"The Golden God" by Michelle ´Otokogoroshi´ B. Fitzgerald

           It was a wet December day, it had been raining all week and wasn’t showing signs of letting up. I had reviewed a few cases and didn’t have to go to court since I had just finished a settlement with my most recent client. It had been a slow week and an even slower day, but other than that not abnormal, at least it had been mostly normal. Till a man visited my office saying he had some important business with me. I would have said no but something compelled me to let him in and have a talk.
           I invited him into my small office and motioned for him to take a seat in my overstuffed leather chair my clients sat in. I moved behind my desk and took a seat in my chair, a newer version than the one he was in. I stared at him with a great deal of interest.
           The man sitting before me was and odd sight to say the least. He was dressed in a white business suit with a white gold tie, when he moved his long hands to adjust his suit I saw a flash of gold cufflinks. His shoes were a perfect white, not a smudge of blemish on them. I don’t know how he looked so clean and shiny and such a wet day. The perfectly tailored suit seemed almost average compared to the man warring it. His hair was long, silky, and only slightly damp it hung around his shoulders loosely curling slightly, suggesting that his hair wasn't naturally that strait. Its was the color of polished gold and I kept thinking it couldn’t be real. His skin was a soft white gold color, I saw the growing trend when I met his eyes. Much like his hair they were a brilliant gold, I have met a lot of people and prided my self on being able to read emotions, but his eyes were like glass, cold and emotionless.
           “What brings you to my office?” I asked trying to be casual and barely succeeding. His voice was much like his eyes. Devoid of emotion. “I’m here on business.”
           I sighed slightly. “What sort of business?” He stood in one smooth graceful motion, he had to be at least six feet tall. The man walked to my window and stared out in silence for a moment. Finally he spoke. “I work with The Drake Law Firm.” He glanced at me and said in a slightly curious voice. “You know about them I assume?”
           “Of course I do. Who doesn’t know of Drake Law.” I studied him carefully, trying to figure out the strange man before me. “So, why would the best law firm in the country send one of their people here?”
           He smirked at me ever so slightly and looked back out the window. His slender hands were clasped behind his back, if the wasn’t so stiff he would almost appear casual. “I am not a permanent employee. They simply hired me as an independent councilor.”
           “Independent councilor?” I asked confused. “What is that supposed to mean?”
           Again he smirked slightly and said softly. “It is simply an overly glorified way of saying; I’m here to interview you. To give them an unbiased report of you skills and integrity.” He turned to me and walked to my desk. The way he moved was smooth and flowing, I’ve never met a man who could move so graceful and elegant. He stopped just before my desk and stared at me so intently that I felt like his eyes were burning into my soul. “They have taken note of your record. You’ve never lost a case. A position has recently become vacant. The are curious if you could fill the spot, and perform well in it.”
           I managed to stay calm and cool, my voice was so casual it surprised me. “Really? They often watch the performance of possible employees?” It was my turn to smirk at him. His reply was very casual.
           “Yes, this is standard procedure. There are others like me checking out more... “possible employees” at this moment.” He moved back to the window then walked back to the overstuffed leather seat and sat down. “You are one of many. Don’t feel too special.”
           “I’m honored. Really.” My sarcasm seemed to amuse him, at least I think it did. His mirror like eyes just stared at me, never changing never showing anything.
           “Well? does the possibility of working for Drake Law interest you?” He leaned back as he spoke getting comfortable as if he expected to be there for a while.
           I thought about it quickly. There were dozens of rumors flying around about Drake Law, not all of them were very flattering. They had never lost a case in there entire history, and they had been around longer than any law firm in America. Somehow they always managed to win, suddenly coming up with key witnesses, and amazing experts that were previously unheard of. There were also favorable if envious rumors about how well there lawyers were paid and the type of benefits they received. Every lawyer dreamed at one point or another of working for Drake Law, they were like an exclusive club that every one wanted to join and no one knew how. I guess I was just finding out.
           “Its a very tempting offer...” I started to say when he suddenly interrupted.
