CHAPTER 3

The boys were very friendly except for the black-haired one, called Zaden Black– suitable enough. He is leading the way, the furthest in front, constantly checking the surrounding. The one with a golden brown beard and man bun is Orion. The blond with blue eyes who looked way younger than the rest is Sitka. They engaged in conversation throughout the walk. Orion seem to pivot to Selena more, trying to get her involved but Selena was way too tired to give lengthy feedback. 

From the corner of her eye, she could see Zaden looking over his shoulder every now and then towards them or precisely, her. She swept the thought away with excuses such as she is too tired to imagine such a thing. After about 45 minutes, they arrived at their place which is a village in a valley, surrounded by hills, hidden from civilization.

“THIS is your place” Selena stressed on ‘this’ more than necessary, turning everyone’s attention to her. She stood dumbfounded for a moment

“It’s just that…. it’s so…. primitive” she finally found her tongue and Zaden’s attention. 

He slowly walked to her through the now silent group, stopping too close, face to face with her. She had to look up in order to face him since he was much taller than her.

“Don’t judge a book by its cover, baby girl” husky, deep voice with a hint of anger in his tone settled in her chest, although his face showed nothing much – enough to send shivers down her spine. Selena made a few slow nods and pursed her lips shut. Her head down, looking at Zaden’s shoe. When he turned around to walk away, she slapped her forehead due to her stupidity, downgrading those who helped them in at worst situation. They all silenced up till they reach the village. 

“Sweet dreams, chief”

“Good night, chief” everyone they came across wished Zaden and addressed him as ‘chief’.

‘He must be someone important in this community. Aaargh…you and your fucking filthy mouth, Selena.’

Selena mentally slapped her own self. A small girl came running towards them and Zaden immediately crouched down, ready to grab her and she bounced right into his arms, as he ended up carrying her.

“Zaden, Zaden!!! Mummy wants me to go to school. Could you please put some sense through her? Me still very little, me don’t want to go to school” she earned a chuckle from Zaden, as well as the whole group. Trailing behind her, another tiny and thin woman followed, the mother of the small girl

“With that mouth, you should have been to school a long time ago. Tell you what, I promise to buy you one, I repeat, one chocolate if you go to school” the little girl cheered up and nodded as she scrambled down Zaden’s arm and headed to her mother but stopped within a few steps and turned around, focusing on Selena. 

She then hooked a finger and wiggled it calling Selena front. Selena points at her own self with a wide eye to receive a nod from the girl. She walked quickly towards her and crouched down with one knee bent to almost touching the ground. The little girl studied her facial features for a moment and winked her eye with a cute smile. In return, Selena winked and tapped her nose gently with her index finger. The girl giggled loudly and pulled straight one of Selena’s curly hair, releasing it to make it bounce

“You are prewty…” her pronunciation wasn’t spot on but made her point across and ran back to her mother.

 Selena remained in the position for a few seconds, smiling with confusion before looking up at the cold face Zaden. She quickly dropped her head to the ground and swallow saliva down her throat before standing up and walking back to her friends. Sensing the gaze of Zaden following her, she grabbed the hem of Oliver’s sleeve and hid behind him. Zaden shook his head and turned around, resuming his walk. 

A few minutes later, they came to the end of the village and headed to a darker path that was hedged with roses and tulips, ending at a row of tall trees. They walked past the tree into a clearing that was lined with a fire torch, heading towards a 3-story brick building. The outer view of the building was stacks of red brick and lined with white wooden frames for the doors and window and white roofing, giving the house a vintage but clean look. Zaden didn’t bother to invite Selena and the gang. He walked straight in and climbed the stair heading upstairs. Indoor, the walls were plastered and painted white with a fireplace, visible from the house entrance. 2 staircases starting from the sides of the fireplace, curved and disappeared to a corridor, where rooms after rooms were lined up in a row, giving a hostel or dormitory-like vibe. The newcomers looked at the place in awe when Oliver finally spoke

“Not so primitive huh?”

************

Sitka led the way, showing the friend to guest rooms. The girls decided to stay together in a room and the boys in one room. After a hot shower, they crashed on the bed. That night, Selena had the most breathtaking dream. A man, whom features were hidden, in a white button-up shirt and light blue jeans, stood with his back to Selena in a rose garden. Selena walked up to him as he turned to look at her. Only part of his neck visible to her dream vision but still, she froze mesmerized. His palm reached out for Selena and she gently glide her palm in his. Gripping firm, he pulled her closer to him, sliding his other hand to hold the back of her waist. Raising his hand, Selena’s hand rested on his chest and he covered it with him, radiating warmth all over her. Letting go of her hand, he held her chin between his index and thumb, guiding her face to look directly into his eyes. The surge of spark was real, felt even in a dream as her eyes flickered against his hidden face. She could tell that she is looking into his eyes, but no real eyes were seen. His thumb grazed across her bottom lips, slightly pulling them to open

“Mine…” a low, sensual, and husky voice, imprinted deep into her mind. Leaning forward, he kissed her lips ever so softly, sucking while his head moved to sync his action. His hands are now behind her head and her back, as he enjoyed every bit of the kiss.

