If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle. ― Sun Tzu, The Art of War

Your enemy can be your best teacher. – Dalai Lama.

Monsters are real, and ghosts are real too. They live inside us, and sometimes, they win. ― Stephen King

Chapter 6

Many times in life have I been thinking about how would my death look like. I didn't want it to be ordinary or normal. If I die, let it be with a style. I even considered reconstructing Anna Karenina's suicide. However, I had always tried to be original, it wouldn't set well with me if my death was plagiarism. I had many ideas on my mind. For example, I could play the violin at the top of the city's fortress and, while in delirium, throw myself off it. On the other hand, it could also work if I was murdered by an old, ancient demon. Yet, not even once have I thought that my life would end in a club, while totally sober, by a man I hardly even knew and with whom I didn't even know where I stood, just because some other guy was holding my hand. His eyes looked just like that, murderous.

Not once did he even glance at me. He had his eyes glued to our joined hands. It seemed like he was cutting them with his intense stare. The moment I noticed that I immediately retreated my hand out of Stephan's larger one. He looked at me weirdly when, but I completely ignored him. Nothing was more important to a guy standing right in front of me, and who's next move I couldn't anticipate. He was so unpredictable that I wouldn't be surprised if he started laughing and served us ice crime. However, that looked quite unlikely to happen, judging by his expression.

Finally, he raised his head and looked directly at me. I gasped, shock clear on my face. His eyes were black, not a very dark shade of brown, completely black. His eyebrows were scrunched together, and his jaw was clenched with such force I was sure he was about to break his teeth.

I think I just peed myself, I thought. I wanted to look away, I was so scared of him it was only a matter of time when I would start shaking. Still, I should've known that it wouldn't be easy with him, nothing ever was. No matter how much I needed to do something, he wouldn't let me.

I didn't know how, but just by a single minimal move he made with his eyes, I understood what I should do. Without a second thought, I started walking to him. He didn't wait for long, so when I was in arms reach he immediately wrapped his hands around my waist and brought me impossibly close to him, pressing my body to his, without sparing me a glance. His eyes were still fixated on Stephan and I was well aware that my friends were watching the situation unfold with confusion and anticipation.

"Who are you?" Stephan was the one who broke the silence. I was about to answer him, even though I wasn't sure myself what, but Mateo gripped me harder, letting me know that it would be better if I didn't say anything. I instantly shut up, not wanting to test my luck.

"Who the hell are you?" he said that so quietly I was starting to worry for my life, even though I wasn't the one he was speaking to. Stephan's pupils dilated for a moment, the nervousness evident on his face. I wasn't sure if he could've hidden it in the first place, considering he was in the presence of such a dominating man like Mateo.

"Stephan, Tara's friend," he said, unsure of himself. I didn't miss the fact that he left out the small detail that we used to date, which was probably the smartest choice he made in a long time.

"Really?" Mateo smirked.

"Yes, yes. Um...this are Sarah and Luke, we all go to the same uni, you know. We have known each other for a long time, so we hang out sometimes, you feel me-" if that was some normal, everyday situation, I would've mocked him so badly for the way he was blabbering. Still, the expression on Mateo's face was enough indicator on its own that it would be better if he stopped talking. Listening to his instincts, Stephan shut up and gulped.

"Since we are getting to know each other, it's time for me to introduce myself," I frowned and, feeling confused, looked at the directions where the voice came from. For the first time, I noticed a man standing right next to the Mateo, on his other side. He had light brown hair and hazel eyes. He was quite built-up and tall, almost like Mateo himself. I would've been rather scared of him if it wasn't for his baby face that looked so young and cheerful. All in all, the guy looked more than decent, but unlike Mateo, he seemed much more polite and warm.

"It is a pleasure to finally meet you, beautiful. My name is Leon," he stretched his hand for me to shake. I looked at him feeling uncertain, but what I saw removed all the doubts I might have had from my brain. His whole appearance gave off a warm and familiar vibe so I had to give him a small, shy smile.

"Tara." I was about to shake his hand when Mateo stopped me and pulled me even closer to him if that was even possible.

"Dude, you're going to suffocate the girl," Leon told him but Mateo just rolled his eyes.

