Elu doesn’t look at me while he cleans my body 

All the attention is focus getting the pigment off my skin

He rubs me with firm hands 

I don’t get what’s happening 

Elu, I’m sorry.

-No, you aren’t.-

No, I’m not about the sneaking off. But I feel remorse for any stress I've caused. I never meant to worry you. 

-You have to be more careful.-

I will. I promise. 

His fangs poke out as he gazed at me sadly

-Then you need to listen to me.-

Whatever you say.

-Make more of an effort to please Zubair.

He’s playing a game with you, trying to see how long it takes for you to give up...-

I know that already.  

-I know. That’s why you must seduce him. Make him fall for your charms. A mate who is not respected by their bonded will never be respected by anyone else.-

How do I do that?

-Fight back.-

Fight?

-Entice him, Huntress. Show him something he cannot resist.-

How?

-Use me.-

And what do you get out of this?

-Your success.-

No one has ever done anything to see me to succeed for the sake of it. What do you want?

His eyes flit across my face 

Assessing 

I don’t know why I let myself forget he’s an animal too 

He pulls me into his arms without a word 

Tongue licking at the seam of my lips 

Surprise opens them 

lips lock with mine 

And it’s the softest touch I’ve had in years 

The mint from the treats he always snacks on

Explodes in my mouth 

Chilling and warming me all the same 

He’s so warm 

Driving me insane

Hands move up and down my body 

Like they don’t know where to stop first 

One brushes past the bite and into my hair

The prickling sensation almost sweeping me away

But it’s wrong

My body likes this

But as I gaze up 

his hungry eyes are frozen 

Jagged and calculating 

I’m not seen

As his hands grip me like they belong 

Like he’s owed

And my heart falls to the floor 

Like the water splashing as I stand 

I reach for my towel without turning my back on him

Elu, why are you messing with me like this?

-I’m not messing with you. I’m quite smitten by you.-

A burst of laughter falls from my tingling lips

-Why are you laughing?-

You don’t know me. You think you’re the first to seek me out? To think she’ll be easy? Hmmm? That she won’t tell, because even if she did no one would believe her?

-You know I would never treat you like th—

No, I don’t! I don’t know you! I don’t know anybody!

You’re supposed to be my teacher and aid, and that is all I desire from you. Right now, the only male who’s touching me is my mate.

-Zubair? The mate that forgets you? Uses you like toy? A male that discards you before you even find pleasure?-

Yes! Him!

-Why?-

He may not be the best mate in the world, but at least he’s consistent. I don’t care about his lovers, cats are polyamorous creatures in the first place. I know he doesn’t care. I know where I stand. 

But you? I thought we were acquaintances at the least, and yet you…

Elu stares 

He shocks me again by 

smiling

Fixing his tunic and hair with a hum

-I knew you were smarter than they said… Come, we must get you dressed. It’s Zubair’s night.-

He calmly walks out of the bathing room

My limbs move stiffly in attempt to follow

The usual oils and perfumes waiting for 

sheer dress laid on the bed 

Elu motioning me over expectantly

We don’t exchange words as he prepares me

Not until he’s fastening the ties of the dress

-I’m happy to say you passed.- 

Passed?

-That was a testbto see if you listened to the rule and those other lessons I gave. Your first and truest ally is yourself. Never forget that.-

That didn’t feel like a test only.

His laughter moves the air in front of me 

But I avoid his eyes until he nudges my chin upward 

-Oh, I meant what I said. Look into my eyes and tell me I’m not fond of you.-

The snow is glittering 

Like when the moon hits it at the right angle 

It seems there’s some truth to that statement.

-Good. Then listen closely. Use me to make him jealous. He will not stand for you giving another your attention.-

For some reason I don’t believe that

Not entirely

And what? You kissed and rubbed all over me to accomplish this?

-Yes.-

Mint enters my mouth again

It’s stings

Dries my mouth and leaves me shuddering at 

the texture of his tongue

This time no wandering hands 

But heat feels my belly as dread rises

What’s wrong with me 

He releases my lips 

Biting them gently 

That too?

-No. That’s because I wanted to. I always here to serve you in any way you need. You’re far more endearing than you give yourself credit for.-

With one last peck he shifts away