"There is no need to fear. I know what he did to you," his velvet soft voice exudes tenderness.

The torturous terror comes back tenfold. The groping hands, invasion of my choice and innocence.

I feel arms wrap me tight and I stiffen until I realize this one I can trust. I sink into him, whispering "How do you know? And who are you?"

"I am a different kind," he stated simply.

"Yes, but what does that mean?" I wonder sleepily.

"I cannot explain right now," he shook his head regretfully. "Just drink this."

I tried to resist but the honey sweet smell forced me to taste a sip and once I started, I couldn't stop myself from finishing the rest.

"Where am I?" I cried out, disorientated when my eyes opened from the long nap.

"Shh, shh," my savior floated to my side and held me close. "Don't worry, you're safe."

"Where have you taken me to?" I asked, my tone desperate.

"You are in my tent. This is the village where I live. I rarely take people from outside our group into here."

My eyes narrowed. "What group? And what is your name?"

"My name is Misha and yours?"

I hesitated for a moment. Was it really a good idea to tell this stranger my true name? I didn't sense that he wanted to harm me, but I wanted to be cautious. Finally, I responded with Katarina, which was my full name.

Misha smiled at me and that calmed my nerves a little but I still wanted to go home to be with my family and friends, and in my nice warm bed. Besides, I needed to report the crime that had happened to me. I was surprised that I was thinking so clearly after what had occurred, but I had always been analytical and practical so I blamed it on my nature.

"You didn't answer my other question."

"I will tell you as long as you promise never to tell anyone," Misha answered calmly.

I narrowed my eyes and looked at him. "Okay," I finally said.

"We are an uncommon breed. We are called Cazmoas and we all look like humans but are in fact a type of different animals. We are highly intuitive, compassionate and gentle but our ways are unusual to humans and that is why we need to stay in places where they cannot find us. The problem is most Cazmoas males are unable to survive without a female human as his lover. I have brought you here today to meet one of our most dearly treasured members of the group, Lorenzo."

I shrank back from Misha. Did he really mean I had to stay in this strange place and be with a creature I didn't want to be with forever?

"Please don't be afraid," Misha whispered. "Lorenzo will never hurt you."

"But I want to go home," I whimpered softly.

"Just meet him and I promise you won't regret it," Misha told me and he went out to retrieve Lorenzo.

I wanted to run out of this place and find my way home. I didn't think I could be with this strange breed, especially since I still didn't know much about them. I didn't know what kind of creatures they really were. I only knew that I missed my family and friends terribly. Tears started to spring to my eyes until I saw him. His eyes connected with mine, searing my heart, binding my soul to his. His beauty overpowered my primitive impulse to flee; his calming presence filling my sensitive mind. He came to me with compassion in his being, his smile both breathtaking and heartbreaking.

"Hello," he said in a deep, beautiful voice.

I couldn't manage any words. He was absolutely stunning with his catlike green eyes, dark skin and hair. I walked toward him in a daze and we made our introductions.

I noticed only him for the next several hours and his companionship was all I needed for that amount of time. I enjoyed talking to him and benefited from his intelligent conversation skills. I found myself able to imagine staying with him for the rest of my days. This kept going for a few days and everyone was kind to me, giving me tasty treats and knowing what I needed without asking. Finally though, I was alone after waking up and reality came rushing back to me. But I was torn. I liked this place and the people. I knew if I left, I would never see any of them again and Lorenzo might not live. I couldn't possibly do that, could I? The guilt alone would destroy me. But then again, how could I live without ever seeing anyone I dearly loved in the human world?

While I was deep in thought, weighing the pros and cons of each outcome, Lorenzo came in.

"What are you thinking about my dear?"

I jumped a little, then smiled when I saw it was him. I felt I could talk to him about anything so I started, "Oh, I don't know what to do! I feel really homesick but I love this place too."

He looked at me sadly. "You cannot go without hurting me."

"I know! That's why it's so hard."

"No what I mean is that you must stay because just the thought of you gone makes me want to kill myself," Lorenzo said forcefully, frightening me because I knew he was serious. He would make me stay no matter what. I couldn't comprehend how such a gentle, kind creature could be so harsh to me right now and tears came to my eyes in haste. I must've cried for hours because when I was done, all I had strength to do was sleep.

When I woke, Lorenzo was still by my side and he looked at me tenderly. You are miserable here. I cannot keep you against your will because you will likely hate me in the end. If you need to leave, you must go, Lorenzo said with a deep weariness.

"Oh Lorenzo!" I hugged him tightly with more tears in my eyes. "How perfectly lovely of you!"

There was no more need to think about where to stay. I will always love, remember and miss this different breed, but I knew I had to go to my family, where I belong.