13: Mias and Elle: Durias and Aurelius

Two Days Later…

What am I doing here?

Durias shifted in his seat as he looked around the small eatery, uncomfortable because he sat cramped in a booth so close to his younger brother.

It was their second day in the strange realm from which Mias had taken Elle, and still Aurelius hadn’t managed to find a young lady that held his interest for more then a passing glance or a bit of flirting.

Durias on the other hand, was content to stand by the wayside, for he had no interest nor desire to find for himself what Mias had found with Elle--because unlike his young brother, Durias knew that true love was a myth.

He hadn’t always been such a cynical bastard, but after what had happened with Angelique and Elias, Durias knew that he would never be able to trust a woman with his heart again.

Bitterness and sorrow were all he knew now--which was fine with him. As the leader of a vast army, there could be no room in his heart for anything as trivial as the idea of love. Hell, the only reason he was sitting in the cramped little eatery with Aurelius was to keep his younger brother out of trouble, for he knew that he would find nothing in this strange realm that he wanted.

Besides, I have nothing to offer. I’m a pathetic bastard, just as Angelique said.

He scowled, turning his sharp eyes on his brother. “This is pointless,” he muttered. “You're never going to find what it is you seek. Would you just pick a damn female and get it out of your system so we can return home? I have an army to lead, after all.”

“Always such a stick in the mud, Durias,” Aurelius said, picking up a butter knife and checking his straight white teeth in its murky reflection. “Up until now I haven’t been successful, but I have a good feeling, brother. Tonight’s the night I shall find her.”

Durias grunted pulling at the sleeve of the long dark leather trench coat he wore. On their first day in this strange realm, people had stared and pointed, some pulling out small mirror-like devices and aiming them at he and Aurelius, some having the audacity to laugh.

It was within that first hour that they realized their attire would attract too much attention, and so they had purchased long leather coats to hide their long-swords and daggers, and the clothing that made them stand out like sore thumbs.  

“You seem very confident,” Durias said flatly, looking at the few patrons in the eatery. An elderly couple moved slowly to the door, waving at the little redhead behind the counter, the bell jingling frantically as they opened the door and stepped out into the night.

“Confidence is key,” Aurelius said with a grin. “Why do you think I’m such a hit with the ladies? It’s all about confidence. I could give you a few pointers if you‘d like, brother.”

Durias ignored him, watching the little barmaid at the other end of the eatery, her back to them as she spoke to a young couple in a booth. Her hair was a wild mass pinned to the back of her head, and when she spoke she made wide hand movements, and her sweet laughter carried across the small place.

Durias’ heart began to pound. He couldn’t pull his eyes away from the barmaid in long dark trousers and a pale blue shirt, a dark green apron tied firmly at her waist.

When she turned from the young couple, Durias nearly forgot to breathe.

She was a lovely creature, her dark brown curls pulled back from her fey features. Her skin was fair, but there was a blush to her cheeks and nose that gave the illusion that she had just come in from the cold. He groaned inwardly as he perused her lithe body, and though she was slender she still had curves in all the right places. Her lips were a pink pout beneath her pointed little nose, the kind of lips that begged to be kissed well and often.

But what grabbed his attention and held it were her eyes. They were framed by thick rimmed spectacles, and were a bright clear blue. He imagined looking into those eyes as he held her close, her lids fluttering closed as his lips brushed hers, soft at first until passion consumed them both and they couldn’t hold back.

Durias swallowed. What am I thinking?

He was consumed by the urge to hold her, protect her, take her. And he would. He couldn’t understand it, and he was certain that she would fear and hate him for it, but he would not rest until she was his.

“She’s a stunning little thing, isn’t she?” Aurelius breathed, cutting into Durias‘ thoughts.

Durias turned to his brother, about to throttle him for even looking at the wee beauty, when he realized his brothers rapt gaze was fixed on the green eyed redhead behind the counter.

Aurelius placed a hand on the table and moved to stand, but Durias caught his arm and shook his head. “Not here,” he growled.

Or perhaps not at all. What is happening to me? I cannot do this!

He looked at the stunning barmaid once more and his heart lurched. Damn it all, but he had to have her. Call it curiosity, selfish desire, or both. He had to know more about the female who had set his blood to boiling, making him shift in his seat like a randy lad.

“If she catches you looking at her like a wolf looks at a tasty morsel,” Aurelius murmured, “You’re sure to frighten her away.”

