Mate?

Zenith's POV

Here I am, minding my own business, when suddenly, a pair of strong arms forcefully pull me into an almost suffocating embrace, from behind. I did not see him. I felt him, like a shadow wrapping around my spine before the arms ever touched me. From his strong physique to the restless, masculine energy radiating off him… I know that it's a man.

I try to squirm out of his arms but it's a futile attempt. Then in a guttural voice he utters, "Mate!" At the same time, his head is buried on the crook of my neck, inhaling deeply. My first instinct is to scream. But weirdly, there’s no fear. My heartbeat spikes, yes, but it’s more from shock than panic. Who the hell is this guy? I stop struggling and wait for him to release me.

He does, after what feels like forever. Then he turns me around and lo and behold! The guy is a stunner. I do not even know how to start describing him. He is donning blue jeans, black boots, a white t-shirt and a black leather jacket. His black hair is slightly tousled by the wind but still gives him a rugged but charming look.

He has captivating blue eyes that feel like a vortex drawing me in. Heck, just looking into those eyes, I feel like I'm being drawn into the depth of a deep blue see. I shake my head slightly, mentally chiding myself for being shameless.

How can I be drawn to a creep who has just molested me? Nonetheless, my eyes seem to have a mind of their own. I tried to focus, really, I did, but my brain short-circuited somewhere between that jawline and those maddeningly soft-looking lips. Ugh. Focus, Zen! Damnit! I should be questioning him, not just foolishly drooling!

But I guess my head and my eyes are no longer in sync. Instead of stopping, my eyes slide down to his muscular chest, hands, six pack abs, his slim waist and damn! His thighs... Ugh! Stop it, Zen!

Finally, my eyes stop but what's the use? They are done already! So, to cover my embarrassment, I clear my throat. "Ahem, sir? Don't you think that you crossed the line and you should be apologizing to me? You’re not one of those guys who think good looks excuse violating boundaries... are you?”

The creepy hunk does not respond but just stares at me quietly. I rack my brain thinking of how I can get out of this situation. Since he grabbed me, he only uttered one word. For a split second, I wondered if he might have a medical condition. But no, he is different. I have volunteered with kids on the spectrum before.

They were sensitive, thoughtful, and expressive in their own ways. This guy? He’s something else entirely. A mystery wrapped in muscle and silence. Still, if he needs kindness, I will offer it.

"Hey, buddy. You called me mate, right? You want me to be your friend? No problem. I agree. I am new here anyway and could use a friend. My name is Zenith Valencia. But as my newly found friend, you can call me Zen. Handshake?" I extend my hand but then he quirks his brow and instead pulls me in for a hug.

"Mate." This time, it is spoken in a gentle manner. Not as forceful as the first time. I do not need to be a seer to note that this guy has problems articulating himself. I am not a philanthropist but I am not wicked, either. I have had my fair share of the atrocities of life in my eighteen years.

Irrespective of how good looking this guy is, he is also having his problems. If he needs a friend so badly, then I will be his friend or his mate, as he prefers. I gently pat his back and he breaks the hug. However, he quietly scrutinizes me and gently place his hands on my temples. I do not squirm but allow him to do as he pleases.

I'm told that nonverbal people respond to gentleness. So, I am going to help this guy. The fact that he is alone at night, like me, he must have suffered some grievances. "Alejandro." He suddenly speaks but gently, this time. It takes me a while to figure it out.

"Alejandro? Oh, dear! That's your name, right?" I look at him and he nods slowly. I smile and see his eyes twinkle. "Nice to meet you Alejandro. It's getting late and I should be heading home. I just came to the observatory to draw. I wanted to capture the beautiful sunset. Would you want to see my painting?"

He nods slowly but his eyes have not left my face. It should creep me out but I feel an odd sense of safety with this guy. I show him my painting and he holds the canvas close to his heart. There is a tenderness in his eyes that is a bit unsettling but I know that he will not harm me. I pack up my paint brushes and stuff everything into my duffel bag.

"Done! I need to get home and whip up a quick meal. I'm starving. Do you know your way home, Jandro? Or maybe, can I call someone to come pick you up?" When I shortened his name, I could see his eyes shinning but when I mentioned calling someone to come pick him up, the light in his eyes dimmed.

My bungalow is just a mile away. He does not seem like he belongs anywhere. There is something in the way he clings to me, like a child trapped in a grown man's body. I do not sense danger, only loneliness. And if I can offer a little warmth tonight, why should I not?

I look up at the sky and see the clouds gathering. There might be a storm tonight and no matter what, I cannot leave him alone outside. Remembering the weather report earlier on, there was going to be a torrential downpour. I sigh deeply before inviting him to go home with me.

"Would you like to go home with me? I am almost always alone. I mean… I guess you could come over? Just for tonight. It’s not like I have anyone else around, and… well, I’d feel bad leaving you out here.” The way he nods his head enthusiastically is both amusing and heartbreaking. Life can truly be cruel. Such a fine young man with such a difficulty.

Without another word, he snatches my duffel bag and effortlessly slings it onto his shoulder. Then he takes my hand as if it is the most natural thing to do. I almost pull my hand away then stop. There was a strange calmness about him, like he was not from here, not from this time. Whatever he was, he did not feel dangerous. Just… different. I feel no need for me to be mean to him. I lead him back to my place, like a big sister.