The mild pressure with firm fingers. The gentle warmth filled her mouth. The thump of his heart against her palm. Every single touch is vivid to Selena as if she is living the moment. He pulled her roughly closer to him even more, if it is even possible, continued to enjoy her. In a snap, they were both in bed, naked under a silky black duvet and sheets. The duvet was pulled up to her neck, hiding the man perfectly. He on top of her, his hands entwined with hers as he pinned them to her sides, sucking and nibbling her jawline, neck to ears to his pleasing, pushing Selena to a moaning wreck. Pleasure is a bonus. Her feet cramped as a tonne of different feelings exploded through her body. 

From afar vision, the duvet started moving up and down, around midway of their body. She is aware that she is being penetrated, her virginity being invaded. But to her surprise, it did cause a bit of pain but at the same time a pleasure that overcomes pain, as her eyes rolled behind her head. She grabbed onto the man’s hair as he buried himself in the crooks of her neck. His groan and moan itself was enough to drive her crazy, added with her gasp for air at each thrust as her system refuse to breathe normally. A soft flute floats through the wind, tying the whole situation to the dreamland. 

Her mental image snapped again and now she laid on the man’s hard robust chest, while he ran his fingers across her exposed arms. Her neck is flushed pink and she looked calmer than ever. Her fingers were circling on his abdomen when her eye caught a clue of who this man is. He was wearing a necklace with leather strap and turquoise stone, finished with a pair of feathers dangling at the bottom– the necklace that she found at the waterfall. 

Her eyes snapped open. Early morning invited birds to play, chirping and scoring through the outer landscape. Her watch by the bedside couldn’t agree more. Indeed, it was 7.30 am. She sat up on her bed, rubbed her hand over her face before grabbing her head – dazed for a few more minutes, processing her dream. The necklace was by her side on the bed, slipped out of her pocket during her sleep. She took it and held it in her fingers, as tenderly as possible

“Who are you? What are you doing to me?” she mumbled low to herself whilst walking to the windowsill in her room, eyes still on the locket. She sat on the windowsill, pulling her legs to her chest, the hand holding the locket on her knees while she stared at it with a frown. A low sigh escaped

“That is an exceptional piece” a voice snapped her out of her daze. She looked up and her light grey eyes landed on Zaden, who is now leaning on the window frame from outside with his arms crossed over his chest

“Excuse me,” Selena asked with confusion. He pointed at the necklace in her hand

“That is a precious stone, a special stone because it combines both turquoise and gold” he took the chain from her hand and wrapped it around her neck.

“Two odds from two world bind under 1 mass. It rarely happens but when it does, they shine together.” His index finger flipped out her hair between the chain, making it slide perfectly into her cleavage.

“It suits you and your eye” his lips curved to a corner forming an almost smile. If it wasn’t for this close approximaty, she could easily miss it. Without realizing it, she was staring deep into his chocolate eye and when she did realize, she snapped out of it and cleared her throat.

“Ummmm… I’m sorry about yesterday…about calling you” she got cut off

“Primitive caveman?” he raised his eyebrow at her

“I did not say caveman” clearly annoyed, but he just nodded

“Forgiven… you want to join us for a morning run? That is if you civilized people have the stamina to run with us” her eyes wide open to accompany her jaw. She pointed her index finger at him and shook it in a warning

“You wait right here” she then stormed to the bathroom allocated for them, brushed her teeth, and changed into another pair of sports attires, a ¾ Adidas legging, and a loose, pink sleeveless shirt, hair high in a ponytail and she strode out to the front door while mumbling curses under her breath. She was greeted by a group of people including Jeffry, Oliver, and some other new faces. A woman who was a bombshell, caramel skin tone, and green eye stretched out her hand to Selena

“Hi, Makeala” 

“Selena” she shook hands with her. Then 2 more guys followed her introducing themselves as Sultan and Xavier. Orion and Sitka were also there, already stretched, and ready to go

“Shall we” Orion motioned to begin, and they started with fast walking, jogging, and then running. Within 30 minutes of running Jeffry already stopped, holding his stomach as he bent down, motioning that he gave up. The group let out a low chuckle, except for Selena who gave him a death glare as they resumed running. She was able to keep up with them until they arrived at the mountain peak, where the whole valley with mountain peaks around them came visible. Taken by the view, she paced closer to the cliff edge, looking down from it. The vast blue sky over a blanket of green trees and mountains with a speck of humanity is evident in the middle of the valley.

