The Elemental Princess

Chapter Three

Zariah’s POV

I must admit this club is nice. It has stars and shooting stars all over the walls and ceiling. The stars glow at different levels of light, even some flicker to mimic twinkling. Xan and I were at the bar doing a couple shots each of tequila. I have to say Xan got me looking surprisingly good for me standing here in my prom dress. I guess it was a good idea to get the short black dress and wear it for further occasions.

It had spaghetti straps following to a heart-shaped caress over my chest with an empire waist and the dress flowing to above my knees. Normally it would have fallen just below my knees, but apparently my b****s had a last-minute growth spurt.

I was wearing black heels, and Xan had styled my midnight black hair by pinning it back just on the sides of my head, allowing for my wavy hair to look like I had a black waterfall down to my lower back. I had a simple make-up with black glittery eye shadow that complimented my one blue eye and one green eye, and bright red lip gloss. It complemented my light caramel skin color. I just looked like I always had a great tan.

Xan had dressed in some black designer jeans with a red short sleeved satin shirt that had buttons down the front. His dark brown hair was combed into this slight spike out of hair here and there which just worked with his lean figure and height. Honestly, if he weren’t gay, I would go for him. Instead, he’s just the best of friend anyone can have. He thinks I’m beautiful, but I don’t really feel that way. I gained weight after the accident. I’m not fat, but I have a bit of a belly and backside. Thankfully, this dress covers my pooch belly.

Just then, Xan snatched my hand and started dragging me to the center of the dance floor. Xan was screaming into the crowd of bodies on the floor, “Move out of the way for the Z queens.” I chuckled at him. It didn’t matter how many times I told him his name didn’t start with a “Z”, he still says it. He always tells me, “Well my name starts with the “Z” sound, so close the f**k enough.”

We began dancing to the music, gyrating and swaying to the beat. Every so often, Xan would turn, so he was behind some guy and dance with him. Some guys reciprocated out of pure fun, I assume. Others would push him away. You can’t win them all, I guess. He grabbed me by my shoulders and mouthed “OMG”. He, however, wouldn’t let me go to turn and see what he was seeing. I can only assume it was going to be his next conquest in his flirting pool.

I wiggled out of his hold and stepped to his side to face what he was looking at. He was right. OH MY GOD, the most gorgeous specimen of a man was making his way towards us. He was tall with a what I can only think is a warrior's build. He was over six feet with just enough of broad shoulders, following with just the right number of muscles on his chest and arms that screamed he may be dangerous to meet in a dark alley. I was thinking how I wouldn’t mind meeting him in a dark alley but ripping his clothes off kind of meet. His black hair almost seemed to have what looked like the darkest of blue coloring that made it almost look black.

Well, there went my fantasy. I just wish I hadn’t gotten a little wet as I ogled him. Xan was going to be incredibly lucky. As he got closer, more of his sharp facial features could be seen, almost like his face had been chiseled out of marble or granite. He wore black jeans with a tight black t-shirt. I know I’ll never have him, but he’ll probably be starring in my dreams tonight, I was thinking to myself.

Xan elbowed me slightly in my left side and made a point to click his jaw shut while staring at me. Oh sh*t, I was standing there with my mouth agape this whole time. It may have only been less then a minute, but it's enough to make me visibly embarrassed by my mouth hanging open. I started to idly rub my birthmark on my inner left wrist with my right hand. I tend to do that when I’m nervous, anxious, or need comfort. It is this weird, shaped birthmark that's almost like a fat bumpy snake sort of.

I started to step away from Xan, backing away slowly. I figured I would just head to the bar and grab another shot or two. Xan had a huge smile on his face. “Hi, sweet thing,” Xan said to the man. The man kind of got a curious look on his face like he’d never been complimented like that before. I was still backing away at the time. He looked towards me. I stopped backing away and I was just awe-struck at his deep smoky gray eyes rimmed with a dark blue at the center around the iris. I could get lost in those eyes for an eternity.

Xan had moved close to me and started to tug at my arm. It had seemed like time stopped as we stared at each other. Xan was looking between the two of us. Then he dragged me forward towards the man. “Excuse my friend.” He said loudly over the music. “You guys should dance.” as he shoved me into the man’s arms. I tripped slightly and the man caught me before I could completely fall. “Sorry.” I kind of hollered above the music.

He righted me and then started to dance with me. I moved in time with his movements, but the song quickly turned to a sultry, slow song. He pulled me close to him and wrapped his arms around my waist. I slipped my hands up to his shoulders and held on. My legs started to want to turn to jelly, but I controlled myself and we started to sway to the music. He smelled so good, like a crisp earth, air, smoke, and even a little saltiness like the sea with something else I couldn’t describe but appealed to my senses.

Damn, I got a little more wet while feeling his muscles flex under my fingertips. In this moment, if he swept me up and brought me into that dark alley, I wouldn’t mind. I’ve got to get my head cleared. I’m not like this. I’ve never had a serious boyfriend. I had to go to my senior prom with Xan because he hadn’t come out yet and no one asked me. We had a blast though, so that’s all that mattered. Since then, I haven’t dated at all. Other than Xan dragging me to a club or bar here and there like now, I’ve largely been working, spending time with my dogs or Xan, and fighting with my adoptive family in court.