Durias glanced at his brother, who was staring at the redhead with a hungry look in his eyes. “I might say the same thing to you, brother.”

Aurelius chuckled, leaning back and spreading his arms across the back of the booth. “Is it so wrong for us to show our appreciation for such ravishing beauties? I think not.”

“I pity your little redhead,” Durias surprised himself by chuckling. “Having to put up with such an arrogant ass.”

Aurelius tilted his head back and laughed. “And I pity your little brunette. She has no idea what a boorish lout she’ll have to put up with.”

Durias found himself chuckling at the jab as Aurelius turned his attention back towards the little redhead.

“Soon they will be ours,” Aurelius breathed, his tone gone serious.

Yes, Durias thought as he looked to his lovely little brunette. Soon.

~~~

Julie glanced over her shoulder as the young couple headed out the door, a rush of cold air flooding in before the door shut behind them.

What a cute couple. They’re so in love, she thought with a twinge of jealousy. Bastards.

Julie sighed. It wasn’t their fault that they were disgustingly happy while she was still blissfully single. After all, who didn’t love spending their nights curled up with a takout box of rice and a dog eared romance novel?

She was glad to be a single twenty-something with the freedom to do whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted, with no one to answer to but herself. It was beyond awesome.

Oh who am I kidding?

Julie shoved down her self-pity and crossed the small diner to lean against the counter where her friend and roommate Amy was busying herself with refilling the napkin holders.

“I don’t know about you, but I’m exhausted,” Amy said, tugging her red curls from the bun on top of her head and shaking them loose. “My feet are killing me.”

Julie adjusted her apron and smiled. “At least we don’t have to come in until the lunch shift tomorrow,” she yawned. “I don’t know about you, but I’m sleeping in.”

Amy nodded her agreement, scanning the diner before leaning forward. “Check out Kull the Conqueror and Prince Charming over there,” Amy whispered, jabbing the pencil she held towards a booth in the corner.

Julie looked over her shoulder as she pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose. Two men sat in a booth in the far corner of the diner, and they were two of the hottest men that Julie had ever seen.  But there were some strange things about their appearance that had her staring openly at them.

They both wore dark leather trench coats, but it was what they had on beneath them that was odd. Of what she could see, the collars of their shirts seemed strangely old fashioned, and Prince Charming appeared to be wearing an embroidered vest over his shirt, while Kull appeared to have a strip of leather crossing his chest from shoulder to waist. From beneath the table she could see that they each wore black boots that came almost to their knees, and what appeared to be the tip of a sword stuck out from beneath Krull’s jacket.

To top off the look both men had thick dark hair that shone in the dim light, Kull’s coming just to his shoulder while Prince Charming’s was pulled into a long ponytail that snaked around his neck and dipped into the collar of his jacket.

The strangest thing of all, Julie noted, was the dark design around their eyes, similar to that of a raccoons. On anyone else the design would have looked ridiculous, but on the two men in the booth it appeared far more intimidating--ominous even.

“How bizarre,” Julie murmured, still watching them.

“I know, right?” Amy whispered, her attention focused on the two strange men as well.

Prince Charming picked up the menu that lay on the table in front of him and held it upside down in his hands, looking it over with pursed lips. Kull, who looked too big for the booth and painfully out of place, looked around the small diner as though everything were new to him. His eyes were weary and uncertain as he looked at the lamps hanging from the ceiling. His hand went quickly to his hip when a  car drove by on the street outside, and as he stared out the window to watch it go past his mouth hung open in mingled awe and confusion.

Julie grew anxious as she watched the two oddly-attired strangers. They seemed like they were seeing everything for the first time, startled by every new sound and sight. A feeling of unease crept through her as she watched them, which was silly because they were just sitting there, minding their own business.

“Maybe they got lost on their way to ComiCon,” Julie offered, hoping to lighten the mood as she looked back at her friend.

Amy snickered, leaning her elbows on the counter as she whispered. “They look like they woke up on the wrong side of the Dark Ages.”

Julie snorted, covering her mouth to stifle her laughter. Amy bit down on her bottom lip, clearly struggling to keep control.