           “Its not an offer. I am simply finding out if you, pardon the term “have the right stuff”. If not I will be gone before you realize it. In the unlikely case that you are the right candidate then I will tell my superiors about you and they will decide.” He fell silent long enough to give that smirk I was getting used to and finished by saying. “If they receive a slightly more than favorable report from me saying that in my personal opinion you are worthy, chances are you will get the job over anyone else.”
           I sat in silence for a moment digesting his words for a moment. “So.. basically I have little say in the matter? Its all on you?” I leaned back kicking my feel up, not even trying to be professional any more. From what he said, I didn’t have much of a chance unless he liked me. My instincts were telling me being fake wouldn’t help my chances. So, I was dropping all the pretense now before he found out for him self.
           “Mostly. I have read your record. In the professional sense, you are a good lawyer. Considering that its mostly your mind set. How strong you are, how well you can handle certain situations. If you prove to be psychologically strong enough, then I will add my favor of you in my report.” He fell silent and gave me an expectant look.
           “So.. now what? You’ve said it your self. Now its all on me, what do I have to do to get your favor?” This man had really captured my curiosity, he seemed completely ruthless and yet at the same time a cultured renaissance man. I was almost glad he wasn’t a lawyer him self, I would dread going to court against him.
           “So far you have done well. I see you have decided to stop playing and show your true face. I respect that. You have integrity. What you have to do is allow me to be with you. Spend time with you. Observe you in real world situations. Both in court and out.” He got a curious look. “Is that acceptable?”
           “What are you going to do? Follow me around like a lost puppy?” I couldn’t help but laugh. “Do I take you home with me!? Out to eat?” I grinned at him.
           He sighed. “I will act as your assistant. You don’t have one right now. If anyone asks, that is what my reason for being around you in the professional world. In your privet life you can simply call me a friend or what ever you prefer.”
           I dropped my feet to the ground and stood walking past him to the window and stared out for a moment. It was still raining like mad. The street lights reflected in the deep pools of water that were every where. The parking lot look like a sea with expensive cars set adrift in it. I could feel his eyes on my back boring past my expensive tailored gray suit and into me. After a few moments I looked at him. “Your serious arrant you? Your actually planing on being around me as much as possible?”
           He nodded slowly. “Yes. If you prefer I will arrive at your apartment in the morning at the usual time you leave for work and accompany you. Assist you throughout your day then follow you home and leave you when you see fit to be rid of me.” His head tilted to one side in an oddly childish manner and asked. “Is that acceptable for you?”
           I couldn’t help but grin at him. “So.. what do I call you? Other than golden boy?” He stood and moved to my side extending his slender hand to me.
           “Please, you need only address me by my first name. I am Nicholas.” A sort of beautiful accent I had never heard creeped into his voice as he said his name. I smiled and took his hand, it was cool and soft. Not a single callus or blemish marred it.
           “Hello Nicholas, call me Calla”
           His hand shake was firm but gentle he gave me a half bow and said smoothly. “Beauty.”
           I raised an eyebrow and he let go of my hand. As if he didn’t notice my puzzled, curious look he moved back to the chair and picked up his white trench coat that was draped across the back. Then said casually. “That is the meaning of your name. Shall we go now?”
           Chuckling I walked past him and grabbed my briefcase. “Your an odd man to say the least Nicholas.” He inclined his head to me and smiled, seeming to find my comment complementarily.
           Laughing I pulled on my coat and walked out of my office in to the pouring rain and made the mad dash to my car. After unlocking the door and quickly climbing in I looked around to see where Nicholas was and found the parking lot completely empty.
           “What a strange man.” I chuckled and drove home, eager to climb into bed and find out if this was a dream when I woke up.

~           ~           ~
           The next morning I woke up to a ringing sound. Irritated I looked at my alarm, my sleep fogged mind for some reason blamed it. I realized I had an hour left to sleep before I need to get up. The offending ring came again. Now more awake I realized it was the door bell.
           “Who the hell would be here at this hour!” I grumbled and reluctantly slipped out of bed adjusting my oversized T-shirt. When I finally got to the door and fumbled the locks open I was shocked at what I saw. Nicholas was standing in the door way his coat draped over one arm, holding a briefcase and carrying a paper bag in his other long hand. He gave me a half bow and said politely.
