Essel Pov
Leaving a throbbing ache. It clattered to the ground between my feet and a stranger's. Wait, who was this guy?
"Uh... are you alright? I didn't mean to scare you." I turned, expecting to see Emily, but the deep voice shattered that expectation. Instead stood a youngish-looking man with blond hair and brown eyes. His youthful appearance was betrayed by monstrously broad shoulders and a thick, blond beard.
"S-so-sorry," I stammered, craning my neck to take in his towering height.
"No, it's no problem. I didn't mean to startle you." He smiled and stepped closer, positioning himself directly in front of me.
Uh oh. Too close. I'd had my fill of testosterone lately with Tristen, Akila, Jake, and the others. I didn't need any more.
"No, it's fine, you didn't startle me," I lied, c
