Annabeth

I'm twirling around like a young girl again. I can't help myself; this garden is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. All the beautiful colors of the flowers, the lights twinkling in the dark, with the moon light shining down on me. I close my eyes and breathe in the night.

My eyes pop open when I feel heat from a hand along my hip. Turning my head to the side, I can see Tiberius standing beside me, his blue eyes twinkling with mischief. I want to be comfortable with him, really, I do, but I find I don't like his touch as much as Ezekiel's. There must be something wrong with me.

I give him my best fake smile, the one I have perfected over the last few months. When his own falls slowly from his face, I know he can see right through my demeanor.

"I'm sorry," I close my mouth a second later, not sure what I'm apologizing for, only that I feel the need to. He shrugs his shoulders once more, a bright smile on his face.

"Don't worry about it. No need to apologize." I can tell by the look in his eyes, he means what he says.

The next second, I can see his demeanor change entirely. His shoulders fall, "Ezekiel. What do we owe for the pleasure of your presence?" He removes his hand from my hip. I had entirely forgotten it was there. I take a deep breath, before turning around to face the boy that makes my heart beat faster, my palms get sweaty, and my knees grow weak.

I find myself stepping back, as far away from him as I can get, because the look on his face says it all. He's beyond pissed off, and he's determined to bring someone pain. I just hope it's not me, I've already been hurt by him enough the few hours I have known him. Tiberius steps in front of me, blocking his view of me entirely.

I don't know what is going on over his shoulder, but I can tell from the aggravated growl that comes from both men it's not good.

"Move now Tib, or you will not like what I do next." I hear Ezekiel whisper low. What has me confused is it doesn't sound like him at all. Sounds more like a beast speaking out loud.

I watch as he steps away, holding out his hand towards where I stand. I turn to flee, but there's nothing but a fence in wall behind me.

"Shit, I went the wrong way." I curse the heavens above for my insolence. When I feel a hand land on my shoulder, I turn around ready to punch him if he dares try to do something to me.

As I turn around, everything happens so quickly, before I know what's happening, he has my arms held at my sides, with his body so close to mine, we are practically breathing together. To my surprise he doesn't look angry if anything he has a sad look in his eyes.

"Don't ever hit me. I don't want you to get hurt." Before I can ask him what he means, he takes my hand with his, and pulls me along behind him.

I find myself, following close behind his back, not saying a word. I can see Tiberius standing to the side, his arms crossed over his chest, and an angry look in his eyes.

"You can't just claim her you know! She's not yours!" He hollers after us. I turn to look at him one last time, but Ezekiel speeding up has my attention facing forward. Trying to make sure I don't bump into anything, or worse fall flat on my face. Embarrassing myself in front of the infuriating man dragging me behind him.

Ezekiel

I walk faster as I hear Tiberius yell at me. I know she looked back at him, and I don't like it one bit. I go a little faster, to make sure she faces me once more. I know he isn't wrong; this girl is not mine, but I can't find myself to stop the craziness that has taken over my body tonight.

I pull her along, through the hallways of the house, to the front doors. The guards there open them up, nodding their heads at me. One has an eyebrow raised, I know he is wondering what I'm doing with the poor, confused woman I'm dragging behind me. I also know they are smart enough not to question me.

I walk her down the long and winding stairs at the side, leading her to the houses along the side of the house. They will be staying at the first one to our right, I made sure of that. I need her close to me, when I saw her picture for some reason something about her called to me like a siren. I needed to know she was in my arms reach.

"Ezekiel, where are you taking me." It's the first time I have heard her speak for the last few minutes. I don't answer her though, I simply turn to the house, walking her up the two steps onto the porch. Once we are at the door, I pull out the key wrapped around my neck, opening it up. I pull her in the house behind me. I pushed her further into the room. Without turning around, I kick the door closed behind us.

I stand here for a moment, breathing harder with each second that passes. Trying to calm my wolf, he wants to come to the forefront right now. It's not a good idea, there is no telling what I'll do to the fragile woman that stands before me. I can scent both confusion and fear in the air surrounding her.

That's what has me needing to calm down before I lift my head to look at her. I never want her to fear me in this way, so I need to take a few breaths, calm my ass down before I say what needs to be said. She needs to know my rules, the ones for the world she now lives in.

"You're scaring me." I hear her say softly.

I can hear her stepping closer and closer to where I stand. I have my head bent down, both my hands at my side turning into fists, my legs spread wide. I lay my head back with my eyes closed, counting the steps, listening intently for when she will be right in front of me.

I fight with myself right now; I know I need her touch more than anything. She is the only one that can calm all the raging thoughts working their way through my mind, but there is another part of me that dreads when she does. That part of me wants to do very bad things right now, and I'm not so certain I'll be able to hold myself back.