliver Hunt, a vampire. Jet currently ranked number 4 while Liam was 5, and Oliver was the second," Lisanna said. Cassandra listened intently.

"And those mean girls are Judith Lockhart, a witch, Krystal Knight, a vampire, and Joana Redwood. Joana was also a vampire and she was obsessed with First," Lisanna mumbled. She ate the remaining piece for her food while looking fat Cassandra's reaction in front of her.

"That's it?" Cassandra curiously asked. She needs to know the people to avoid as she wanted to live in peace while studying in her dream school.

"No," Lisanna said. "There were twelve of them, but Agatha, Storm, Logan, Darius, and Jessa hates their group," she added.

"What about Abegail? And why do I have to lower my gaze when they're around?" Cassandra asked Lisanna once again. Lisanna fixed her clothes and clasped her hands together.

"Oliver used to be her boyfriend, but that piece of shit suddenly broke up with her and went with that bitch, Krystal," Lisanna angrily said, slamming her hands on the glass table. "And about your second question, we need to avoid them at all costs. Joana likes to give punishment if they're not going to follow her. That's how she plays," she added. Cassandra placed her hand on her jaw. She needs to be on the rank. Cassandra despises people that think they're that powerful to trample those who are inferior to them.

"How can I join the rankings?" Cassandra asked. Lisanna was taken aback. She didn't think that Cassandra was this brave to even dream of joining the ranks.

"Every month, Academia conducts a test. Students were given a week to train themselves," Lisanna said. Like Cassandra, she thought of joining the ranks too when she first entered this school. "All of the participants will enter the arena. The strongest that survived the fight shall be the winner," she added. She remembered how brutal it was and that was the sole reason why she withdrew from the fight.

"After the winner was declared, another two weeks was given to train and a chance to fight the rankers. The winner needs to defeat the ranked twelfth, and that was Jessa," Lisanna said. Cassandra smiled knowingly. Her wolf was jumping on joy after hearing Lisanna talked about the rankers. Cassandra grew up fighting her twin and other werewolves in their pack and now, she aims to fight the rankers.

"Tell me you're not joining!" Lisanna said and held her Cassandra's hand, but she just smiled at the poor witch.

"This is my last question. Who was First?" Cassandra muttered. Instantly, Lisanna paled.

"It was forbidden to mention his name," Lisanna said. Cassandra couldn't help but frown at her friend.

"Oh, come on! That's ridiculous. Tell me his name, already," Cassandra insisted. Lisanna nervously looked around her and leaned closer. She looked at Cassandra with her blue eyes and spoke.

"Sebastian Alistair Blood. He is the vampire prince, or simply known as First."