Hunter

XXXVI

One second, Jade was trying to not to collapse from smoke inhalation, the next, she was barreling out of a window.

Wind was pouring over her like a waterfall, flowing into her lungs.

She gasped, then coughed as the air caught in her throat. That's when she was aware of how fast she was moving. Wasn't she just in a building? How'd she even get out here?

She looked around, disorientated, her head trying to make sense of the swirling world around her.

She looked up and saw the most beautiful face she had ever seen.

The man had the chiseled good looks of an Egyptian prince. His inky black hair fell to the center of his neck in straight locks . His skin was clear of any blemishes, his dark skin soft like caramel. His eyes were lined with kohl, making his coffee brown eyes look warm. They glanced down at her, glimmering with some emotion.

His bare, muscular chest was highlighted by the golden collar hanging from his neck, like the kind a pharaoh would wear. The only thing abnormal about him were the furry, jackal-like ears jutting from his head, with small, golden studs.

His ripped arms surrounded Jade, clutching her bridal-style, as he carried her quickly away. They squeezed the contours of her body, like she was a baby rather than a woman. She struggled to make a sound or talk; the wind was pounding down on her now like waves.
She manged to jostle herself against his chest, and she noticed her backpack was missing. Again. She felt irritation sweep through her system, and she tensed her body, waiting for the perfect moment to leap from this guy's arms. Doesn't matter how freaking hot this guy was; technically, this was kidnapping.

 The man looked down and smiled kindly, like he knew about the thoughts running through Jade's head. His smile warmed her up to the bone, which only unsettled Jade more, and made his face light up. That was the only way Jade could think to describe it. It was like diamonds getting flashed by the rays of a solar eclipse. It made his whole face look like it was carved from gold.

Jade felt something bubble in her stomach, trying to suppress her pleasant surprise. What the freaking hell is he?
The man kept running, and she realized that she could barely hear the sound of his feet slapping against the pavement.
Finally, they stopped and Jade saw a golden house lying in front of them.
Then the image flickered, showing the dark shadow of a crushed building. Jade squinted and she could just make out the thin, golden stripes running over the frame of the building. Was that what was holding that building together.

The man set Jade on her feet, and she stood shakily, steeling her nerves. She faced him, her mouth set into a scowl. "Who are you?" She glanced over his body, her eyes narrowing again as the golden house flashed and flickered.
The man looked bashful, his cheeks coloring with a russet red. "I am Cairo."
His voice was deep and velvety, as stunning as him.

Jade's eyes flicked over him, noting the well-toned golden muscles of his body. Shit, if she had to fight to get out of here.....

"Where am I?" Her voice came out curtly, like it was the barbed end of a whip.
"You are here."
She narrowed her eyes, hissing,"Don't be a smart-ass. Where the hell is here?"
"Where you are."
Jade crossed her arms, tensing in irritation. She decided to move on. "Why am I here?"
"I have saved you from the ventor."
Her brow furrowed in confusion and he explained. "The boy you were with is a Hunter. The enemy."
Her frown deepened, her eyes, surprisingly, narrowing even further.
"He's not my enemy. He's only yours."
Cairo smiled sadly and slowly walked up to her. "Come. You are tired. And the boy cannot find you."
Jade shook her head angrily. "I'm not staying."
He stared at the ground, his eyes staring at the pavement as if looking for an explanation to give her.
"I understand. But, please, would you give me a chance? I promise, I will not harm you. Please."
Against her better judgement, Jade followed him into the golden house, praying for a way to get out of here.