The next morning was bright and fresh as Eva exited the stables mounted on her horse. The sun bloomed on the horizon, with an invitation for a new day. There was nothing she loved more than early morning rides. They made her feel as free as the birds flying above.

"Easy boy." She leaned forward, raising her body's weight and using the pressure of legs, she whispered into his ear. "Are you ready, boy?"

The horse's instinct kicked into gear as he cantered before gradually increasing to a gallop.

A cool chill in the air burned her ears, but it wouldn't deter her, or spoil her fun. For Eva, there was nothing better than the feel of her horse's thick body beneath hers, each muscle tensing and working like a fine-tuned machine. And today she rode her favourite, a mustang named Coal.

Her father had surprised her with Coal on her last birthday. And although feral, he had allowed Eva to touch him and her touch alone seemed to calm him. He was a beautiful specimen of a horse. Coat, black as night. Dark and strong with wide spaced black eyes. Robust, thick muscular legs and as wild as the meadow of flowers that grew to the north of her father's vast estate.

As they galloped moving in sync with one another, her mind played yesterday's events. One thought dominated - being kissed by Christian... her first kiss. She bit her bottom lip as the feel of his mouth on hers, his tongue exploring, his taste. A ripple of excitement flooded her tummy, followed by a tinge of sadness. It's gonna be my last kiss... till god only knows when.

She swallowed hard, clenching her teeth. The Conclave. She was sure her tummy dropped to the ground.

Don't think about it. Father said he won't let anybody take me, possess me. And he can do that right? He promised me. The cruelness of doubt in her father's assurance seeped into her bones, sending a shudder echoing through her body.

She increased the pressure of her legs against Coals thick body. "Faster boy." He obeyed, picking up speed with ease.

Coals hooves pounded her ears as each step dented the soft grass beneath. The wind whipped around her face, hair streaming wildly behind her as its song stirred emotions, bringing sweet memories with it. The memory of her first kiss. She at least had that to keep as her own... for now. As she pictured the moments just before Christian leaned in, the image of her non-human neighbour... the blue-eyed man came bursting to the forefront. She couldn't stop the thought of him grabbing her by the shoulders and kissing her. A wicked smile spread across her face. Hell, a girl can dream.

She had wanted to talk to Kara about the blue-eyed man, but it had slipped her mind, distracted by her first kiss and Kara's super-powers revelation.

She decided she would do it later, following the chat with her father - minus the whole, good looking part, oh, and wanting him to kiss her!

Easing back on the reins, Coal slowed his gallop to a trot. Eva had paid no attention to her direction and now as she approached the woods, it was the mist that clung to the lower parts of the trees that caught her attention. Clouds now above them, hung low like a soft grey blanket. It obscured the early June sun, a chill nipped at her fingers curled around the reigns.

A strange low neighing came from Coal, vibrating through her thighs. A peculiar feeling pricked her senses. "It's okay boy." Coal tensed beneath her as a current shot down his spine. She patted his head and leaned forward. "You feel it too, don't you boy?"

Coal stopped. Eva nudged him. "C'mon boy." She looked around, assessing her current location. They had made their way along the east side of the woods. Where it joined with the neighbouring property... her non-human blue-eyed, very attractive man's property, to be exact.

She nudged Coal again, but still he wouldn't budge. He stood firm staring into the woods. Eva followed his gaze, narrowing her eyes. She looked deep into the woods.

Dismounting, she dropped to the ground, running her hand along Coal's body. "It's okay boy." She tried to take him by the reins and lead him, but still he wouldn't budge... not an inch.

"Ok, well I'm just going to have a look around, there's nothing to worry about." She patted him, wondering if Christian or Sebastian were in the woods as they would often spend their mornings in the woods; hunting. "It's probably just Christian and Sebastian boy."

He shook his mane as if answering her question. Eva laughed. "Is that a no Boy?" Peering into the woods, she narrowed her eyes. "Okay, you stay here, and I will go see."

She took a few steps towards the woods when Coal came up behind her and nudged her. Eva turned. "It's okay. It will only be Christian or Seb, and you don't have to be afraid of them." She took a few more steps.

He nudged her again, this time pushing her sidewards. "Hey, I'm just gonna look, you stay here, you big scaredy-cat." She ran her hand down his long nose and planted a kiss "There." She rubbed his nose again. "Sush... You can see me; I wont leave you."

Eva walked towards the woods. "Christian." She listened. "Sebastian."

Nothing... But she heard a rustle in the bushes. "C'mon Christian, I know you're there. Sebastian?"

