CHAPTER ONE

EMILIO'S POV

I stared at my phone, the screen glowing in the dim light of my room. A text from Alex and Jake popped up .

"Hey, Emilio. Follow us to Eternal tonight. Trust us, you won't regret it."

My curiosity piqued, I hesitated for a moment. Eternal was the new club downtown, rumored to be exclusive and secretive. What were my friends getting themselves into?

"It's not about regretting it. I have some projects to work on and—" I was trying to come up with an excuse but they were quick to notice it as another text came in while I was typing.

"No excuse would be accepted anyways."

Alex and Jake were my closest friends. We'd been through thick and thin together. If they wanted me to follow them, I wouldn't question it.

'Alright, guys. I'm in. Lead the way,' I typed back.

Within minutes, they responded with the address.

"Come alone. There are a lot of girls and in your case, a lot of charming dudes." A shiver ran down my spine.

A smile lingered on my face for a bit as I chuckled to that.

"I'm in."

I grabbed my jacket, slipped my phone into my pocket, and headed out the door. The night air was crisp, and the city lights beckoned. I followed the GPS to Eternal, my heart racing with anticipation.

As I arrived, I spotted Alex's car parked outside a nondescript building. The sign above the door read 'Eternal' in elegant script. I took a deep breath and stepped inside, leaving my doubts behind.

I wasn't really a social person nor was I an antisocial person but tonight, I had to step out of my comfort zone and party for a bit.

Hopefully I will loosen up a bit once I start mingling.

Soon, I lost myself in the pulsating lights and rhythms of Eternal, the city's most exclusive yet hidden club. Alex and Jake had dragged me here, promising an unforgettable night. But I hadn't expected to catch someone's eye.

Across the crowded room, a guy with piercing blue eyes locked onto mine. His chiseled features and strong jawline made my heart skip a beat. I felt exposed, yet intrigued.

I tried brushing off the sensation, rejoining my friends and laughing at their jokes. But my gaze kept drifting back to the mysterious stranger.

Suddenly, he materialized beside me, his smile radiant. "Hey, I'm Lucas," he said, and I immediately became impressed by how confident he sounded.

"Emilio," I replied, taking his offered hand.

Lucas gestured to the bar. "Can I get you a drink?"

Before I could respond, he'd already ordered and paid for a craft beer. "On the house," he winked.

I raised an eyebrow, charmed. "Thanks, Lucas. You didn't have to do that."

Lucas leaned in, his voice taking on a flirtatious tone. "I wanted to. Now, dance with me?"

Not too long, the music shifted to a sultry beat, and Lucas's eyes gleamed with invitation. I nodded, letting him lead me onto the dance floor.

Our bodies moved in sync, tension building between us. Lucas's hands rested on my hips, sending electric sparks through me.

As the song faded, Lucas's gaze locked onto mine. "Want to grab some fresh air?" he asked, his voice husky.

I nodded, as my pulse raced.

Outside, Lucas leaned against the railing, eyes never leaving mine. "Tell me, Emilio, what brings you to Eternal tonight?"

I smiled, feeling a connection spark. "Just following my friends. But I think I found something better."

Lucas's smile mirrored mine. "I think you did too."

As we stood outside, the city lights twinkling below, Lucas's gaze held mine. The air was charged with an electric connection, and I felt my heart beating in sync with his.

"Emilio," Lucas whispered, his voice barely audible over the distant music. "I feel like I've known you forever."

I smiled, my soul resonating with his words. "I know exactly what you mean."

Our eyes locked, and the world around us melted away. It was as if time stood still, leaving only the two of us, suspended in this moment.

Lucas took a step closer, his face inches from mine. "I think I might be falling for you," he confessed.

My heart skipped a beat. "I'm already there," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

Our lips met in a gentle, exploratory kiss. The world exploded in a riot of colors and emotions, our connection igniting like a wildfire.

We broke apart, gasping for air, our eyes shining with wonder.

"Love at first sight?" Lucas asked, his smile radiant.

I nodded, my heart soaring. "Absolutely."

In that instant, we both knew that our lives would never be the same. We'd found our missing piece, our soulmate, in each other.

As we gazed into each other's eyes, the night air seemed to vibrate with possibility. Our love story was just beginning, and we were eager to write every chapter together.

I looked behind Lucas and caught Jake dancing with a lady who was half naked. Alex was drinking and betting at the same time.

Am I wrong?

I didn't want any negative thoughts to spoil my night, I just wanted to relish the moment.

Abruptly, the music stopped, and the club manager's panicked voice echoed through the speakers. "Ladies and gentlemen, please exit the premises immediately! We have a situation."

Confused murmurs spread through the crowd.

"What's going on?" I asked Alex and Jake.

Before they could respond, the manager's voice grew more urgent. "There's a...a vampire in the club. Please, for your safety, leave now!"

Gasps and screams erupted as people rushed toward the exits. I frantically scanned the chaos for Lucas.

"Lucas!" I shouted, pushing through the crowd.

But he was nowhere to be found. Panic set in as I searched desperately.

"Lucas!"

Alex grabbed my arm. "Emilio, we need to get out of here!"

"But Lucas—"

"We'll find him outside!" Jake yelled.

I reluctantly followed my friends, my heart racing.

As we burst through the exit, I spun around, scanning the fleeing crowd.

No Lucas.

"Where is he?" I demanded, grabbing Alex and Jake.