Julie dared a glance at the two strangers, her cheeks heating when she saw Kull, pinning her in place with his dark eyes. She swallowed hard and turned back to Amy, busying herself with wiping off the counter.

“You are so busted,” Amy giggled, and Julie threw the washcloth at her friend, who caught it and laughed harder.

“Do you think he heard us?” Julie hissed. She thought she felt his eyes on her, but she was not going to turn to find out. Nuh-uh. No way.

Amy shot a glance towards the booth once more, her big green eyes wide when she looked back at Julie. “Now tall dark and medieval is staring!”

Laughter bubbled in Julie’s throat as a thought occurred to her. “Maybe they’re shooting scenes for the new Hobbit movie nearby. Or Game of Thrones.”

Amy bit the inside of her cheek, her chest working as she tried to hold back her laughter. “They are staring right at us! Do not make me laugh!”

Julie giggled, taking her notepad and tips out of the pocket of her apron, tucking the folded bills into the front pocket of her jeans and tossing the notepad onto the counter. She tried to ignore the strangers in the booth, but she could feel their eyes, watching she and Amy’s every move.

“Wonder if they know the place is closing in five minutes,” Amy said, glancing towards the strangers as she unscrewing the lids on the salt shakers on the counter, readying to refill them.

“Don’t know,” Julie yawned, tilting her neck from side to side until she was rewarded with a small crack. “I didn’t even see them come in.”

A sly smile spread across Amy’s full lips. “I dare you to go over and tell them they have to leave.”

Julie pursed her lips, shaking her head. “No way!”

“Please,” Amy whined. “I could use a good laugh.”

“Not a chance,” Julie hissed. “Do you see those guys? I don’t feel like being thrown around like a rag doll by a couple of ‘roided-up behemoths.”

“Oh come on,” Amy pouted. “They’re kinda cute--in a Dungeons and Dragons sort of way.”

Amy laughed at her own joke, but Julie was not amused. The two of them had been standing there making ridiculous jokes about the two strangely-clad men, and there was no way they didn’t figure out that she and Amy had been making fun of them. And now Amy expected her to walk over and tell them they had to leave? Not a chance.

“Why don’t you do it?”

Amy shrugged. “I’ll play you for it. Rock, paper, scissors?”

Julie nodded in agreement, readying her fist. She bounced it three times on her opposite palm, and groaned.

Amy had paper while she had rock. Damn. “Best two out of three?” Julie asked hopefully.

“Not a chance,“ Amy laughed, shaking her head. “Now get over there Princess Buttercup, Westley is waiting for you.” She added with a wink.

“As you wish,” Julie grumbled, unable to keep from grinning when Amy burst out laughing again.

Julie turned from the counter and headed towards the booth where Kull and Prince Charming sat. Kull was hunched forward with his massive arms folded on the table, while Prince Charming sat back with his arms spread across the back of the booth.

Kull watched her every move, perusing her body from the tips of her toes to the top of her head and back again, his hot gaze touching her everywhere. His attention made her extremely self conscious, and she could just imagine how bad she probably looked after coming off of a twelve hour shift, her apron stained with a bit of tomato soup and her makeup no doubt washed away.

Oh come on, do I really care what this guy thinks? When Kull’s eyes caught and held hers her stomach did little flip-flops, and she wished she’d taken the time during her ten minute break to freshen up her makeup. Apparently, I do care.

Prince Charming appeared to be in deep thought as he watched something over Julie’s shoulder, and she realized that he was probably staring at Amy, making her just as uncomfortable as the Kull character was making her.

When she stood a few inches from the table, she got a bad feeling--like a fight or flight feeling that made the hairs on her arms stand up. She had only had that feeling once before, the night she had been mugged at knife point--the night she thought she was going to die.

She touched her abdomen lightly where the knife had sliced into her soft flesh just six months before.

It’s been that long? She thought absently. Why do I remember it like it was yesterday? God, I can still feel the strangers stale breath against my cheek, hear his bitter threats as he rips my purse from my shoulder, the knife pressed against my shirt…

Julie shivered, quickly shoving the memory aside. She told herself that no good could come of thinking about that horrible night and the monster that attacked her. All she could do was work through the memories of that nightmare day by day, little by little.

She only hoped  that one day she would be able to sleep through the night, and with the light off.

“Are you alright, love?” Kull asked, bringing her back to the present.

His voice was a deep rumble that sent goosebumps across her skin. She opened her mouth and a pitiful squeak was all that came out. Her cheeks heated and she cleared her throat, too embarrassed to meet his gaze.

