The Shadow Executioner

CHAPTER 5 Taking a Chance on You

I FELT A WARM ROUGH TONGUE drag across my cheek, its saliva leaving behind a wet and slimy trail. I blinked my eyes groggily open to see the sweetest chocolate eyes staring at me, his light tan markings above his eyes look like expressive eyebrows. His pointed ears stood tall above his thin and narrow head, his muzzle a beautiful onyx color. I smiled at the cute dog looking at me curiously. I sat up watching the dog sit down tilting its head inquisitively. I laughed reaching my hand out in front of his nose letting him sniff me before he nuzzled his snout against my hand.

"You are sweet, where's your owner... "I looked to see a thick red collar with pointed spikes around his smooth and elegant neck. I saw the shine of the metal tag that was attached and blinked a few times to make sure I read his name right.

"Cerebus. You couldn't have come at a better time, could you?" I ask him the irony of the situation making me laugh, I shook my head trying not to remember what happened earlier. I looked around seeing that there were more people at the park now. I sighed and sat up maybe his owner was nearby.

"Come on Cerebus, let's go find your owner, I'm sure they are looking for you." I said standing up watching him bark in response and walk right on my left side. He clearly was trained as he was focused on the surroundings and not bouncing around and sniffing everything in sight. I would kill to have a dog like him. He was simply stunning; I wonder what his owner looked like. People always said some dogs match their owners either in looks or personality. This sweet dog was ethereal in the way he walked, he was quiet and seemed to glide across the earth, his eyes were unfaltering and stern. He was truly a beautiful specimen.

"Cerebus, come!" I heard a stern but soothing voice call, the voice sounded familiar. I heard Cerebus bark and watched him move into an all-out dash, his black and tan fur a simple blur as he returned to his owner. I followed his running to see who his owner was.

"So, we meet again sweetheart." I heard his deep voice call walking over to me with his dog by his side. Beautiful dog for a beautiful man. I thought as I waved at him. He blessed me with his stunning smile.

"Long time no see Damian." I said cheerfully his name rolling off my tongue. He dropped his smile and stood in front of me. He reached his hand out and touched my cheek, his thumb gliding over the spot where Cerebus licked. I jumped at his touch but didn't move. Somehow, I felt safe standing here in front of him, safe under his warm touch.

"Who hurt you love?" He asked swiping his thumb under my left eye, removing some of the remnants of tears that were left behind and dropping his hand to his side. I looked at his captivating eyes, the ones that I was so enthralled with last night, he looked at me sternly waiting for my response. I glanced down his harsh gaze making me nervous. I sighed and shook my head. He is a stranger should I just tell him? It's not like he knows me or any of my friends. . . friend. I have one friend now. I gathered my courage and looked at him.

"If I tell you something will you give me your honest answer?" I asked his harsh expression turned into a relaxed one his eyes never leaving my face. I started walking to a nearby picnic table and sat down, I turned my head flicking it to the bench across from me. He sat down leaving his elbows on to the concrete table top. Cerebus sat next to his side staring out at the playground watching the tiny humans run around.

"I will listen to what you have to say Rochelle. I promise I will always be here to listen." He said his smooth accent lulling me into a serene demeanor. I shut my eyes taking a deep breath as I thought of a way to explain everything without sounding crazy.

"Have you ever heard the term Shadow Executioners?" I asked eyeing him suspiciously, I watched his biceps tighten as Cerebus growled lowly. Damian patted the top of his head calming him down