She was relieved when it didn’t appear that she had been followed.

But what to do now?

She didn't think if she went back inside the house she would be able to face her family without bursting into tears. She hadn’t noticed how many had witnessed the bizarre scene play out, but she guessed it was probably everyone. She didn’t want to face them either. At least not until she got a grip over herself.

So that left the woods.

She dashed to the edge of the forest where she and Kota had merrily ran and explored many a time. She knew this area like the back of her hand, if she could get far enough no one would be able to track her except for Kota.

She had just gotten a good distance through the trees when she felt a gush of air from behind and then nearly ran into the man who was on the roof as he appeared out of nowhere. Again. This is getting real old real fast.

She immediately halted and gave a defensive hiss. She’d never seen or read of anyone that could teleport. Perhaps he was just so fast he could leave one place and appear in another in the blink of an eye. Even though he looked to be about thirty, he must be much older to have that kind of speed or ability.

As he stood before her this time his visage had changed. No longer did he don the intent glare from earlier.

It was like he was excited about something that he knew and she didn’t. He seemed very pleased with himself for some reason. Smug.

“Do not run from me,” his deep voice was commanding and for a second she thought she might listen.

She turned to her right onto a more difficult path hoping that it would dissuade him from following. She thought it might hurt materializing into a boulder or vines with thorns. But again, this time I guess you could say expectedly, he popped up blocking her. And much much closer to her than before.

As if stating a simple fact to a small child he said,” I’m older than you. Therefore stronger and faster. You can't escape me no matter how hard you try,”

Condescending prick.

“And if you make me chase you, I’ll only enjoy possessing you even more,” he was towering over her with his eyes darkening, conveying the notion that it would be enjoyable for him, but not necessarily for her.

Unperturbed she stood strong, toe to toe with him. She wasn’t going to back down. If he thought she was a possession for him to own, he had another thing coming.

At this close proximity, she could feel the heat of his body wrapping around her, pulling her towards him.

There was a mix of anticipation and fear pounding in her chest and she wasn't quite sure what to do about it. As much as she’d hate to admit, she was drawn to him, but there was no way a man like that could want her. He must be playing with me. As punishment. Or amusement.

Either way, she had already decided that no matter how alluring, he was one of those assholes who thought might equals right. He would need to be knocked down a peg or two and she had no problem helping him out with that.

“Look, I said I was sorry. Okay? Plus it's not like we really did anything wrong to you. We were like hundreds of yards away and we couldn’t hear anything, I swear. So it was kind of impossible for us to have interrupted your meeting or whatever. Jeez, no need to get your panties in a wad,” that last part just kind of slipped out. I guess no matter what the situation, sassiness was still her language of choice. Along with a complimentary eye roll.

The expression on his face said he did not appreciate that fact.

“What kind of creature are you?”.

Ummmmm I don’t know and it practically kills me to have no idea what I am or where I come from or where I belong she thought. But she wasn’t about to let him know that.

Making the most exaggerated scuffing sound she could muster, “ I am ME, what are you?” She hoped that retort concealed her insecurity and instead gave off the confident illusion of being someone who didn’t have to answer to the likes of him.

His jaw clenched tightly with nostrils flaring. Never had anyone dared to speak to him in such a manner.

He stepped forward again and again until he had backed her into a boulder. He placed his hands beside her head on both sides.

There was something very primal in his eyes. It shocked her into realizing she had no idea who this person was and that maybe this wasn’t anger over her snooping. Maybe there was something else going on here, something dangerous. Maybe she shouldn’t poke the bear that at the moment had her cornered.

She couldn’t explain it but it seemed as they were currently in some kind of match. Opponents. There was so much intensity between the two she felt she would fight to the death to not let him win. Even though she had no idea what the prize was they were fighting for.

Clearly, his goal was to scare her into submission, like that was ever going to happen.

He had not removed his hands so she was still blocked in between his arms. There wasn’t much she could do since she knew she couldn’t physically force her way out and she wasn’t going to beg. So she just stared into his eyes. Challenging. Daring him to make the next move.