“Sorry guys, but we’re closing,” she said, proud that the trembling of her hands didn’t come through in her voice--at least not too much.

Kull kept right on staring at her, making her so self conscious that she didn‘t know where to look or what to do with her hands. “I might be able to scrounge up some coffee for you if you’d like, but it won’t be very fresh. The kitchen’s closed so you’ll have to make due with just the coffee.”

They didn‘t say anything. Julie frowned and crossed her arms. Prince Charming’s attention was still on her friend while Krull looked her up and down, though she didn’t know what he was looking at as the apron she wore did nothing for her figure.

Irritated, she snapped her fingers at him and he scowled up at her. “I’m up here, pal.”

“Why don’t you call the giggly little redhead over,” Prince Charming interrupted. “Tell her I’ll buy her one of those coffees you mentioned. I assume it’s some sort of drink. Do the females here enjoy it when men offer them coffee?”

Great, a couple of creeps, no doubt piss drunk. Just what I wanted to deal with tonight.

Julie looked over her shoulder at Amy who was wiping the tears of laughter from her eyes, shaking her head.

“They're Drunk,” Julie mouthed, and Amy nodded her understanding, still giggling. She turned and disappeared through the door that led into the kitchen, leaving Julie alone with the two crazies.

Kull took hold of Julie’s hand and she gasped, turning to face him. His hand was warm and rough, yet he was gentle as he stroked her palm with his thumb. “You have wee, soft hands, love.”

Julie was startled by the soft words and gentle touch of the stranger, but his tenderness did nothing to diminish her anxiety. She tried to yank her hand free but he wouldn’t let go. Panic bubbled up and she had the sudden urge to scream. “Let go!” She breathed.

He must have known that he’d frightened her because he released her immediately, his eyes watchful as she took a few steps away. Her heart was pounding in her chest, and she took slow deep breaths as she tried to regain control.

Kull was looking at her as though he thought she might break, while Prince Charming seemed amused by the exchange.

Did I overreact? Julie wondered. He wasn’t trying to hurt me…maybe he was just being nice.

Amy brushed past her then, a Styrofoam cup of steaming coffee in each hand. “Alright guys, these are on the house, but you really do need to get going. We’re closing up for the night.”

“And what are your plans after closing, pet?” Prince Charming asked, a wicked grin revealing his straight white teeth.

“Laundry,” Amy said dryly. “And then maybe an hour or two with the Winchester brothers. And don’t call me pet, jackass. Do I look like a poodle?”

Prince Charming’s puzzled expression was priceless as Amy turned on her heel and walked back behind the counter, focusing on refilling the salt shakers.

Julie stood awkwardly for a moment, not sure what to do or say after Amy’s amusing parting words. She could always count on her friend to lighten the mood, and her timing was impeccable because Julie had been on the verge of a full blown panic attack.

“And what about you, love,” Kull asked softly. “What do you have planned for this evening?”

“Me?“ She squeaked. “Oh, um--” Julie took another anxious step back, not liking the way these two strangers looked at them like they owned them or something, like they wanted them. Julie shivered. “Amy and I are roommates, so-uh- I’ll be spending tonight doing laundry too.”

“And those Winchester brothers,” Kull growled, his eyes dark. “Will you be spending the evening with them as well?”

Julie blinked, confused, and she couldn’t stop the burst of laughter that escaped her lips. Kull frowned, and Prince Charming didn’t look too pleased either. Didn’t these guys know that Amy had been talking about a television show?

Maybe they hadn’t seen it, but she thought they would at least get the reference. She was about to correct them, but the whole situation was too amusing to pass up. “I might. A few hours with them is always exciting. You guys have a good night.”

Julie turned and walked quickly behind the counter, busying herself with getting the coffee ready for the next morning while Amy moved on to refilling the ketchup.

“Well played,” Amy giggled from behind her. Julie bit her lip and glanced at the booth where the two strangers sat, and her stomach twisted.

Their heads were leaned together and they were talking in hurried whispers, Prince Charming’s eyes going to Amy while Kull dared a glance at Julie.

Something bad is going to happen, I just know it.

Julie cast an anxious glance towards the kitchen door. She knew that Brian, the owner, was somewhere out back. She could picture him leaning against the brick wall near the dumpster, a cigarette poised between his fingers and his cell phone pressed to his ear. She wished he would come back inside, though she didn‘t know what difference that would make. She doubted that the short stocky man could take either of the strangers in a fight, but she didn’t think they would try anything if someone else was nearby.