She walked a little closer, a few more steps and she would be in the woods. She turned to look at Coal. He remained staring into the woods. She turned back to where she heard the noise. Feeling a tingling in her fingers and toes, her breathing sped up.

Something moved. A low growl scared a nearby bird as it fled to a higher branch.

Another growl.

Her heartbeat became erratic. "C'mon Christian... Sebastian, you're not scaring me." She noted her change in pitch, higher than she would have liked. She laughed nervously. Now who's being a scaredy-cat!

"And believe me when I say, I don't think you guys could ever surprise me again. Not after what I saw last night."

Silence.

"C'mon Sebastian, Christian; I know you're there. This isn't funny." A fluttery feeling spread through her tummy.

Suddenly, she jumped back, standing taller. Her hands clenched into fists.

Red eyes glowed from the darkness of the bush. Followed by another low growl. She swallowed. It wasn't Christian or Sebastian, something else was out there. It rooted her to the spot.

Move Eva. Dumbass!

She took a step back, almost feeling the blood drain from her face.

Taking another step backwards, her shoulders tensed, but her eyes remained fixed on the glowing red eyes.

Eva heard the snapping of twigs and the crackle of dead leaves beneath the thing's feet and the bush rustled and parted... a head appeared.

Fuckin' hell!

Whatever that thing was. Its huge armoured plated head and protruding teeth was looking past her and towards Coal.

Eva bristled. How dare that thing... creature, look at my horse like he's a freakin' happy meal! I don't think so.

Opening and clenching her fists, she pushed her shoulders back, lifting her chin. She licked her dry lips and began engaging in positive self-talk.

You got this Eva. You can do this, you can scare this thing away. You're brave, fast and smarter than this thing.

"Don't even think you're going anywhere near my horse... you hear me? Hey, look at me... over here, you red-eyed demon."

Emerging from the darkness, it looked like nothing she had ever seen before. Its low growls carried on the wind. Whatever it was, it was much bigger than Christian or Sebastian when in wolf form. Its head for a start was twice the size. Its eyes, crimson, held no emotion. It didn't have fur, she could only describe grey scales that ran along its huge muscular body - like armour, the same coated its head. It was almost reptilian, but bear size.

She was sure it was grey... but she couldn't confirm that as it seemed to shimmer from grey to black with tints of red, rippling along its body. Huge sharp pointy teeth hung over its bottom lip. There were so many teeth – she thought it had too many teeth even though its mouth was immense. As it lifted its huge paw to take another step towards her. She noted its long claws with one extra-long sharp claw at the back – almost like a dew claw that you would find on canines and wolves.

What the hell are you?

She took another step back. Could I get to Coal before it reached me or him? Would it follow?

Her eyes scanned the ground to see if she could use anything as a weapon. There were a few large rocks. Taking a side-step she slowly bent down and picked up an enormous stone, it was almost too big for her hands.

Should I take another step back before I throw it? Do I want to hurt it? This stone won't kill it. Hell, I don't think it will even hurt it. Probably, piss it off though. Shit! Perhaps just throw close enough to distract it? Yes, that was a plan... distract and run.

She took another step back. One, two, three. She threw the stone. Not hesitating she turned and ran towards Coal - who looked like he had grown in size.

"Coal!" she yelled as she ran towards him.

He headed towards her, but just as they should have met, he galloped past her heading straight for the creature in the woods. She could have sworn he growled as he flew past. "No Boy! NO!"

She turned almost too afraid of what she might see.

The creature was pounding towards Coal. Her chest tightened as beads of sweat dampened her forehead. "NO!" She ran towards her horse and the creature.

Stupid Eva, I should run the other way!

She saw the creature leap into the air, its teeth baring... mouth opening, snarling "NOOOO" her voice trembled. She wanted to shut her eyes.

"Zuul!"

The creature stopped dropping to the ground. Coal raised up on his haunches.

"Zuul. COME!"

Eva came to an abrupt halt. Her heart pumping so fast her chest hurt. Coal lowered himself and turned to look at Eva.

Oh my god, thank the angels. Coal began walking backwards until he stood beside her. Eva had seen none of her horses do that... ever!

"Zuul. Don't make me ask you twice."

She recognised that voice. Looking in the person's direction, she saw him leaning up against the trunk of an old oak tree, hands shoved in his pockets.

There he was, in all his beautiful glory. The blue-eyed man. She couldn't help but take a sharp breath. In the daytime he still looked dangerous, stern but even more beautiful. His eyes were also as she remembered, pools of ice blue and his hair as white as snow. But in the light, there were things she hadn't noticed. His full lips, pink and kissable.