           “Good morning Calla.” He gave me a slightly curious look. “I trust you slept well?”
           I resisted the urge to hit him. One thing I couldn’t stand was morning people, no one should be cheerful in the morning. It was just wrong. Instead of beating him to near death I replied less then cheerfully. “I would have slept much better, but someone woke me up.”
           He gave me a somewhat surprised look. “Your due at work in almost an hour. Shouldn’t you be getting ready by now?”
           I laughed and stepped aside motioning him in. “It takes me less than ten minutes to get ready. I like to sleep in till the last possible moment.” He walked in shaking his head slightly. I watched him move casually into my living room, lay his coat neatly on the back of my couch, then stroll into the kitchen where I lost view of him.
           A moment later his voices floated out of the large kitchen. “I brought you breakfast. Since your already up why don’t you eat now then get ready?”
           I walked into the kitchen and stared at him. He was removing Tupperware from the paper bag he’d been carrying and neatly setting it up on the counter. It was an odd sight to say the least. A well dressed business man in a country style kitchen, fixing breakfast. I couldn’t help but ask in an amused voice.
           “Did you cook it your self?” I laughed but stopped when he replied offhandedly.
           “Of course.” Nicholas glanced at me and raised an eyebrow. “Why does that surprised you?”
           “Well... I kinda find it hard to imagine you standing in the kitchen dressed in some casual ware making cookies!” I laughed again and walked over to see what he had made me.
           He seemed slightly offended by what I said. “I have many skills. Cooking is one that I am quite proficient at.”
           “I’m sorry.” I said moving closer and peering around him at the two plates he was setting up. “So, what did you make?”
           “I had an idea at what you would like based on your personality. I hope I guessed correct in choosing the American classic; buttermilk pancakes with maple syrup and bacon on the side.” As he spoke he arranged three buttermilk pancakes onto each plate and laid the bacon beside them. Next he pulled out a glass bottle of pure maple syrup from the bag and moved to the microwave to heat it up.
           “Sounds great. I haven’t had a home cooked breakfast in years.” I couldn’t help but think, maybe there is a reason people get up early. “Actually I can’t remember the last time I even had a fast food breakfast. I normally just eat a bowl of cereal, or a breakfast bar. Sometimes I skip it all together”
           Nicholas gave me such an odd look. “That isn’t very healthy.” He pulled the heated syrup out of the microwave and set it on my hand carved mahogany table, which he then proceed setting for breakfast.
           I couldn’t help but stair in amazement. Here, in my kitchen was a gorgeous guy, well dressed, well mannered, who could cook and did so for me. It was like some sort of twilight zone where I got my dream guy, and just like the twilight zone I bet he seemed all perfect but had some sorta of freakish flaw. Like being an alien. I could see Nicholas as an alien, he didn’t act like any man I had ever met.
           His voice pulled me back to reality. “Calla? Breakfast is ready. Come and eat.” He motioned to the table and pull out a seat. It took me a moment to realize he did that for me.
           “Um, thanks.” I walked over a little dazed and sat down. He pushed the seat in and moved to his chair that was directly across from me and took his seat.
           I stared at my food for a moment before drizzling syrup all over it and cut out a small piece of the pancake. I took the first bite hesitantly. Still not completely sure about this whole situation. Just like the cook the food was great. I’d never had such a flavorful breakfast in my whole life. Even the bacon was perfect with a slightly smoked flavor. I ate the whole thing by the time Nicholas was only half way done.
           “God.. what a great meal. Can you clean too?” I grinned at him not really expecting an answer, but by then I should have known better. Nicholas took everything seriously.
           “Of course, and I will do so as soon as I’m done eating. Why don’t you go ahead and get ready while I do that?” He met my eyes for a moment before going back to eating.
           I shook my head in amusement. “There has to be something terribly wrong with you. No one can possibly be this perfect.” Laughing I stood up and did as he suggested.
           After a quick shower I moved into my bed room drying off and considered the strange man who had invaded my life. He was so exotic but at the same time something about him was so familiar. Maybe it was the way he smelled. I could only smell it when I got real close to him. It was a light herbal aroma with a musky undertone that was nothing but pleasant. Something about that scent made me fell so, right, safe and comfortable.
