Chapter 8

I woke up suddenly, my head was pounding as if a million rocks had been pelted at it. Fuck. My sight was super blurry and I groaned. What happened to me? And what the hell did I just dream about?

More importantly, where am I? I laid down for a while till the pain in my head dissipated and my vision cleared. I sat up, gazing at my surroundings. I was in a forest and I must say, it was absolutely breathtaking. Sunlight streamed through the trees, making the entire place glow. Flowers of different types and colours were scattered about and I could hear the birds singing. I could hear the sound of running water nearby and the gentle breeze was warm. It felt... peaceful. How did I get here again?

Oh yeah. The portal. I then looked around and frowned when I couldn't find Orion. Shouldn't he be by my side, like last time?

I was still dressed in the same blood covered outfit. My skin was sticky and fuck, I stink. I badly needed a bath and this is the first time in my life that I miss that tiny place I call home. I sighed as I recalled the fact that mum is in danger. She's been the only stable thing in my life. My rock. The reason I get up each day and suffer a great deal of eye fucking from Mr. Pugsley because we needed the money and I wanted to make her happy. It hurts me to see her coming back home around 2 or 3 in the morning looking like shit. I wanted to be able to provide everything she needs. I just hope we find them soon. I wonder what she will say when I tell her everything that has happened to me. When I tell her about my sudden attraction to Orion.

I sighed again, standing up and dusting off my clothes. That's when I noticed a large cloak spread out on the floor. This brought a smile to my face. He must have done this for me. A sudden warmth enveloped my heart. God this guy... why does he have to go and make me feel things?

Where is he anyway? I noticed some large boot prints on the ground and decided to follow them. Everything on this guy is big. I snickered to myself. Maybe even down there too.

My, how fast my thinking has changed. Some days ago, if you told me I'd be super attracted to a guy and even have erotic dreams about him too, I'd have cussed the hell out of you because I never had time to even think about such things. My mind has always been set on making money and surviving. Now that I think of it, there has never been a particular guy on my mind. I've always been busy juggling school and work. Sure I've noticed some guys but that's it. My mum has always talked about me going to college, becoming successful and marrying the man of my dreams but the thing was, I've never thought of the kind of man I want to be with. In fact, I've never thought of what it would feel like to love someone other than my family. To form a relationship with someone and live with him for the rest of my life. To have kids and all that stuff.

I soon found myself in front of a small lake and the sight of Orion slowly dipping his head into and out of the water made me freeze in my tracks. He looked like a hot swimsuit supermodel. Just without the swimsuit. His dark hair was wet, sleek and went down to his shoulders and oh my, those broad shoulders and the way his biceps flexed when he poured water over his head had me breathless. Sunlight streamed through the trees surrounding the lake and poured on his body, making his smooth unblemished skin glisten like gold.

"Alexandra".

Hearing him call my name brought me out of my erotic thoughts. Shit. I must have been staring at him like a sex starved fool.

"Are you okay?"

I plastered a wide, and I'm sure weird looking smile on my face. "Of course Orion. I'm just fine" I said nervously.

"Join me?" he offered.

How can he be so sexy? He was now facing me, the droplets of water making his rock hard abs sparkle. I was really glad the water was a bit above his waist. If I could see anymore, I'd probably have a nosebleed. His eyes were trained on mine and there was a hint of amusement in them. I think he knew just how much he was affecting me.

"Uh... no thank you. I'll just wait for you to finish" I said, thankful that I wasn't stuttering. That would be so embarrassing.

"Join me" he ordered this time. "We'll save time this way and we still have to Maeve and the guys before those shape shifters get to us"

Oh.

Well since you put it like that. I frowned and folded my arms waiting for him to turn so I could strip.

He sighed, seeming to get the message then turned but not before smirking at me. I rolled my eyes and began to take of the yucky clothes. I wonder what I'll wear after. I really hope it's his shirt again.

The cool air hit my skin and it was a wonderful feeling. After all that running, blood and sweat, I really needed this. I put my foot in the water, testing the temperature. It was cool. Not the kind that gives goosebumps and make your teeth chatter cool but rather a comfortable one.

I went in and the further I walked, the deeper It was. By the time I was a nice distance away from Orion, who was in the middle, the water was already at my neck so I decided to stop there. I closed my eyes and relished the feeling of water on my skin after God knows how many days.

"Here. Use this" Orion pushed some kind of sponge towards my direction. It looked like it was made of tree bark and vines. Wouldn't it hurt?

I grabbed it and was shocked to find it surprisingly soft. Orion turned away and gave me the privacy I needed to wash myself. I've never felt so happy to bathe in my entire life. You know that saying, 'you only know the value of something when you lose it', I think it can also be applied in this situation. I never knew how important bathing was. I didn't know how but I could smell a faint whiff of lemon on every part I scrub. My favourite shampoo scent. It must be nice to know magic.

But is that what he is? A magician?

Nah. It's something bigger. Something more dangerous.

I dipped my head into the water, using my fingers to scrub my scalp. I was startled to see a broad naked chest in my line of view when I raised my head. I already knew who it was though. Slowly, my eyes skimmed up his body, to his neck, his Adam's apple, that sharp jawline, his thin smooth lips, the straight pointed nose then settled on his beautiful, radiant green eyes. Eyes that were already staring at me with desire. The intensity made me shiver and I quickly averted my gaze. Oh my god. Why's he looking at me like that?

Could he be feeling the same way I feel? Those dreams, could he be having them too?

He raised his hand to my face, rough fingers stroking my cheeks then gripping my chin, tilting my head upwards to look at him.

"What are you Alexandra?" he asked.

Huh? Aren't I supposed to be asking him that?

"You're in my head. Every fucking second of every fucking day and no matter how hard I try, I can't seem to get you out. Ever since we met in that damned train". His voice was soft, almost a whisper and his eyes never left mine.

My heart was pounding in my ribcage and the butterflies in my stomach were doing somersaults.

"I envision us doing things"

Oh God.

I licked my lips and his eyes immediately flew to them. "Like what?" I asked.

"Like this"

He moved closer now, snaking his other hand around my waist and pulling me to him till our bodies touched. My eyes widened at the sudden contact. I've never been this close to anyone in my life before but this hold, the situation, it felt familiar.

The hand which gripped my chin went to my hair, pushing my wet locks away from my face while tilting my head back a little. If he moved a bit lower, our lips would meet and honestly, there was nothing I wanted more.

"My my, what a wonderful show" a different voice said.

Shocked, I pulled away from Orion in an instant as I made eye contact with a woman standing just at the foot of the lake. Her dark eyes gleamed dangerously and a smirk was plastered on his face.

"We meet again Orion" she said, "And this time, I'm not alone".

One by one, people emerged from the trees and that's when I realized we were completely surrounded.

In a lake.

With no weapons.

Naked.