Chapter 39

Whatever the source of the sound, it was right behind her. It's presence could be felt. And the low inward growling grew more intense. It was the same sound one would expect a satisfied cat to make. Only more frightening and fierce. She slowly turned on the spot. Wondering when that house would stop throwing new things at her each time she wandered off alone. And when she was face to face with the creature in front of her she gave out a high pitched shriek. 

It was glaring at her. Standing on its four paws with a threatening look. It growled and Flame covered her mouth. Her chest rising and falling rapidly. She had never seen a creature quite like it. Actually, she doubted that it ought to exist. Or perhaps it was one of those indigenous and endangered species that were rare to come by. Either way, it scared her to death. Then it began pacing back and forth, circling the spot as if trying to intimidate her while figuring out the best ways to hurt her. 

And intimidated she was. 

It looked like a tiger. Or any of the other large cats. But it had black and white stripes identical to a zebras. And it's eyes were a clear blue and Flame was sure that had this been another situation. Had it been in a cage with her staring from the other side, she would have actually admired it's feral beauty. But at the moment all she could think about was how to escape. 

It stopped and turned to her. Then it began approaching. 

" Whoa whoa... okay, stay back! " she took a cautious step back. Turning around to calculate her chance of outrunning it. Then it growled at her and she used her hands to shield her face. Expecting it to strike and bite her foot off like it clearly wanted to. She was sure she was mumbling to herself, though she had no idea of what exactly she was saying. Probably pleading with the creature to let her be. With her eyes closed she waited to feel some sort of pain. But it never came. 

Instead all she felt was something against her feet. With a frown on her face she opened her eyes and slowly looked down. Only to find the large monstrous cat rubbing itself against her feet the same way a cat would. And the once defeaning growl was lower, and more approving. 

Chuckling, Flame went down on her knees. 

" Hey, you're not gonna hurt me huh? " she used her hand to pet it's fur. And it leaned into her, clearly asking her not to stop. 

" There, good boy. You know you're actually kinda cute."

Laughing at herself for her earlier reaction she continued with her petting. And the laughing only intensified when it playfully pounced on her and she fell to the floor on her back before it began licking her like a dog would. 

" Hey! Stop that!.... you really like me, don't you? " she asked while laughing hysterically, unable to stop as she tried to sit up and escape the creature's assault. 

Then she heard fast footsteps approaching and stopping once they neared where she was. 

" Cursed gods! "

A new voice said. 

" Ziek! Cut it out! "

Immediately the creature stepped away from her and Flame, who was still trying to stifle her laughter, slowly sat up. 

" Here, let me help you. " 

She looked at her helper, and the first thing she saw were a pair of turquoise eyes so pure she felt as if she were standing by a seashore gazing at the lovely scenery ahead . They were heavenly deep. Intriguing and calm as they stared back at her. 

" Oh, thanks, " she said once she was back on her feet. 

" Well, this is definitely not how I planned on meeting you, " he said. Flame's attention finally managed to skip from the male's eyes and she began inspecting the rest of him. It was gradually becoming known to her that all angels were required to be physically appealing. He smiled at her and she smiled back. Noticing how much his wings reminded her of the creature that she had just met. They were an alternating black and white. Folded back neatly. And his hair, which was mostly dark had a single white lock that fell to the side. 

" I apologize for Ziek. He lacks in the discipline department, " he said while looking back at the creature. It growled softly at him as if it understood what had been said. Then it went to his boot clad legs and began rubbing itself. 

" That's okay. I kinda like the big guy. "

" Did you hear that Ziek? Your charm has won over the queen. "

Flame smiled. 

" Anyway, I am Zarek. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. "

" You too Zarek. I'm Flame, but I assume you already know that. "

He gave her a curt nod, his charming smile still intact. Flame then returned her focus to the animal at his feet. All while becoming conscious of the new scent now layering her surrounding. Swirls of forest lillies tinged with a hint of rigid oak. It was somehow supple in its concentration and alluring in its measured intensity. 

" What exactly is he? " she asked. Certain that such an animal could not be found back on earth. It looked up at her with its blue eyes. And somehow she could tell that it was comfortable to be next to Zarek. 

" He's a Zentok. The very last of his kind actually. "

And he was also the angels best company and friend. Had been so for the past three centuries. And Zarek cared for the creature the same way he cared for his council brothers. And he was certain that Ziek felt the same. He might not be able to talk and assure him but Zarek knew that he was loyal and would be till the end. 

" For a while there I almost thought he was gonna eat me. "

Going down on her haunches she gently patted the animal. 

" There's no need to fear. Ziek is a fully pledged herbivore. A fairies flesh isn't exactly on his menu list. "

" Really? "

" Really. "

She stood and found herself naturally holding a conversation with Zarek. He was not as preserved as Drexel or Phelan were when it came to talking. And to her, the more talkative the angel, the more amusing they were. It meant they didn't constantly worry about insulting her or crossing a line in terms of asking questions. He actually asked a lot of questions. Mostly about earth. And he also wanted to know whether she liked it there so far. 

But then a few minutes into their conversation a new angry sound was heard. 

" Zarek! " 

Flame looked around for the source but she couldn't see anyone. Zarek didn't bother. All he did was exhale deeply and shake his head. 

" Where the bloody dungeons are you, you winged oaf! "

Flame now recognized the voice. Turning to Zarek with a curious look she raised her brows. Then Kael emerged from the corner, looking furious and enraged. He angrily strode over to where they were. 

" What is it this time Kael? Are you here to accuse me of using your special handmade hair oil again? " Zarek asked with a bored look. Crossing his arms as he scrutinized Kael. All council members were used to the young angel's frequent tantrums. They had learnt to just bear with them because of the many times they occurred. He was three hundred and twenty five years old. Which meant that during the war, he was a mere twenty five years. 

So it was only natural that the others felt more protective when it came to him. But that did not mean he was easy to deal with. 

Kael took a second to acknowledge Flame's presence. Smiling at her shortly, then he turned back to Zarek with the angry look back on his beautiful face. 

" Your monster of a Zentok went into my chambers and ate my moon berries!" he announced. 

Sighing, Zarek ran a hand over his face. 

" Are you certain? "

" Of course I am! And it made a mess. I found its bloody paw prints everywhere! "

Zarek was certain that he was exaggerating but such was the way with Kael. The solution was to just give him time to calm down, then he would naturally find something else to complain about. 

" Okay, then I apologize. "

" You apologize? " Kael repeated loudly. 

" Well, your apology won't bring my berries back now will it? "

" I'm sure you'll go and find more. "

He did have an unhealthy obsession with those things. Actually, Zarek was certain that he had a secret stock of them hidden somewhere in the Triecan. Looking agitated and annoyed, Kael grunted at Zarek. Then he began pacing the little space. Zarek knew that it was not because he was thinking, but because he had never been able to stay still or rooted to one spot. 

" You scoundrel...You fool... you... you worse than senseless being! " he snapped before he strode away. 

Flame watched in fascination as he left, then she turned to Zarek all while trying to hide her smile. 

" So... Is he always that dramatic? " she asked and Zarek huffed out a breath. Not looking at all affected by what had just occurred. Then he turned to the direction in which Kael had headed. 

" No... " he said " ..today is one of his good days. "