           I smiled and pulled out my best business suit from the closet. It was a soft sky blue color and tailored to fit me. My mother had given it to me for Christmas one year. I’d never warn it since it was to nice. That and the skirt was to short for a lawyer to make a good impression, I realized that’s why I picked it out. I laughed when I came to the realization that I was trying to look good for Nicholas.
           When I walked out of my bed room brushing my hair I found my golden guest standing in front of my living room mirror carefully adjusting his shirt sleeves and pulling on his suit coat. He saw me in the mirror and turned around.
           “Are you going to ware your hair down?” His comment made me stop dead in my tracks.
           “Well, yes. I would look like some kind of ice bitch if my hair was up.” I smirked at him and put my brush down running my fingers through my hair. He sighed and shook his head.
           “If you put it in a bun yes, but braided you would look far more professional.” He walked over and behind him. “Here, let me.” I felt his long fingers lightly brush through my hair. “Do you have any blue hair ties?”
           “Yes, in my bedroom.” I glanced over my shoulder at him. He nodded and motioned for me to get it. I quickly went and got it, we were starting to run a little late. “Can you braid it real quick? We’ve got to get moving or we’ll be late.”
           Nicholas nodded. “I understand, this will only take a moment.” He grabbed my wrist and led me to the couch. “Now sit.” I sat and he started running his fingers through my hair, parting it neatly. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the sensation, he was very gentle and occasionally asked me if he was pulling to tight.
           “There. All done.” He stepped back and said briskly. “Well, time to go.”
           I stood and walked to the mirror and looked at my self. I was a little surprised. My hair was in perfectly tight French braid. It looked perfect with my outfit. My hair was a corn silk blond color, skin a soft bronze color from working out in the sun and my eyes matched the suit. I was right. It was far to fancy for me to ware, unless I worked for Drake Law. Then it would probably be well, perfect. I laughed and grinned at him.
           “Do you always make every thing perfect around you?” He smirked at my comment and nodded slightly adjusting his tie.
           “I am a perfectionist. I suppose that could be considered one of my flaws?” He raised a golden eyebrow and smirked softly.
           “Lets just go!” I laughed harder and grabbed my coat quickly walking out of my house. He followed close on my heels locking the door and to my surprised opened my car door for me.
           “Is it all right if I ride with you? My friend drove me here.” I looked around my drive way just realizing that my car was the only one.
           “Of course. I wouldn’t want you to have to walk to work.” He smiles slightly and bowed his head in thanks and quickly climbed in the passenger side.
           “Sheesh, if any one sees us dive into work together they’ll think were dating!” I drove off chuckling. Unlike normal he didn’t reply and simply stayed silent.

~           ~           ~
           The week passed smoothly, never before had work been so easy or pleasant. When ever I needed a file or book Nicholas was right there with it. If I got frustrated with something he was there with soothing words and sometimes hot tea. By the end of the week I wasn’t stressed in the least and even joined my coworkers at the bar. I hadn’t done that in years.
           When we arrived at the bar well all took a large table in the back. Nicholas sat to my right. So far every one seemed to like him. He was pleasant if quiet company. Every one ordered beer but him and me. Instead he asked for a glass of red wine. This amused my male coworkers. The most aggravating of them was Tim.
           “What? Beer to much for you!?” Tim laughed harshly and smirked at Nick. Nicholas just stared at him even more cold and neutral than normal.
           “Not at all. I simply find the taste of American beer to be crud and weak.” Nicholas’s nonchalant words silenced Tim real fast.
           I smiled slightly at Nicholas and sipped my soda. All my coworkers know I never smoked, drank alcohol and exercised more in a week than they do in half a year. The first few months at the firm I was the butt of a lot of jokes. Sara, the only other “health nut” of the group stared at Nicholas a while before finally saying.
           “So, Nicholas. Tell us about your self! Your a little to well dressed to be an assistant.” She smiled at him warmly.
           “I always try to make the best impression. That is why I dress so well. I do not believe that I should dress down due to my lack in status.” He stared at her beaming face so emotionlessly she couldn’t help but stop smiling.