Pink and kissable, really Eva, get a grip.

She looked him up and down, there was something else different.

Ah, you're not in a suit!

Dressed casually. He wore jeans and a white t-shirt with a picture of the devil on it... How appropriate! But even dressed casually, he still looked like he had stepped directly from a model shoot.

A huffing sound from the creature distracted her thoughts. It stalked towards the blue-eyed man, giving her and Coal a sly backwards glance. It almost looked pissed off, that it hadn't been able to attack, kill and most likely eat them both. It growled.

Zuul stood beside Azrael shaking it large head. Azrael looked down. "Home."

Zuul gave one last look towards Coal and then disappeared.

What the hell? she thought. She turned her attention back to him.

Stop staring and talk, say something... anything...

"Is that thing? That creature... your pet?" She planted her hands on her hips.

Azrael looked her up and down. She didn't seem the slightest bit afraid and as he had watched Zuul just about to attack them both; she had run towards him. Protective of the Kintor, which now stood proudly beside her, watching him.

"Yes," he answered.

"What is it?"

"A Lupine."

"A what?" She had never heard of such a creature.

"A Lupine, from Erubus."

"Erubus?" She didn't think she had heard of such a place... wasn't in Maine, that's for sure.

He tilted his head whilst pursing his lips. Had she never heard of Erubus? If she was Lord Daevan's daughter, surely she must know of Erubus. "One of the six realms, I'm assuming you've heard of them?"

Her thoughts began swirling, coming so fast it was hard to follow them.

He coughed, waiting for an answer.

"My father told me about the Dark Realm."

He nodded. "Well, my Lupine is from Erubus, the oldest of all the realms."

She watched him relax at hearing she knew about the Dark Realm. She was curious to ask where he was from, but she felt she wasn't ready for that answer... yet.

"What are you doing here on my father's property?" She stood straighter raising her eyebrows.

"I don't believe this part of the woods belongs to your father. So, I'm not trespassing, unlike your good self - last night."

Shit! She watched a smirk curl the side of his mouth. A flash of curiosity in his eyes. He was staring directly at her eyes. She blinked rapidly, looking down at the dirt and stones beneath her feet. "Well, your Lupine was about to attack me and my horse, perhaps you shouldn't allow it out alone."

He lifted himself from the trunk, pulling his hands from his pockets taking a few steps, closing the distance between them. He hadn't been sure when he had seen her in the darkness, but now in the daylight it was clear to see her eyes, one blue the other brown... beautiful. Just like Angelina's. His heart tightened in his chest. "Horse?" He looked towards the Kintor, stood beside her. She thinks it a horse. How curious.

Eva patted Coal. "Yes, my horse."

"Well, from where I stood. Your 'horse' looked like it was going to attack my Lupine."

Eva scoffed. "Excuse me, my horse wouldn't hurt a fly, let alone go after a crazy rabid creature from another realm. He was simply protecting me."

Azrael's smirk ballooned into a full smile as he ran his hand across his chin. Amused that she hadn't a clue to the creature's true face that stood beside her.

My god, when he smiles. Eva shivered, if she thought he was breathtakingly beautiful when he was scowling or angry – when he smiled. Oh my. Her insides turned soft. She closed her eyes for a second and breathed.

Get it together Eva. "I didn't realise anybody lived next door. I'm sorry for trespassing and for spying on you, you just caught me by surprise. It won't happen again."

Azrael stared at the Kintor, speaking telepathically. 'Give me some space Kintor or else I will tell her what you are and reveal your true face.'

Coal huffed but lowered his head and took a step back, widening the gap between him and Eva, but not too much.

Satisfied, Azrael took another step toward Eva. "Well, I think it's about time we formally introduce ourselves." Moving within touching distance, he held out his hand as custom dictated in this realm. "Azrael."

Eva stared at his hand; a tingle in her fingertips. Reaching out she placed her much smaller hand in his. "Evangeline."

The moment their hands made contact, a rush of familiarity washed through him, as if someone had switched on a light in an unlit room. It almost took his breath away.

Eva looked down, focusing on her hand in his. Weirdly, she thought his touch would be cold, but she was wrong, so wrong. He was hot, scalding hot. She was about to pull her hand away when he rubbed his thumb sensually over hers.

Sensually? Really... How the hell would I know what a sensual touch feels like?

Her mouth parted as the heat from his hand spread upwards through her arm, across her shoulders, chest and neck.

