Rafael couldn't help but find Zephora's reactions amusing. He found he quite enjoyed tormenting her in small ways. They had been searching for Amelie for some time with no luck. After a heated argument on what to do next, he finally convinced Zephora to pose as his human pet and do a little undercover work. Okay, if he was being truthful, he supposed she hadn't really agreed. She could hardly refuse though, when he took off with both of them at inhuman speeds.
When he came to an abrupt stop outside Jale's gated home, he couldn't help but chuckle as Zephora's momentum propelled her forward. He watched in amusement as she stumbled and landed on her backside. The nasty look she sent him would have scared anyone else. Lucky for him, he wasn't just anyone.
She quickly jumped to her feet, spitting mad. "What is the matter with you! You can't just cart people around like that. You may be used to traveling at lighting speed but I am not. Further more, I refuse to go along with this plan!"
"You must really not want to find Amelie then." Rafael said nonchalantly, flicking imaginary dust off of his sleeve as if he were bored.
"That's absurd! Just because I don't like your plan doesn't mean I don't want to find he," said Zephora furiously. She started to walk away and Rafael knew he'd have to play dirty to get her to go along with his plan.
"I understand." Rafael said simply.
Zephora turned in surprise. "You do?"
"Well...yes. You have every right to be scared. After all, you are just human and clearly no match for my superior species." He explained.
Zephora narrowed her eyes and took a step or two closer. "I know what you're trying to do and it's not going to work.
"Really? What would that be?" Rafael asked innocently.
"You are trying to bait me into going along with your stupid idea and I'm not falling for it." Zephora said in aggravation, then started walking away again.
Rafael began to count in his mind 1...2...3... When Zephora suddenly stopped walking, he tried to hide the grin slowly spreading across his face. He couldn't help chuckle again when she stomped her foot and then let out a noise of frustration.
She moved toward him slowly not looking him in the eyes until they were only a few feet apart. When she did look at him, he could see the anger swirling like a storm in her eyes.
"Fine." she managed through clenched teeth.
"I'm sorry, I didn't quite catch that?" He questioned, wanting to hear her say the words.
"I'll pretend to be your pet." She spit the last word out like it tasted foul in her mouth.
"Good." Rafael said taking her hand and placing it on his arm then urged her to fall in step next to him. "Now.... the first thing we need to address, if we are going to successfully pull this off, is your temper."
*******
"When did you say they would be here again?" Rafael questioned Jale impatiently.
"Should be anytime." Jale reassured him.
They were sitting comfortably in the Jale's living room. Severo had managed to set up a meeting with Draedyn. He hoped to gain as much information as possible about Amelie. Something wasn't sitting right with Rafael. He hadn't been lying to Zephora and her friends, when he'd said they had no idea what they were getting themselves into. The problem was, he wasn't even sure he knew.
He couldn't help but feel a tiny bit apprehensive about the meeting. He prompted Zephora on how she should behave and what to say and not to say. Which was no easy task. He could tell she was no more happy about the situation than she was before. In fact, if it hadn't been for Jale, he wasn't so certain she wouldn't have tried to strangle him with her bare hands. He hadn't planned on telling Jale about his plan to pretend Zephora was his human pet, but one look at the both of them and Jale knew something was up.
When Rafael had failed in his attempts to prepare Zephora for her role, Jale had stepped in. Zephora had responded to Jale and his charming manner, which seemed to put her at ease. While Rafael should have felt grateful, he found he was actually quite annoyed at his so called friend's attentions to Zephora.
Currently, Zephora was in one of Jale's guest rooms bathing and changing into something more appropriate than leather and knee length boots.
Even if she did look great in them. Zephora had seemed surprised that
Jale had woman's clothing on hand. Jale had brushed off her questioning look saying, "You never know when one might be honored by the company of a beautiful woman and I do try to be prepared." Rafael wasn't sure Zephora had cared for his response, but she didn't say anything.
"So...are you going to tell me what's going on?" Jale inquired with sly smile.
"I have no idea what your talking about." Rafael said with a frown.
"What is going on with you and this human? You can't really expect me to believe that it's necessary to have Zephora here for the meeting with Drayden. What has she to do with all of this?" Jale inquired suspiciously.
"That's something I'm trying to figure out myself. For now, lets just say that keeping the girl close while I figure that out, is my priority." Rafael informed his friend.
"She's attractive for a human, I'll give you that—not to mention fierce. I mean anyone who's willing to stand up to you must be incredibly brave or very stupid. She doesn't strike me as a fool." Jale chuckled.
"You're not afraid to say all manner of insults to my face, so what does that make you?" Rafael inquired darkly.
Jale laughed. "I've known you too long, and know you far to well to be shaking in my boots. That must be it! She doesn't have any clue who you actually are, does she?" Jale said suddenly as if something just clicked.
Before Rafael could reply, the sound of footsteps echoed on the marble floor in the hallway. A moment later Zephora stood under the arched entry way. She wore a dark blue knee length dress that tapered in at the waist and then flared outward toward the bottom. The bodice was lace and slightly transparent across the shoulders, just giving a hint of her collar bone underneath. She wore nude heels that were not too high. Her dark curls were pulled back with pins on either side and flowing her back.
Rafael was at a loss for words. She looked like a completely different girl. The Zephora he first met and the one he had come to know, was certainly beautiful, but also fierce and bold. The one before him looked elegant and refined. She almost had a doll like appearance; sweet and innocent.
At least, that was until he looked into her silver-gray eyes. By the look of them she was still very much unhappy with her current predicament and very much so with him.
"You are a vision!" Jale declared holding his hand over his heart dramatically. Then pulled her into the room. Before Jale could encourage her to sit on the sofa next to him, Rafael successfully placed himself in the way. Taking hold of Zephora by the elbow, Rafael turned her toward him. He couldn't help but notice how soft her skin was. Between her sweet scent and the feel of her soft skin, he could feel his control slipping. He let go of her but didn't move away.
"I know you aren't happy about doing this, but you have to bury your emotions until this meeting is over." Rafael tried to reason with her. "Can you do that?" Rafael realized the words he spoke might have applied more to himself than to her.
She appeared to considered what he said and then sighed."I'll try. "
"Remember what we talked about. The best thing is to not draw unwanted attention to yourself. Stay close to me the whole time." Rafael reminded Zephora of what they had discussed.
Zephora nodded as he spoke. "Alright, I got it."
"Draedyn is here." Jale announced.
Rafael took a seat in a high backed armchair, pulling Zephora along with him. He motioned for her to sit on the the arm. To his surprise she complied without argument.
Jale took up a position on the couch across from them, and even though he appeared more at ease than Rafael felt, he could tell Jale was ready for anything.
Then the door bell rang.
AN: I know I'm not alone in saying the last few weeks have been a rollercoaster. With all that's going on with the Corona Virus, suddenly finding myself homeschooling my three kiddos, and my husband working from home (which we are very grateful he can still work) I've barely had a moment to myself to write.
I pray that all those that are suffering, in any capacity at this difficult time, find comfort and healing. We can all get through this together!
I will try and post another chapter soon.
Stay healthy and happy ❤️