After that brief conversation, everyone stopped talking and we were yet again surrounded by silence. An unbearable, deafening silence. I wasn't sure how long we stood like that when Sarah cleared her throat.

"Um, would you like to maybe join us?" she was never the type to be insecure in front of someone stronger, however, it seemed like that was the time she chose to ignore that little fact. No matter how much she tried, she failed to cover up the shudder in her voice.

"For a matter of fact, we would," Mateo told her coldly. I was so shocked hearing him say this I wanted to reach out to him, but he refused to make eye-contact with me. He was obviously avoiding me, like that was his way of trying to control himself in front of me.

Before I could say anything, he sat down in one of the empty seats that were previously occupied by Emma and Victor. He basically dragged me with him so I had no choice but to sit next to him. Truthfully speaking, I had a slight suspicion that he actually wanted me to sit on his lap, but knew that I wouldn't cave in. Still, as much as I was embarrassed because of the questioning stares others gave me, I couldn't resist the indescribable desire that grew within my body every second more and more. I wanted to fight it, I really did, but the moment he pressed me completely to his side, every single rational thought disappeared from my mind.

"So guys, I haven't really introduced myself to you, so I'll say it again. I'm Leon, fancy meeting y'all," this time around, it was Leon who broke the awkward silence. Mateo still hadn't uttered a single word, he was just shooting daggers at Stephan. I was sorry to see my ex-boyfriend like that, bowing his head trying to avoid Mateo's glare. He definitely didn't deserve it, but it was better that way. Mateo was so furious just because Stephan touched my hand, I didn't even want to think of what could happen if he found out that we used to do much more than simply holding hands. This way it was much safer.

"Luke, and I'm not sure if I share your enthusiasm," I rolled my eyes when he said that. Of course he would be the one to play with fire, some people never learn.

"You have no idea how sorry I am to hear that," Leon replied with a cynical smile. At that moment, it was as his mask had fallen off, though I wasn't sure if he had one in the first place, it just seemed that he did. His warm expression was gone and it was replaced by a calculated and cool one. I quickly realized why Mateo was friends with him.

"Don't beat yourself up too much, I'm sure that you will find a way to be happy regardless," Luke carried on with his provocations, crossing his arms and leaning deeper into the leather couch. I wanted to hit him on the head one more time because he didn't think about his safety. It seemed like he was the only person present who wasn't afraid of these two obviously dangerous men. Perhaps it's better to say the only person stupid enough to not be terrified by them.

I was about to barge in on the conversation to prevent any potential conflict, but a sudden touch by a hand on my tight stopped me. I caught my breath from the unexpected contact. Yet again I felt the familiar electricity streaming through my body, but this time around, that was the only thing. I suddenly felt like the biggest coward in the world because I didn't want to admit to myself what was going on in one particular part of my body. Especially because the feeling was a result of just one little touch by the man who wouldn't let me live my life in peace.

I raised my eyes and looked at him, however, Mateo was too busy staring at the lower part of my body. I watched him bewildered until I realized what he was trying to do. He was pulling my dress down, at one point even making me raise my body a bit to make it easier for him. I opened my mouth in disbelief, having no idea what was going through that thick head of his that makes him think that this is okay.

I didn't want to put up with him and wait for more humiliation, so I came closer to his ear and whispered.

"Unless you stop pulling my dress down, it won't be long before I flash someone," as much as I tried to justify my actions by being a feminist, it was clear that I was trying, maybe even unconsciously, to sound seductive. I could just hope that no one could hear this exchange.

He froze after I said this. Painfully slowly he lifted his eyes and looked at me. I could see the amount of rage he had within him. I couldn't understand how he was able to control himself.

"Why the fuck would you wear something this short?" he was literally growling in my face.

"Because I knew I was going to the club? What was I supposed to wear, a sweatsuit?" I asked him, irritation clear in my voice. I completely forgot why I was so scared earlier.

"Yes, that would be fitting," he didn't for a second give off a vibe that he was kidding. I was stunned seeing him like that.

"Are you serious?"

"Do I look like I'm not?"

"Fine, next time I'll call you to be my stylist."

"If there is a next time," he warned and I just rolled my eyes. How was I supposed not to? Like he could stop me.