Shit, I think I'm gonna explode!

"Evangeline, that's a beautiful name... Angel." He slowly licked his lips.

Swallowing, she tilted her head. "Angel?"

"Yes, I think I would prefer to call you Angel?"

She pulled her head back. "Well, I don't think we know each other well enough for cute pet names. So, if you please, you can call me Evangeline or my friends call me Eva, but we're not friends, so... "

He ignored her comment but kept stroking her thumb. "Why were you on my property last night Angel?"

She noted the gleam in his eyes and the playful grin. "Well..." She relaxed her shoulders and gave a half shrug. "Well, Ray... I was looking for something." She mirrored his grin.

"You will call me Azrael." He smiled a full smile as he leaned in closer. "I think I would like to hear you say my name Angel."

Eva swallowed to relieve the sudden dryness in her mouth, his breath tickled her ear. Heat burned through her, melting her insides. She would self-combust at this rate.

He pulled back. "What were you looking for Angel?"

Her eyes fell on his full pink lips. Almost hypnotised by his perfect mouth.

He watched her, eyes wide, pupils dilated. The increase in her heart rate and sudden increase in body temperature, told him one of two things was happening.

One – his influence affected her, and she was attracted to this vessel. Two - she was nervous, but still affected by his influence.

He decided it was the former, as her cheeks flushed a ruby red.

"I will ask one last time Angel... What were you seeking on my property?"

Eva blinked twice. "A flower, the Star Jasmin, it only blooms at night. I needed it for a prank." Why am I telling him this?

"A prank?" he repeated. His eyebrows now squished together.

"Yes... prank... A practical joke. On my friend."

"Ah, I see. And did you find this flower on my property?" He kept hold of her hand watching her eyes widen and the flush to her cheeks deepen. He inhaled to be swamped with pheromones flooding his nose. Scents of rose and jasmin and something else making him feel a little lightheaded. That hadn't happened in a long, long time... not since...

He tensed. Aware humans couldn't resist his touch. Whenever he would touch a human, their auras would vibrate, shimmer and reach out to touch the influence, craving it. They would, without conscious thought bend to his will and he could manipulate, play even get them to run off a cliff just by his touch and a simple silent command. And although he thought she would be no different to any other human female. There was something stirring in the dark corners of his mind. She almost seemed to vibrate on a different level. It left him with no option, he would need to test his theory.

Ever so subtly he squeezed her hand, continually rubbing her thumb. "Would you like to return to my home and have sex with me Angel?"

Snapped from her daze, What? Eva pulled her hand from his as if burned. "Excuse me?"

He lowered his voice as he reached out to touch her. "Would you... my Angel, like to sex, with me?"

She subdued a moan and shivered at his tone as she watched his finger run up her arm. Her breathing stopped as she clenched her thighs. "What? Why would I want to have sex... with you?"

How the hell am I speaking, when I can barely breathe?

"Because I wish to have sex with you Angel, I'm thinking about it... right now."

Oh my god. He didn't just say that. She almost jumped from his touch, snatching a step back.

Get a grip Eva. Spluttering a cough. "What? Seriously?" The increased distance allowed her some semblance of rational thought. "You know it customary, here in this realm to at least date first - get to know each other. Or at the very least, buy a girl a drink." Many books and films had shown her the basics of dating although having no real-life experience.

He titled his head, this was strange. He had never had to explain what his touch or intentions were to a human before. What made her different, special?

Nudged in the back by Coal. A rush of confidence steadied her voice – she was ready to ask what she had avoided a few minutes ago. "And, you're obviously not from around here... This realm," she clarified. "In fact, if you're what I think you are, then you will be hundreds, if not thousands of years old... and that's gross." She wrinkled her nose. "It's almost bordering on creepy."

He laughed, the more time he spent in her company, the more she reminded him of Angelina. "Your lips may say no. But your body tells me a different story, my Angel."

She felt her mouth drop open. What do I say to that? About to attempt a witty comeback she felt another nudge in her back from Coal as he neighed. Distracted, she turned to face him, anything was better than staring at him... Azrael.

Azrael could see what the Kintor was trying to tell Eva. In the far distance, he could see two enormous wolves heading their way. He didn't want to draw any further attention to himself, not yet. It was time for him to leave. He stepped towards and leaned in closer, his lips brushed against her ear. "You'll see me again Angel. I can promise you that."

Eva's eyes closed; her breath lodged in her throat. Fluttering open. He was gone. Her breath escaped.