Before she could worry further on the matter, the two strangers scooted out of the booth and stood to their full heights, each of them well over six feet tall. They left their coffees on the table untouched. Prince Charming pulled a gold coin from his pocked and dropped it onto the table before following his brother to the door.

“Good evening ladies,” Prince Charming bowed his head in their direction, and Amy rolled her eyes with an unladylike snort. He pinned her in place with a steady glare. “See you soon, pet.”

Amy glared right back as he opened the door and stepped out into the night. Kull cast a last glance at Julie over his shoulder but said nothing, only stared at her with some dark unspoken promise in his eyes.

When the door closed Amy rushed around the counter and turned the lock, flipping the open sign to closed, quickly pulling the shade down.

“Well that was--kinda creepy,” Julie breathed, grabbing the tray of refilled salt shakers with trembling hands. She went quickly from table to table placing one on each, needing to busy herself to take her mind off of the strange encounter with Kull.

“No kidding,” Amy pulled the shade aside and peered out. “I don’t see them out there. You think they’ll come back?”

“Nah,” Julie said quickly, though she wasn’t sure. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end every time she neared a window, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that somewhere in the darkness, Kull was watching her.

When she came to the booth where they had been sitting, she placed their untouched coffees on the tray, her eyes catching on the large gold coin that Prince Charming had left on the table.

She picked it up, turning it over in the palm of her hand, feeling it’s slight weight. She noticed that one side was stamped with the profile of a man with a sharp, straight nose, while the other side was stamped with what appeared to be a family crest.

“Do you suppose it’s real?” Amy asked, peeking at it from over Julie’s shoulder.

“I don’t know,” Julie murmured, handing it to her friend.

Amy whistled, holding it between her thumb and index finger. “Well, if it is real, then dinner’s on me.”

“Excuse me?” Julie laughed. “Half of that tip is mine, you know.”

“I don’t think so,” Amy grinned, lifting her apron and tucking the gold coin into the front pocket of her jeans. “I brought them the coffees, therefore the tip is mine.”

Julie laughed just as Brian came in through the kitchen door, his attention on the cell phone in his hand. “You girls still here?” He asked without looking up. “Get out of here you two, I’ll finish up.”

“Oh no, we couldn’t possibly leave without emptying the trash in the bathroom,” Amy said, but she was already untying her apron.

“And we haven’t scrubbed the grill yet,” Julie added dramatically, yanking her apron off over her head.

“Get out of here before I change my mind,” Brian laughed, finally looking up from his cell phone. The phone chirped loudly in his hand and he brought it to his ear before disappearing into the kitchen.

“You’re a peach, Bri!” Amy said, practically leaping over the counter to grab her purse and leather jacket from the hook on the wall.

“See you tomorrow, Brian,” Julie called, wrapping her scarf around her neck and pulling her coat over her shoulders.

Amy tugged a loose beanie over her head, her shoulder length red hair curling around the collar of her coat.

Julie didn’t bother to take her hair down, she knew her dark brown tresses would be tangled and unruly after being in a knot on the top of her head all day. So she left her hair up and smiled at her friend as they headed out into the chilly night air, arm in arm.

They only lived a few blocks away from the diner, but Julie still kept her eyes open for the two strangers. When she saw the way that Amy was scanning her surroundings, she knew her friend was weary of the strangers too.

“Do you still have your pepper spray?” Amy asked, her bright green eyes watchful.

“I think so,” Julie said, pulling the flap up on her messenger bag and digging around inside. She pushed aside a book, her wallet, sunglasses, and a tube of chapstick she didn’t even know she had before her fingers closed over the familiar plastic canister. “Ah-ha!” She cried victorious, holding the small bottle of pepper spray up for her friend to see.

They had stopped walking, Julie realized when she glanced at Amy and saw that she was staring towards the alley across the street. Julie followed her gaze, her heart lurching in her chest when she saw Prince Charming standing near the entrance to the alley. He flashed Amy a wicked grin, the streetlight flickering above him before going dark.

“He’s still standing there,” Amy whispered, clutching the sleeve of Julie‘s coat. “I know it. What does he want?”

