Zoey & Loren; together again

"Zoey wait! Please I need to talk to you"

Every sane part of me told me to ignore the Poet Laureate; and carry on walking. But as I'm obviously not sane I turned around and replied

"What is it Loren? Neferet send you after me. Did she?"

The pain and anger cracked through my trying to be calm voice. I also knew he could feel my pain. Obviously I had imprinted with the biggest jerk I could of. Sigh.

"Please can we go somewhere and talk"

I suppose that was a good idea. Everybody could see us. And if they couldn't see they could hear. I should be used to it. But it still annoyed me. As I've said before sometimes being me sucks.

"Let me explain. Please Zoey. Just half an hour"

Fed up of being stared at for every move I make. I agreed. I really thought that he couldn't say anything to make me change my mind. I was positive that I wouldn't forgive him. He had hurt me too much; and yet I still couldn't hate him. Not yet anyway.

He pulled me into the nearest classroom (Neferet's obviously) and looked at me. I recognized it straight away. It was the look of complete sadness he had given me when we had talked about us being together. I saw (well I thought I saw) a tear fall from his eye as he started to speak

"I know that you won't believe me; but I really did fall for you. That wasn't apart of the act. Everything I said I meant. I hate how much I have hurt you. And I know I should of told you about Neferet from the start. But I couldn't Zoey. I was and still am trapped. I didn't want to use you. "

"Then why? I gave you everything. I thought that we were in love Loren. I ruined my relationship with Heath and Erik. Because I thought we were meant to be together. Do you have any idea how I feel?"

I wanted to stop. I knew that most of the corridor would be listening. Sigh. Okay that is so me. Thinking about everyone listening while I should be screaming at Loren.

"I feel stupid and embarrassed. You claim that love me and you did that to me. Just give me a reason. A real reason. Not some stupid excuse Loren. Tell me the truth for once."

Tears rolled down my cheek and I didn't even try to stop them. I wanted him to see how he'd completely destroyed me.

"Neferet is a very powerful woman. Someone you wouldn't want to piss of. And you wouldn't want her to find out about you having feelings for the one person who had dared to piss her off. But you already know this. Don't you Zoey – my love."

His eyes were searching mine; while he wept away my tears with his hand. Yes his touch still made me weak. And yes I loved the way it felt. Which makes me an idiot; I know!

The innocent little boy look was back. But I didn't completely understand what he was saying.

"Pissing Neferet of is never a good idea. But…"

Fear filled me up inside. As I started to understand Loren's sad look and wise words. He really did love me. Neferet had bullied him into hurting me. She had used him as a weapon against me.

Loren nodded.

"Shes a bitch! Baby; she really is."

"When and how did she find out Loren?"

I was confused. But I also wanted to hurt Neferet bad. I wanted to show her that she wouldn't get away with all of the crap she's been up to in god knows how long.

"By the tree; when I wrote that poem. She watched us. Like the creep that she is. When I tried to deny it; she knew I lying. I thought that I could help protect you if I did as she said. You're my life Zoey Redbird. You always will be."

Instantly I started to feel better. Stupidly. Then I thought of Neferet. What am I going to do about her. I knew Loren sensed where my thoughts were; because he was soon by my side telling me not to worry about it.

"I've fallen for you Loren. I need to be with you. And I cannot change that if I wanted to."

I smiled at the way he looked when I said that, and then at what he said afterwards.

"D'you think I would allow you to love. My life isn't the same without you. And I won't fight what I feel for you. I will not lose you because of hateful Neferet. I won't lose you for anyone.

I took his face in my hands and his arms were around me again.

"I need you by my side for this. I need someone to completely support me when I fight her; when I finish this once and for all."

Then I kissed him with as much passion as I could. I felt his joy at our reunion and mine reflected it. I loved him with everything I had. I needed him because he was my life as I was his. He pulled away.

"Let's really make love. Now that truth is out."

I had no answer other than to take of his shirt. He smiled his heart melting smile. And we made love again. This time with no interruptions until we were fully clothed…

And yes it was Erik.