Draw Me In

HOLD YOUR ANGER

ZARA

All consuming anger

That’s what I felt the moment I could sense my surroundings. It was thick in the air. It hugged me like clothing that was too tight. I wasn’t in a hallway this time. The space was too big. It was opulent. Tall pillars spaced perfectly throughout the room. I stood directly in the center. The floor beneath my bare feet was marbled. Despite that fact, it was warm beneath me. I wasn’t sure if that was how it always was, or if it was due to the energy permeating the room. Grand windows stood to each side. I imagine a lot of natural light would fill this room during daylight hours. It was currently night from what I could tell. Though no stars were in sight. Red fabrics hung intermittently throughout from the ceiling. They dared not sway, as if they sensed the tension. In fact everything seemed stilled in here. Especially the being sitting in the high backed chair in front of me. It wasn’t just a chair though. It was a throne in all its glory. Made of metal and razor sharp edges.

The being was shrouded in darkness, save for the two green orbs that were shining too brightly. He rose and stalked toward me. Steps measured and menacing. Predator meeting prey. As he got closer, I could make out more features. He had a humanoid appearance, but I could tell he was anything but. His features seemed chiseled into place, yet smooth at the same time. He was magnificent. His caramel skin had no blemishes. Save for the scar that reached from his hairline and stopped at the base of his neck. It had long healed over. His nostrils were wide set, and seemed to be flaring in and out. Those bright green orbs sat in almond shaped sockets. They bore right into me. If there was thermo imaging, you would see heat coming straight for me.

He now stood mere inches from me. He kept his hands balled up tight against his sides as he inhaled.

“Someone has touched you!” He growled, barely controlling his composure.

I said nothing in response. Not sure if it was fear or shock that kept me quiet. I just stared back into his eyes. There was turmoil there. As if he wasn’t sure what to do.

“Tell me, who has touched you mate”

The fire was still there but it had lessened, not by much.

“I’m not your mate”

His jaw ticked at my response.

“You indeed are”

“I am no one’s mate!” I spat, my anger was sparking to life. How dare he try to lay claim to me. I choose who I am with, I will never be forced into it.

“I won’t argue with you, answer my question!”

“No one that I did not allow”

He visibly balked at my response. It was quickly replaced by rage.

“No one is to touch you! Not in this realm or any other!”

His words came out clipped. He wanted to yell them I could tell.

“And who are you to make that claim?” I challenged.

“Your king!” He roared.

Ok so admittedly this was not the proper response, but it was all I had. I laughed, I mean a full belly laugh. I’m not sure what world he thought we were in, but there were no kings here. Certainly not mine. I mean sure we used it to show affection to our partners, but it was not literal.

The laugh died in my throat as his fingers wrapped around it. It wasn’t painful, but there was pressure behind it. My anger kicked up ten notches. Using my right arm, I quickly swung up and out breaking his hold. He was clearly not expecting that if his face was any indication. But I did not take the time to contemplate it.

“You will never do that again!” I yelled. Positioning myself in a defensive stance.

I was seething now. I would never allow a man to handle me that way. Or anyone for that matter. I did not care what world we were in. He took a step back, placing his hands behind him.

“I apologize, I lost control” he was still angry, but he was composed again. “It has been a long time since I have been made that angry”

I couldn’t care less, I was still fired up and ready for battle. A notion he must have sensed. Because he tentatively took a step towards me. He did not enter my bubble completely, but he was close enough. I watched him with sharp eyes. My guard was completely up.

“I don’t suggest you come any closer to me”

“I will not harm you”

“Yeah couldn’t tell” I scoffed.

“Again, I apologize”

He had his hands raised in a surrendering stance. And he had a smirk on his face. A charming smirk, but still a smirk. It did something to my insides. I had to keep my wits about me though.

“Yeah, abusive men say that a lot, right before they abuse you again” I quipped.

The smirk fell from his face. He was not amused. Dare I say he seemed hurt by the accusation.

“I am not abusive” he said slowly while stepping towards me again. “Nor am I man”

He was behind me now. I wasn’t sure how or when he got there. It was instant. I was caught a bit off guard. Both by the movement and the words.

“You seem like a man to me”

“We went over this already” he said moving to my side and standing to face me.

“Oh that’s right, you’re a giant dog”

His expression didn’t even change this time. Not a hint of emotion showed.

“I believe we got off to a bad start”

“Oh you think?” I questioned sarcastically.

He smiled. It was a full smile that reached his eyes. Two rows of beautiful white teeth shown on full display. Ugh, did he have to do that? I needed to keep my guard up, not melt over a smile.

“I think I like you” he stated, still smiling.

“I would hope so if I’m your mate” I quirked an eyebrow at him.

“So you accept that you’re my mate then?”

“Absolutely not!” I stammered.

He just shook his head and chuckled.

“My name is Lazarus” he held out his hand.

I eyed it wearily. Not sure I wanted to accept it. He just held it there waiting. Reluctantly, I placed my hand in his.

“Zara, but I get the feeling you already knew that”

There was heat the moment we clasped hands. It didn’t burn, but it made its presence known. What was it with these new found sensations when I touched a man? Is this going to keep happening?

“What sensations? Who else have you touched?”

Whatever semblance of calmness we had, had faded again. He was now in questioning mode again. And I was now irritated by it.

“Worry about your realm” I responded. “I’m only here for a little while”

The response seemed to annoy him. But he thought better of pushing the issue any further.

“For now” he huffed. “Welcome to my home”

He turned and faced his throne, motioning one hand out to encompass the space.

“Well I guess I should say our home” he smiled.