Julie looked around, the hairs on the back of her neck standing up again. She knew where Prince Charming was, but where was Kull? She had a feeling this was all part of their plan. Were they splitting up so that they could come at them from different sides? And worse, what did they plan to do if they got their hands on them?

Oh God, they're going to kill us! They're going to use us up and then leave our bloodied broken bodies in a gutter somewhere! I just knew there was something wrong with them, I knew that they were going to try something! And now Amy and I are out her alone, exposed. Stupid, so stupid!

And they were alone. It was just after ten on a weeknight, and not a soul was out except for them and the two strangers who seemed to be hunting them.

Julie could scarcely breath as panic overtook her. Black spots danced in her vision as the familiar fear that had swallowed her up the night she was mugged came flooding back. She leaned against Amy, afraid that she was about to pass out and leave her friend alone and exposed.

“Julie! Oh crap,” Amy murmured, lightly giving Julie‘s arm a shake. “Keep it together. Please don’t freak out on me now. I’m scared too.”

Julie nodded, taking deep slow breaths--in through the nose out through the mouth--until unconsciousness no longer threatened.

“Maybe we should call the police,” Julie offered, and Amy shook her head.

“Even if we do they won’t get here for a while,” Amy said firmly, looping her arm through Julie’s as they started walking again. “Best to get home and lock ourselves in. Once we’re safe, we’ll call.”

“Sounds good to me,“ Julie said, flicking the lid off of her pepper spray.

Amy kept her eyes on the darkened alleyway as they walked slowly along, and Julie found herself doing the same, half expecting the beautiful stranger to launch out of the alleyway and rip Amy from her grip.

“I told you I’d see you soon, pet,” Amy gasped and Julie’s head shot up to see Prince Charming standing right in front of them on the sidewalk, his arms crossed over his chest.

How the hell did he get over here without us seeing him?

“You’re coming with me,” Prince Charming said, offering her his hand smugly.

Amy gaped at him, seemingly amused at his nerve. “Like hell I am!” She shouted, kicking him in the shin with the toe of her boot.

He cursed, reaching for her, but Amy was fast. She jumped out of his reach before he could touch her, shoving Julie out of Prince Charming‘s reach, and Julie nearly fell to the ground.

Julie caught herself against the brick building  to her right, still holding the pepper spray at arms length in front of her.

“Don’t just stand there,” Amy cried. “Run!” Her back was to Prince Charming and she bolted down the street. Julie was too stunned to move, and in the precious seconds that she had stood there dumbly Prince Charming had come closer.

Julie cringed back against the wall, waiting for him to grab her, but to her surprise he didn’t even look sideways at her, only barreled past with a furious sneer on his face. It seemed he was determined have Amy.

Julie pushed away from the wall and turned in the direction her friend was running, “Run Amy!” She screamed, not knowing if her friend heard her because she disappeared around a corner, Prince Charming hot on her heels.

Oh God, is this really happening?

Julie reached a trembling hand into her messenger bag and pulled out her cellphone. She cursed her trembling fingers as she dialed for the police, not knowing what else she could do.

As she brought the phone to her ear it occurred to her how exposed she was, standing on the sidewalk on a deserted stretch of street. The night was so quiet she could hear her breath rasping in and out as she struggled to gain control of herself.

She turned just as the phone connected with an operator and she screamed. The phone fell from her hand and shattered to pieces on the sidewalk.

“Good evening, love,” Kull breathed, staring down at her.

She thought he was imposing in the confines of the diner, but now, standing alone with him on a street corner, she realized the guy was huge.

“S-stay away from me,” Julie whispered, taking a few unsteady steps back until she hit the wall.

“I’m not going to hurt you,” he said quietly, inching closer. He placed one of his large scarred hands on the wall beside her head, leaning down as he studied her face, too close for her liking.

“Yeah right,” she managed weakly, her hand tightening around the pepper spray. She knew that the tiny bottle would be her only chance of escape, but she couldn’t spray him now. He was too close, and there was a good chance that it would get in her eyes too. She needed to put a bit of distance between them before she could attack.

“What are you called, love?” He murmured as he pulled her glasses down her nose and off, his dark eyes boring into hers.

She blinked, her eyes adjusting to the slight fuzziness of the world around her. She was lucky in that she could see fairly well without her glasses, but she did have trouble with distance. But she had no trouble making out the features of the stranger looming over her--his tanned skin and stubbled jaw, the faded scars that etched his face in all directions.