           I nudged him. “Nick, be nicer. Besides, you didn’t say much about your self.”
           He sighed. “What is there to say? I live alone. Don’t date. I don’t own a car, have only a few close friends and just recently became Calla’s employee.” Nicholas looked around the table at every one. “Is that what you were expecting?”
           Tim snorted. “Hardly.” Sara shrugged. “I expected you to say you were married or something.” She shrunk into her self starring into her beer. The others shrugged and the conversation quickly changed gears. Soon me and Nick were left on the side lines just listening in on the conversation around us.
           After an hour of this I finally decided I had enough. “Well guys, I’m calling it a night. You know the saying, early to bed early to rise and all that crap.” I got up and Nicholas stood with me.
           Tim leered at us then winked at the others. “Sure, what ever you say. I have a feeling its going to be a long night.. for both of you!” He laughed and the others joined in.
           I rolled my eyes. “What ever, say what you like. I don’t really care.” Turning I quickly walked out of the bar. Nicholas followed with out a word of good bye to them.
           Once in the parking lot I sighed. “Now I remember the main reason why I stopped going to the bar with them.”
           Nicholas stood by my side, his hands in his coat pockets just starring at me. I glanced up at him and stared at him intently for a while.
           “I don’t have any friends... All I do is work. I haven’t gone out to see a movie in over two years. I haven’t dated since High School. All I have done my whole adult life is work.” I felt tears in my eyes and quickly turned away from Nicholas.
           “Is this how its supposed to be. We go to school as kids to get a good job and when we get the job that’s all we have. When did we stop living and work? When did that become all we are.. workers?” I almost jumped in surprised when I felt his arms slip around my waist. He pulled my against his chest and whispered in my ear.
           “Your life has been run by those around you. You can choose to change. If you do not. The only person to blame would be you.” His voice was gentle but his words were painfully truthful.
           “You might as well go now. I’m obviously not Drake material. It would probably be worse working there, I’d probably just get lost in the shuffle and continue to live for work and work to live.” Hot tears burned down my frozen cheeks, I felt him give me a little squeeze.
           “No, it would be different. Trust me.” And I did, at that moment I realized I trusted him completely. I’ve never trusted any one in my life and suddenly I trusted this strange man who I’d only known a week. I didn’t just trust his words, but him. Standing there in a parking lot with no one around but him and the darkness I felt as safe as when I was a child in my mothers arms.
           I turned in his arms and buried my face into his shoulder, his smell filled my nose and I stopped crying. His fingers lightly brushed down my back and he simply held me, like a perfect gentleman his hands didn’t stray. I couldn’t help but laugh at that moment.
           “How can you be so damned perfect!? Its impossible. You look perfect, you smell perfect every little detail about you is so, precisely perfect!” I leaned back and stared into his face. He was more serious than normal.
           “I think its time.” His voice was colder than the winter air around us. I blinked at him in puzzlement.
           “Time for what?” He stepped back from my and used my keys that I didn’t know he had taken to unlock the car and opened the passenger door.
           “Get in, I’ll drive.” I did as he asked still puzzled but knew he would explain in due course, he always did.
           He climbed in the driver seat and started the car up. It sputtered to life and he drove me home. The ride there was full of a painful silence. At least for me. He seemed as cool and calm as normal. Though his eyes were harder somehow. I couldn’t put my finger on it but something had changed. I had a feeling this was just the beginning. I had dropped my mask, now it was his turn.
           We arrived at my little old house and he parked the car in the drive way. He stepped out of the car and moved to open my door for me but I beat him to the chase.
           “Tell me one thing before everything changes.” I looked into his golden eyes that were so foreign yet so familiar. He nodded.
           “Your not some psycho killer and planed on murdering me horribly are you?” I grinned at him. His cold mask cracked a little as he smiled softly in amusement.
           “No milady. I am no psycho.” Having said that the turned and walked up the driveway to my door which he opened with my keys.
           “Nicholas?” I asked softly. He turned to me.
           “Yes?”