"So, in what kind of relationship are you two?" It seemed like Luke and Leon stopped fighting at some point, considering that the former guy was the one who asked us this question.

"It's not your business, don't you think?" Mateo raised his eyebrow, daring him to say otherwise. I noticed that Luke was about to continue with the story, so I quickly gave him meaningful look, letting him know that it would be for the best if he shut up. To my surprise, he actually listened.

Truthfully, I didn't even know myself what we were. We definitely weren't together, even though he kept on acting like my boyfriend. In the few days we spent together, I got to know how possessive he could get. That trait I usually found attractive, but he was going overboard with it so I wasn't sure If I could handle it if we were in a relationship. He was jealous when he saw a guy just standing next to me, despite the fact that it was questionable if we were friends, to begin with. I desperately wanted to ask him if he considered me like one, but I didn't. I was way too proud to do that.

We were yet again surrounded by silence. I could feel Sarah's gaze on me. However, I couldn't return her stare knowing that she had millions of questions to ask me that I wasn't ready to answer.

"What's going on there?" Stephan's shaky voice brought me back to reality. I followed his gaze and what I saw made my blood boil.

A group of unknown men surrounded Emma and Victor. One of them, a tall and pretty big guy with a huge snake tattoo on his left arm, got in her face while two others held Victor. He was struggling in their hands, screaming at them to let her go. The first guy just rolled his eyes at his demands and forcefully grabbed Emma's cheek. That seemed to trigger her tears as she started crying right after. Something inside me broke seeing her like this.

I didn't know myself how I managed to break out of Mateo's hold, but at the very next moment, I was almost running towards the place where the situation was playing out. I didn't even have to push myself through people, most of them were frozen in the spot, anticipating what was about to happen. Even the lights were on and the music stopped.

I could hear someone screaming my name, but I ignored him, whoever that was. I was way too angry because of what was happening to my friend to pay attention to anyone else.

I reached them in a record time. With a force that exceeded my expectations, I pushed the man off her and started yelling at him, getting in his face.

"Leave her alone you misogynistic, violent pig!" I raised my finger and started threatening him.

"Well, well, it looks like the pretty girl has a friend. We got lucky tonight, boys," he was laughing so loudly I wanted to break his jaw so he wouldn't be able to that ever again. He turned to his so-called friends and motioned them in my direction. They all shifted their eyes to me, starting to laugh too and nodding their heads. Furious, I had to do something about that.

"What is it?" I started with a sickly sweet smile which made him frown, making it clear to me that he was aware of my intentions. "Are the girls so grossed out by you so you have to force them to even look at you?" He gave me a cold, threatening look, but I didn't stop. Someone much scarier than him looked at me way worse, if I survived him, I could survive anyone. "Or maybe you do that because mommy never loved you, so now you're expressing your anger at women who are physically weaker than you just because you are a coward?" I raised an eyebrow with false compassion.

My words made him change his whole expression. His face was completely red and his eyes looked so sinister I was sure he wouldn't think twice before attacking me.

"Listen here, you stupid, little girl. It would be better for you to shut that fucking mouth up, or-" he started but was interrupted before he could finish his sentence.

"Or what?" said the icy cold voice behind me. Right after, Mateo wrapped his strong, tattooed arm around my waist, pulling me behind him. Standing like that, he covered my whole body, hiding me with his. In every other situation, I would be frightened by the tone of his voice and the murderous look he had in his eyes. Yet, this time, I didn't. I wasn't the cause of his anger nor was his passive, soon to be active, aggression directed towards me. Moreover, I was glad because this awful man would get what he deserved.

I shifted my gaze to him. His expression brought me such happiness I started to question my sanity. He looked terrified, like he had seen a monster, which wasn't far from the truth. Mateo was a dominant man, like a real alpha-male. There was no question as to who would emerge from there as the winner, regardless of the snake having a bunch of buddies on his side.

"I asked you or what?" Mateo deadly repeated. The man gulped and with a shaky voice, he responded to him.

"Nothin' dude. I didn't know that she was with you" he tried to smile, although that looked more like a grimace.

"Now you know."

"Of course, of course, it will never happen again," he raised his arms in defense. Mateo slowly started walking towards him. Seeing that, he immediately started walking backward, even though there wasn't much space. We were surrounded, there was no way out.

