Convenient Love

"Ishq O bah to waqai ast, rahbar man!"

(Her love for you is real, my Leader)

The beast growled as if he was disturbed by whatever nonsensical flattery that scumbag Jordan was spouting now.

He leaned down and I felt his breath just above my head. My heart felt like it would burst, clenching my fist I bit my lower lip to reign in the merciless sobs.

I gasped as his soft fur brushed on my skin. I felt my breath hitch as he drew closer to my neck. Fear made my whole body lifeless. 

My legs would give out if my last bout of survival instinct hadn't frozen me.

He sniffed me a time or two, he snorted as if he didn't like what he smelled. Go figure, Sherlock!

I felt my cheek stain in embarrassment as humiliation accompanied my fear.

As if to confirm what he had sniffed he sniffed me from the other side, he drew back immediately startling me. I dared to raise my head but the fierce beast had his head tilted and glowing eyes squinted like he was trying to piece together something incomprehensible.

His inspection had even freaked out Jordan as much as it had me.

It all felt shady, but I was trapped between two monsters, there was no way I could stay alive if I made a run for it. 

I just had to place all my trust in Jordan and the honor he spoke of.

"O yak Insaan ast, man Padshah!"

(She is a human, My King!)

The Beast jerked back from me as if that fuckwad had told him I had a contagious disease. I hope he hasn't.  My pride just can't take even a Beast who just crawled out of a damp ditch being disgusted by me.

"O bayad bah simt Insan ha bargarad!"

(She needs to go back to humans!)

His big head dipped back, I flinched as I felt his tongue licking my neck. I almost bolted but Jordan hand on my back didn't let me.

He liked my shoulder, my neck, and then my cheek. The metallic smell of blood almost had me gagging. 

As if feeling my resolve slipping he picked me up. I shrieked but stopped myself just in time. I dared a peek and he stared at me as if he was taking his fill of me. 

Unlike Jordan's claws that had punctured my skin, the Beast was careful. He didn't squish me nor did he leave space for me to slip away.

He rubbed his head on me as if trying to leave his scent on me. I held my breath not to startle him no matter how disgusted I felt, as he rubbed his blood-splattered fur on me, lest he finds me too appetizing to pass. 

"O nami khwast badoon mulaqat ba shama barood."

(She didn't want to leave without meeting you.)

I didn't understand what was happening but except for my warranted fear, I felt invincible. 

Unconsciously I had buried my hands in his fur and stroked him. The beast halted and drew back. I held my breath in dread but he only observed me.

Just when I thought I had seen enough unhinged phenomena to last me a lifetime the Beast brought his arm to his mouth and tore his flesh open.

I screamed and struggled to get away from the Beast but instead, he pressed his bleeding arm on my face.

"No! Please… Omph!"

Jordan shouted his share but to o avail, "Man Padshah! O yak insan Ast! O khawahad mard…"

(My King! She is a human! She will die…)

His arm was covering my face. I couldn't breathe but I didn't want to open my mouth. My flailing hands and feet didn't inspire his mercy. He was firm in his hold. My lungs burned and I opened my only to taste the vile taste of blood flood into my system.

The time to comprehend my situation didn't come before I was thrown away. Where I was expecting the harsh ground I yet again landed on the bushes. This time I didn't let my instincts hold me back.

I staggered and stood, coughing and running. I wiped my mouth with the hem of the Wedding Gown.

My head jerked up to see the Beast had turned away and was disappearing back into the woods. My heart thumped and I stumbled to the floor. Had I really survived?

Was I really going to live? Tears had me clogged up, frights I had suppressed and pain I had overlooked came crashing back to me.

Jordan was by he car and the next second on his phone. In my hazed mind I could conclude he was calling for a car. 

I don't know how long I tried to cough up and vomit out the blood I had taken in as I kneeled. My mouth turned cold but no matter how I tried to gag with fingers down my throat. My stomach felt empty. 

The gagging reflex only made me dizzy. 

I only stopped when Jordan snatched me up by the arm. "Enough! We need to leave." I noticed a car on the track.