CHAPTER 6. TAKE ME AWAY

The bell rang and Fleur seemed to snap back from a trance that being near Zeeb puts her in. She hurried to put her things in her bag as she felt the familiar disturbing presence getting near her – Ezra. She flinched as she felt the cold hand on her shoulder. She shuddered at the thought that he might have been watching her and Zeeb. Ezra is a powerful immortal and as such, he is definitely not stupid and her heart was gripped with fear not for herself but to what Ezra may do to Zeeb. She knows more than anyone that their kind can be extremely territorial and to Ezra, she is a property that no one can ever take from him.

She gulped and tried to shrug away her unease as she plasters a fake smile as she turned around to face Ezra. “I assume you have taken all the same classes as me?” She said mockingly, trying to hide the nervousness in her voice.

“Of course, I would always want to be near my girl.” He retorted putting a big emphasis on the word mine, staking his claim to her and making sure they both heard him, as he turns his gaze to Zeeb.

"And who is this little friend of yours?” He said towering over Zeeb and he seemed larger than ever as he makes sure he looks as menacing more than ever. Zeeb stood his ground and offered his had saying “I’m Zeeb, welcome to Willow Creek…?” He said, “Ezra” he replied.

Ezra shook his hand and I know he can crush Zeeb’s hands right then and there but Zeeb seemed to answer his iron fist with a confident hand shake. I looked at Ezra and he seemed a bit taken aback, any normal human would be writhing in pain by now but Zeeb was different. Fleur was equally shocked as her eyes turn light and alert to what could happen ready to defend Zeeb at all costs. She looked at Ezra and noticed the brief pause and shock registering on his face. It seemed like forever as Zeeb held Ezra’s gaze and hand. Ezra was the first to break of the hand shake and turned to Fleur instead, “Let’s go get lunch.” He said, his words demanding, it was an order not a request.

Sensing Fleur’s hesitation, Zeeb chimed in “Actually, Fleur and I have a project that we need to finish so we planned on getting lunch together, if that’s okay?” Fleur looked at Zeeb and she found his gaze reassuring. “Uhm, yes, I almost forgot about that, the essay right? I’m sorry I had a lot in my plate being new and all, let’s finish that. Sorry, Ezra…” she said as she hurriedly took Zeeb’s elbow and they walked towards the door Zeeb, being almost dragged by her.

“Hey, Fleur slow down…” Zeeb said a bit breathless from the weirdness of the interaction with Ezra, all his muscles are tense as if sensing danger. She stopped abruptly and faced him. “Take me away from here…” Her face pleading and fear evident, Zeeb caressed her cheek and held her gaze for a while studying her beautiful face. He smiled and then let his hands fall and held her hand comfortingly. “I know a place.” He said with a smile.

With that, Fleur seemed to relax and she smiled as well, she couldn’t help it, with Zeeb she felt safe and there is nothing in the world she would like right now than to just be with him anywhere. They broke their locked gaze and they both seemed to understood what they both need. They walked hand in hand as they exit the school building.

Ezra was fuming as he walked towards the cafeteria and was instantly greeted by the football team, but there was one specially handsome man who immediately walked towards him, Gregory, he was blonde and the same height as Ezra and powerfully built as well. His tan skin seems to shine against the harsh lights of the cafeteria. All eyes follow these duo as they enthrall each of them.

“What’s the matter?” Gregory said, sensing Ezra’s dark mood.

“I want to know about that Zeeb guy. I have a bad feeling about him, he’s different” Ezra said, clenching his jaw.

“What do you want me to do?” Gregory said.

“Keep an eye on him Greg. I can’t have Fleur running around with some guy like him. He’s off.” Ezra said, as he put on his jock mask and joined the team, while cheerleaders swarm towards him introducing themselves, it made him forget about Fleur for a while as he toyed around the girls.

Meanwhile, Fleur is already seated inside Zeeb’s old pick up. They were sitting down there as Zeeb tries his best to start the engine. He let out an exasperated laugh as he stop and put his head down on the wheel.

“I’m so sorry this is so embarrassing.” Zeeb finally looked up at Fleur by his side. She laughed so hard, she hasn’t laughed in a long while. They were both laughing hysterically until their gaze locked on each other, they both stopped as both of them can’t seem to break the spell that has bound them. Fleur saw the need in Zeeb’s eyes and she was also hungry for him, she closed the gap between their lips and they kissed. It was gentle at first until it became passionate. Zeeb broke from the kiss to her dismay but she was taken aback when he gently caressed her cheeks and said, “You are amazing.”

She saw the tenderness in his eyes and the intense emotions that he’s stirring inside of her. She swallowed as she felt the unnerving feelings inside her, her stomach is in a tight knot, she can’t breathe from the wave of sensations that is crashing over her and right then and there she knows, she has fallen for him. He kissed her forehead and said, “Let me take you some place special.”