           “Give me back my God damned keys will you!” He looked down at my keys in his hand and held them out to me. I took them and walked past him into my house smiling. A few moments ago I was terrified about what was going to happened, but now I figured what the hell. What ever he was going to tell me it was the final step, after this I knew his job would be done and he’d be gone from my life and quickly and mysteriously as he came. I might as well enjoy the last few moments with him that I could.
           He trailed after me as I moved into the living room. We both shed our heavy coats and as one hung them on the coat rack. I walked into my bed room and tossed my suit coat on the bed and kicked off my high heels, happy to be rid of the damned things. When I walked back into the living room he was standing in the middle of it his suit coat off. My furniture had been moved from their normal places and were now pushed against the wall.
           “You move fast.” I looked around. “Why’d you do that?”
           “I needed the space. Now, please take a seat. You may find what your about to hear shocking to say the least.” He motioned to the couch that was facing the room as he spoke.
           I sighed and shrugged. “What ever you say.” As soon as I was seated he gave me a very serious look.
           “I know you trust me and I want you to know I wont do anything to harm you. Please keep that in mind for the rest of the night.” I nodded almost wanting to say a sarcastic remark but he was so resolute I couldn’t form the words.
           “Humans are not alone..” He started and I smirked thinking to my self, I was right! He is an alien. He went on to say. “There are many other species out there. Most of these species have been reduced to myth and legend. Or forgotten.” He started to remove his tie.
           “Many of these races prefer to stay hidden for what ever reason.” He tossed his tie onto the lazy boy near him and went to unbuttoning his shirt as he kept talking.
           “I am not human. I never was. The only thing human about me is this form I have taken.” Nicholas pulled open his shirt revealing his perfectly formed chest and abs. I couldn’t help but stare in puzzled silence, dying of curiosity now and more than a little eager to see how far he’d take this.
           “My species is not very common. They tend to stay in their home land, which is in India mainly.” He dropped his shirt on top of his tie and stepped out of his shoes and pulled off his socks which joined the shirt.
           “The only reason I’m telling you this is because I believe you can handle the truth. If I’m correct I will recommend you to my superiors so you may join the Drake Law Firm.” His hands moved to his belt and unfastened it, he slipped it off and placed it with the growing pile of clothes. My eyes were locked on him, a heard of elephants could go dancing by and I wouldn’t notice them.
           He started to unbutton his white pants and said. “What I am about to show you may startle you. May I ask something of you?”
           I nodded dumbly. He smiles ever so slightly. “Good. Are you afraid of snakes?”
           I nearly fell of the couch laughing. The comment wouldn’t have been as funny before, but he chose to ask it just as he was unzipping his pants. I rolled on my back laughing so hard tears were flowing down my cheeks. I laughed even harder when I saw his puzzled look.
           “Should I take that as a no?” Nicholas tilted his head to one side like a confused adolescent.
           I managed to gasp out. “Think about what your doing and what you just asked!”
           He got a thinking look then smirked. “You have a point, my apologies. But I’m serious. Are you afraid of snakes?”
           I sobered up with a great deal of effort. “No, no. I like snakes. Even had one for a pet as a kid.” I couldn’t help but giggle slightly. Nicholas gave me an infinitely patient look.
           “Good.” He stepped out of his pants, now warring just a pair of white silk boxers. He laid the pants onto of the pile and asked.
           “Are you ready.” I giggled and he rolled his eyes. “Please try to be more serious.”
           I took a deep breath and nodded it was easy to be serious since he was so focused. Any mirth I had left in me vanished when he removed his boxers. For some reason I kept thinking he wouldn’t go that far, but he just did.
           He stood in the middle of my living room, completely naked. The first thought that came to my mind was oddly enough that I just realized his body was completely hairless. I had a hard time trying to meet his eyes. It had been years since I had seen a man naked let alone one as perfect at him.
           Ever inch of his body was the same smooth pale golden color. His muscles were tone but not bulky. He had the body of a martial arts master. I never realized how long his hair was. It hung around his broad shoulders in a silken gold mass. This was how I imagined Apollo looked.
           When I finally met his eyes they were pure gold, the whites were gone his pupil’s were silted like a snakes. I gawked in shock, which quickly grew as his skin became more and more golden. At first I didn’t notice it was changing then all of a sudden he was more like a golden god. Then the real change started to happen.