“J-Julie,” she whispered, her lips trembling.

She was terrified, her legs quaking beneath her. She was barely able to breathe as she stared up into Kull’s dark eyes, wondering what he planned to do to her.

“Julie,” he sighed, folding her glasses in his hand and tucking them into the front pocket of his coat. “Your eyes are stunning…so deep…blue, like a calm sea.”

Julie would have appreciated the compliment if it were coming from anyone besides the rough behemoth who had her cornered on a dark street.

“I am Durias, eldest son of Helena and Bartholomew, Captain of the Meurtrier Army.” He said it proudly, his shoulder squaring, as though his words should impress her.

This guy is nuts! “P-please, leave me alone,” Julie whispered, tears threatening to spill over.

Durias frowned down at her before pushing away from the wall. He stared at her for several beats, as though deciding what he should do. Her heart pounded in her ears as he took a step back, his brow drawn in a scowl as he studied her.

He opened his mouth to speak, but before he could utter a word Julie raised her arm and pressed down hard on the button atop the pepper spray.. A stream of clear liquid shot right into Durias’ eyes, running down his cheeks and over his nose.

He roared, flashing his teeth as he brought his hands to his eyes, scrubbing at them as though trying to wipe the burning pain away.

Julie screamed as she emptied the contents of the small canister into his face, still spraying it even when his hands had come up to cover his eyes. She threw the spent canister to the ground and took off running down the street in the direction of her apartment, hoping that Amy had somehow managed to escape her own attacker and circle around to their small two bedroom flat.

Julie pumped her arms, her breath seesawing in and out as she turned the corner, nearly stumbling to the ground when she rounded it too quickly. Her messenger bag bounced violently against her backside as she ran, and she pulled it around so she could dig out her keys.

Her hand closed around them when the familiar four story building came into view. When she saw that the windows of her third floor apartment were still dark, she grew sick with the realization that Amy hadn’t made it back to the apartment.

Maybe she found help, or made it to a police station. Julie thought hopefully. One thing was certain, Julie was calling the police as soon as she dead bolted her front door.

“Almost there,” she rasped, yanking the keys from her purse. They jangled in her hand as she flipped through keys and random key chains, her fingers trembling as she worked.

She skidded to a halt in front of the heavy glass door that led into the brightly-lit foyer of her building, working frantically to jam the key into the lock.

“Julie.”

She froze, her stomach clenching as she turned to see Durias staring down at her, the whites of his eyes red and bloodshot, his cheeks flushed.

“You do not play fair, love.”

Julie doubted that she would have enough time to unlock the door and get inside before he could grab her, which left her with only one other option. She turned to run, planning to scream her head off, maybe even bang on a few doors if she had to. She just knew she would do whatever she had to--she wouldn’t let him get her.

Not again. Never again.

She turned to run, barely making it a few steps before his hand snaked around her waist and he lifted her off her feet. She screamed loud, her shrieks cutting through the silence of the night. Somewhere in the distance a dog barked, but no one came to their windows, no one stepped outside to see if a giant of a man was walking along carrying a waitress around like she was no more then  a sack of potatoes.

Julie was all alone with the hulking stranger.

“Let me go!” Julie cried, her voice shrill. She pounded her small fists against his thick forearm, but he didn’t budge, only turned and walked into the alleyway between her building and the small market on the corner.

“Will you stop that insufferable shrieking, woman,” Durias growled against her ear. “I said I would not hurt you.”

Julie screamed louder, thrashing her arms and kicking his shins with the heels of her sneakers.

“Where have you been?”

Julie stopped her struggle to stare in horror at Prince Charming--with Amy slung limply over his shoulder.

“W-what did you do to her you--you asshole!” Julie shrieked, struggling against her captor once more. “Let me go! What did you do to Amy?”

“Calm down,” Prince Charming said coolly, turning to the side so that Julie had a better view of her friend. “She’s fine.”

Amy turned her head and grinned wide at Julie, pushing her red curls out of her eyes. “Hey Jules,” she giggled, saluting her friend with two fingers.

“Amy,” Julie breathed, pushing against Durias’ hold. “W-what’s wrong with you? What did he do to you? Drug you?”