Before I could realize what was going on, Mateo raised his hand, and with all his might hit him in the middle of his jaw with his fist.

"This is to never forget that," Mateo's icy posture was completely gone, replaced by anger that seemed to be rooted in every cell of his body. He didn't wait a moment but immediately jumped at him, continuing to punch him. I frantically watched the whole scene unfold, frozen in my spot. It may had been hypocritical of me to think that because I was insulting him until this moment, but a snake-guy didn't deserve this. It was one thing to deal with him verbally, but to brutally beat him up like Mateo, I was sure, intended to, is absolutely wrong. I knew I had to do something, but I wasn't sure if there was anything that could be done.

"Mateo, that's enough," I told him when I reached his side, pulling him by his arm so I could take him off the man. However, he just shoved me away, like I was some boring fly. This was the second time, in less than a week, I had to fitness Mateo beating the crap out of someone.

"Mateo, it's over, stop!" this time I pulled him even harder, but he shoved me once more, with all his might. From the force he used I tripped on my feet and almost fell. I screamed and closed my eyes, expecting to crash to the floor at any moment, but the impact never came. Firm arms wrapped around my body, preventing my fall. Confused, I looked at the person who helped me get up. I was surprised to see the sky-blue eyed staring straight at me. I murmured a quiet thank you, to which Luke merely nodded.

After I woke up from whatever trance I was in at the time, I turned to Mateo in hope that I might somehow be able to reason with him. However, what I saw shocked me so much that every thought I had in my mind completely vanished. The snake-guy was lying on the ground, unconscious. His blood was pouring from so many places on his body that he literally bathed in it. It looked like he could choke with the amount he had in his mouth. His chest barely moved. It was difficult to know whether he breathed at all. The bones in his arms and legs were broken in several places.

Nevertheless, none of that was enough to stop Mateo. It was only a matter of time before he would kill a guy, who was disgusting being by all accounts, but who did not deserve this kind of punishment. No one even planned to prevent him from doing just that. People from the audience either supported and cheered him on to end the poor man, or they stood frozen as I did, in fear.

Unable to take it anymore, I quickly turned and practically ran to the exit of a club. I heard a familiar voice saying something, but I couldn't concentrate on what he was talking about. I couldn't breathe, I felt like less and less oxygen was entering my lungs with every passing second. I put a hand across my chest in an attempt to calm my heart that was pounding like crazy. I could hear his voice yelling after me. I knew that he was following me and that he would probably be here any moment now, but I didn't care, I just had to get out of there as soon as possible. It was a matter of time before I collapsed.

I finally got to the exit. With all my strength, I pushed the heavy, iron door open and ran out. As soon as I was out, I took a deep breath, trying to somehow calm myself. I slowed down my pace, realizing how much energy I had lost. I heard footsteps behind me, but I didn't pay attention, I just kept going, wanting to get away from this place.

"Tara!" Mateo's cold voice called out to me.

I ignored him. He was the last person I wanted to see at that moment.

"Tara, get in the car," he said rather calmly, but he still carried on jogging after me, considering I had fastened my pace when I had realized that he was behind me. I ignored him yet again. I passed by his cat and not for a moment did I considered if I should listen to him and get inside. There was not a chance I would stay with him all alone, his wrath frightened me way too much. No matter how much I tried to control myself, a small, treacherous tear poured down my face. I quickly wiped it and fastened my face even more so I could escape him.

At that very moment, I heard the most terrifying sound I had ever witnessed.

"Get in the fucking car!" he yelled at the top of his lungs and punched the car door with all his strength.

I immediately froze. I looked right ahead hoping that something would stop me from going with him, but I knew it was all in vain.

Another tear betrayed me. I wiped it off too, and, before I allowed myself to break down in tears, I turned around and reached his car. He stared at me the whole way. Although I didn't dare look at him, I felt it, as I always did when it comes to him.

Without a single word spoken, both on my part and his, I opened the door and walked inside. I put my seatbelt on and focused my gaze straight ahead, seemingly calm, waiting for him to get in. A second later, he was already in the car, slamming the door shut. I jumped a little when he did that, but he didn't care. Not bothering to fasten his belt, he brought the car to life and immediately flew out into the street, driving to a destination only he knew.