           The skin on his legs was changing slowly to scales like the one’s on a snakes. They were the same gold as his hair and eyes. It felt like an eternity as he became more a more inhuman. Every time I blinked I felt like I missed some crucial part of the change. Soon the scales on his legs was growing together as they became a tail. Almost all at once they went from clearly defined legs to a thick heavy snakes tail.
           From his hip bone down he was a golden snake with white gold scales on the underside. From the hips up he was still perfectly human, just with snake like eyes. I couldn’t help but blurt out.
           “What the hell are you!?” My reaction of all things seemed to relax him.
           “I am a Water Naga. To be more exact a gold Naga. Think of a gold Naga being like an albino, a rare genetic event that can happen to any family.” His voice was the same as always. He startled slithering towards me. It was the most graceful thing I’d ever seen. His tail rippled and pushed him forward till he was just in front of me.
           Nicholas held out a gold hand to me. More than a little dazed I took it and he helped me to my feet. I was all of a sudden standing chest to chest with a Naga. Part of my was screaming run but then I took a deep calming breath and his scent caught me. Instantly I was calm. It was stronger now that he no longer fully human. The aroma was intoxicating.
           He moved back in one smooth motion and held out his arms. In a casual voice he said. “Go ahead. Examine me.”
           I didn’t have to be told twice. It took me a few moments to fully take in his whole form. I circled him slowly and noticed a line of gold spines that started just above the small of his back and trailed one forth of the way down his long thick tail. I trailed my fingers along his waist where his scales met his skin. It was smooth and seemed so natural for some reason.
           “What is that smell?” I finally asked after starring at him for a while. He turned around with little effort and met my eyes.
           “Its my natural musk. All Naga have it. The closer we are to our true for the stronger it is.” His tail abruptly knocked me off my feet and into a pile of coils.
           I cried out in shock but quickly relaxed. It was amazingly comfortable. I grinned up at him.
           “Your comfortable.” He smirked and moved to my side, his movement made the coils under me ripple. It was like a gentle massage, I made a little moan of pleasure with out realizing it and blushed.
           He chuckled. “So I’ve been told.” Then quickly became more business like. “I am pleased that you are taking this well.”
           I patted the side of his face. “Like I said I trust you. Besides... Tomorrow I’ll do the freaking out. Tonight, I’m just going to enjoy you.”
           Nicholas gave me a curious look. “You speak as if this will be our last night together.”
           I met his eyes and smiled sadly. “Isn’t it? I’m willing to bet that now that you’ve found out I can handle you and make a good employee of Drake Law your going to leave. Your job is done. You’ll just move on.”
           He nodded. “Normally you would be right, but my job doesn’t have to be done now. Your all but an official a member of Drake Law. You will need someone to show you around and help you adjust to your new life. Who better than me?” He lightly touched a hand to his chest and gave me a curious look.
           I laughed. “No one of course.” He smirked and leaned back against my couch watching me.
           “Do you have any questions?”
           I nodded quickly. “Yes, one thing has been bugging me. Why did you show me your “secret” what does this have to do with working for Drake Law?”
           He didn’t have to consider my question long. “Most of the people you will work with and for wont be human. You’ll meet allot of new races and it would be impossible for you to be unenlightened and work there.”
           “Unenlightened?” I gave him my best puzzled look.
           “Oh, sorry. That is a term that is used to describe people who either know about supernaturals or don’t. You are now enlightened.” I lightly ran my finger along his stomach as he spoke only distantly hearing what he was saying. I was starting to not care any more. I had a new life. A better life. Thanks to this strange golden god who had walked into my life. I looked up and met his eyes.
           “Nicholas?” My voice sounded small and fearful. A vaguely concerned look flashed across his face.
           “Yes milady?” His eyes studied mine intently trying to find the cause of my distress.
           “Could you stay the night... I’ve been alone so long. Please, be here with me.” I smiled at him hopefully.
            He was silent for a moment then nodded slowly. “You are not alone. You never will be again.” With one arm he pulled me close to his chest. I laid my head on his shoulder and relaxed into his golden body. I was soon lulled to sleep by his exhilarating smell and gentle touch.


The End