New Beginning

I was on the cusp of sleep when I heard a sound. Not quite sure of what I heard, I laid as still as possible. Falling asleep on the oversized sofa wasn't the norm, but tonight it called to me. It was big enough for two and just the right kind of soft and support to ease you into relaxation. My eyes had adjusted to the darkness and when nothing moved, I closed them once more. That's when I felt him. His body surrounded mine and before I could scream his hand gently covered my mouth.

"I'm here to protect you. No harm will come to you while I am around. There is great danger in the vicinity, but you are safe." Terrified, I tried not to move. I tried to focus on who was holding me. Strangely, I still couldn't see him, but felt his strength all the same. His body was molded to mine, a perfect fit. His heart beat in rhythm to mine. This was the strangest dream ever...or was it?

I reached to touch my face but his hand clasped mine, holding them both to my chest. When he nuzzled into my neck, I froze, stiffening in fear. What the hell was going on? The chaos outside was deafening.

"Be still my love, I am not here to hurt you. It is in my arms that you are safest."

"But who are you? Where did you come from? And how did you get into my apartment?" I tried not to scream but it was nearly impossible. I wasn't sure what to be more afraid of, the man holding me or the war going on right outside my windows.

"I will explain it all when things calm down."

"No, you need to start explaining now. Please." I do not know if he heard the fear in my voice, or if he just decided now was as good a time as any, but it got him talking.

"My love, I was sent here to protect you. You are very important to our future. You are very important to me. I've been watching over you for your entire life. Please don't be freaked out. I've kept my distance, allowed you to make your own decisions, but tried to keep danger away from you."

"So where do you come from? Why can I feel you, but not always see you?"

"Where I'm from isn't important right now. Keeping you safe is. You can feel me because I need you to. If you feel safe then you'll begin to trust me. And you can trust me my love."

He was being evasive, but for some reason I did feel safe. The building shook as the war continued on outside. I didn't understand what the hell was going on, but I was too tired to stay awake. I fell asleep in his arms.

Somehow I knew I was alone. Stretching, I no longer felt him behind me. Looking around my apartment, all seemed to be normal. Crazy dream. "I guess I better get ready for work." I mumbled to myself as I walked towards the windows. Pulling the curtains aside to let the sunshine in, I was shocked at the site just beyond the glass. All of the buildings around mine had been hit or destroyed by something. Cars were burning and the few people venturing out were looking shocked at the destruction.

"What the hell?" I said to no one but myself.

"I told you I'd protect you, my love," he said from behind me.

"Son of a bitch! How'd you get in here? Who are you?" I jumped and spun around, my back hitting against the windows. The most gorgeous man I'd ever seen was standing in front of me smiling. How had I missed seeing him throughout my life? I was afraid of taking my eyes off of him to look for a weapon, but surely I needed to protect myself.

"No my love, you don't need to protect yourself from me. I'm not going to hurt you. Ever." He smiled and my heart began to melt.

"How the heck are you doing that? You can read my mind too?" I was beginning to shake I was so terrified. I couldn't take my eyes from his.