“No silly,“ Amy giggled again, shaking her head. “I was running and running and he caught me. Then this orange light came out of his hands and--poof! I feel freaking awesome!”

Julie shook her head, glaring open mouthed at Prince Charming. “You bastard! Let her go!”

Prince Charming grinned, jostling Amy on his shoulder, making her squeal with laughter. “What do you say, pet? Want me to let you go?”

“Oh wow,” Amy giggled, turning her attention to Julie once more to whisper, “at this angle I have a perfect view of his ass!”

Prince Charming chuckled, shaking his head. “She’s a handful, this one.”

“She’s fine, love,” Durias said close to her ear. “It is only a small enchantment. It will wear off in a few hours.”

Enchantment? What the hell?

“Please...just...let us go,” Julie breathed desperately, hoping that she could reason with them before the evening took an even more terrifying turn. If these guys wanted them loopy and compliant, she could just imagine what they wanted to do to them. The thought made her cringe, and as if sensing her distress, Durias set her on her feet, turning her to face him.

“We cannot do that,” Durias said firmly, placing his hands on her shoulders. “But I promise no harm will come to you or your friend.” He eyed her cautiously, then asked. “Will you trust me?”

Julie shook her head as she struggled against him, disbelieving the whole situation. Was she really standing in an alleyway, her friend slung over a dark stranger’s shoulder, while a looming man talked to her about spells and enchantments? It was all so ludicrous, she had to be dreaming. Maybe she tripped and hit her head on the walk home and she was passed out in an emergency room somewhere, hopped up on painkillers that were making her loopy.

That scenario made far more sense then the one playing out before her.

“Love?” Durias gave her shoulders a little shake, and she looked up into his dark eyes, his full lips turned down in a scowl. “Will you trust me?”

Julie took a deep breath, gritting her teeth as she glared up at him. “Never.”

His jaw clenched and when his hand came up she flinched, thinking for a moment he was going to hit her. He wrapped his strong arm around her waist and pulled her to him, his other hand warm when it covered her forehead.

She shoved at his chest, trying to get away, when a warmth spread from his hand and down her cheeks, tingling over her lips and trickling down her neck. Her limbs instantly relaxed and she found herself leaning against him to keep from falling.

“I feel funny,” she murmured. She blinked slowly, her limbs heavy as she pressed closer to Durias, his leather jacket cool against her flushed cheek.

“Time to go, love.“ Durias lifted her into his arms easily, cradling her against his chest.

Julie sighed, wrapping her arms around his shoulders, enjoying the warmth that he provided. She felt so happy, so content, without a care in the world. Hadn’t she been upset about something earlier? Hadn’t she been frightened, angry?

She didn’t know, didn’t care as a matter of fact. All she knew was the strength of the arms that held her and the warmth of the strong chest beneath her cheek. And something else--she pressed her nose to the linen shirt between the folds of his leather jacket, breathing deep.

“Mmm, you smell nice…spicy…like cinnamon,” she breathed, smiling up at him, her eyelids growing heavy.

He stared down at her, an amused grin on his face. And she couldn’t help herself, she smiled back.

“I hate to interrupt, but we should get going,” Prince Charming cleared his throat, lifting a hand to the brick wall.

Julie stared with wide eyes as an orange glow radiated from his raised hand, tendrils of light curling around his fingers before bursting from his hand to snake across the wall.

The bricks disappeared into swirling orange light, and warm air washed over them from the opening in the brick wall. Julie squinted at the opening, certain that her eyes were playing tricks on her. Beyond the brick wall there was a seemingly endless field of wildflowers, the buds of purple and gold bending and bobbing in the breeze.

Julie reached out, fascinated, but Durias held her just out of reach.

“It’s beautiful,” she murmured, yawning. She was so tired. Keeping her eyes open was becoming more difficult by the second, and when she glanced at Amy still draped over Prince Charming’s shoulder, she saw that her eyes were closed and her arms hung limp.

Julie looked up at Durias, his eyes focused on the opening in the wall, the sunlight from beyond making his dark eyes shine.

She turned her head towards his chest, rubbing her cheek there as she snuggled closer, sighing.

“That’s right love,” he rumbled. “Rest now. Don’t fight it.”

I do like his deep sexy voice, she thought with a giggle, closing her eyes. Or had she said that out loud?

She wasn’t sure, and she didn’t particularly care. She was too content, and she felt…safe.

For the first time in months Julie closed her eyes, drifting to sleep without fear of being plagued by nightmares.