“That’s not the only village. We have another 2 over the mountains” Orion stood beside her as he explained.

“How did you guys manage to establish anything here? Electricity, water supply, food, and medical attention. And wow!!! The house that we were in yesterday. I don’t mean to offend, by the way. Just curious” Selena

“We were not always so well equipped. It takes a lot of effort and vision. Ever since Zaden took over, he made it possible. There is a solar station and wind turbines enough to supply us with electricity year-round, but we still try to keep it too minimal. We have a farm for each village where a group of people works to produce food. And there is a lake right between those hills, you see?” he leaned his head closer to Selena as he pointed to her left. Selena narrowed her eye and nodded

“All the village residents are free to go fishing or swimming anytime they wish”

“And in terms of education?”

“We have a preschool and primary here. For secondary and higher studies, the kids have to go out of this mountain and survive on their own. They will return weekly once, and the chief will go visit them once a week or so” Selena remained silent for a while before Orion motioned towards the others who are now at least 300meters away from them. They turned to walk towards them.

“How did you guys get funds for such big projects? I mean, wind turbines or solar systems are not cheap” Selena tilted her head to the side, focusing on Orion

“Some of us work in the city. Some of us own properties which are rented out in the city. And chief here has a few businesses in the city, managed by humans”

“Humans???” Selena went blank

“I mean… I meant to say friends” Orion stuttered before clearing himself. Selena swept it away as mistaken wordings.

Her inquiries about their lifestyle went on until they reached home. They seem to be self-sustaining and well equipped. When they arrived at the house, all the others that went for a jog and Selena’s friends were gathered up at the entry and she slide to sit next to Oliver.

“We have a…. suggestion. Makeala offered us to stay for the whole week, we have no issue. But Jeffry and you…” he shrugged his shoulders

“Then Jeffry and I will go back, you guys can return home whenever you wish” Selena shrugged back

“What if Jeffry wants to stay too?” Zaden interrupted from behind the group, earning everyone’s attention but his eye focused on Jeffry with a glare, as if he is threatening him. Jeffry threw a hopeful look at Selena, pouting his lips, making her throw her hand in the air

“Jeffry, Matron is going to kill us. Unlike you, I wish to work there for a long time, possibly the rest of my life”

“We can ask her…if she says no, then we two can go back, deal?” Jeffry stretched out his thumb. After some thinking,

“Fine” Selena slapped his hands away. 

“But there is no phone connection here, we have to go to mountain foot to make a call. I will get the four-wheeler and we can go in 15minutes” Orion said as he left those two tongue-tied.

They got to mountain foot on the other side, made a phone call, and to their surprise, Matron agreed. They then proceed to inform their family about their extension in stay, did some shopping since they didn’t pack for the whole week, and went back to the brick house. 

The night approached fast when they arrived. The yard of the brick house has taken a complete twist. Smoky smell and distant clamoring filled the open space. The whole village hustled and bustled, with bonfires and barbeques. 

More and more dishes from random people joined the extravagant buffet, adorning the long row of tables lined just behind the tree hedge– popping out the friend’s eye. They felt bad not being able to contribute anything but Xavier and Makeala managed to coax them.

“Come, eat something” Orion held Selena’s hand as he pulled her to the table and all others followed them. Noah was a bit overwhelmed and got carried away with the delicious food choices. The others also treated themselves to a hefty meal except for Selena. She took a small piece of a tuna sandwich, I slice off the chicken strip, and a ladle of fruit salad. They sat by the bonfire, on a rock. Zaden emerged from the house as he greeted some people and walked to the table for some food. He then searched around for his team and walked to them. He sat opposite Selena, next to Orion.

“Is there any special occasion today? Any reason for this gathering?” Noah asked

“Yeah, it’s dinner time” the friends exchanged look to Xavier’s reply

“You mean this is how you guys eat every day?” Noah, with a narrowed eye and raised eyebrow

“Yeah” Xavier, Sitka, and Orion answered unanimously together. 

“It’s how primitive we are” Zaden’s statement made Selena choke on her food as she started coughing and Orion stormed near to hand over a glass of water, patting her back.

“I said I’m fucking sorry” she burst at Zaden when she was done coughing. This is the point when she started hating him.

“I didn’t say that out loud,” Zaden said in confusion only to be walked out by Selena.