Across the room, I sat at the bar quietly watching the people within the club. It was relatively foreign to me, being immersed in a room full of humans. The bass pounded; strobe lights flashed as the dancers took to the stage, their bodies moving in sync with the pulsating rhythm. Most of the women were scantily dressed, miniskirts, bodycon dresses, stilettos, and crop and tube tops, prowling around in search of male attention. The air was thick with the smell of sweat, perfume, and spilled drinks.
My senses stirred as I finished my drink of malted scotch and set it back onto the bar top, the ice clinking softly against the glass. I took a deep breath, the cool air filling my lungs.
"Wolves, fucking great" Lifting my head, I turned around in my barstool scanning the area closely. A foreign pack was nothing to take lightly. I had tried to be so careful when choosing this area, wanting humans only as to not interfere or disturb my fortnight holiday. A group of men .
As I lifted my head and turned around on the barstool, my gaze swept across the crowded room, my lupine senses on high alert. The dim lighting seemed to amplify the shadows, making it easier for me to pick out the subtle signs of a foreign pack's presence. I had been so careful to choose a spot with only humans, wanting to keep a low profile during my fortnight holiday. But now, it seemed my careful planning might not have been enough.
The group of men sitting beside the DJ box caught my eye, their rugged good looks and confident demeanor marking them as wolves. They were young, probably in their early twenties, and their body language screamed dominance and challenge. I counted five of them, each one more handsome than the last, with chiseled features and piercing eyes that seemed to gleam in the dark.
The alpha, a tall, dark-haired man with piercing blue eyes, stood out from the rest. He was the one who seemed to be holding court, his voice carrying above the music as he laughed and joked with his packmates. His eyes locked onto mine, and I felt a jolt of electricity run through my body as he raised an eyebrow, his gaze lingering on me with interest. The air seemed to thicken with tension as our eyes met.
I felt the familiar stirrings within me – the call of the wild, the thrum of the moon, and the primal power of my lupine heritage. I set the glass back onto the bar top, my senses heightened as the wolves within me stirred, their presence growing stronger with every passing moment.
The dim lighting of the bar seemed to take on a new dimension, and I could smell the sweet scent of human pheromones, the musky aroma of worn leather, and the faint tang of smoke from the fire pit outside. My ears picked up the subtle sounds of the patrons' conversations, the clinking of glasses, and the soft hum of the music.
As the moon's influence waxed strong, I felt my body begin to shift, my senses growing sharper, my reflexes quickening. The wolves within me were restless, urging me to surrender to the call of the wild, to run free under the moon's silvery light.
"Mate" Ciara said
"MATE! HE IS MY MATE!!!" I whispered to myself, my eyes locked onto the alpha's, my wolf's excitement radiating through every cell in my body. "Oh, dear God no!" I mentally pleaded, feeling my wolf do joyful circles within my mind. But I tried to reason with her, "Stop Ciara, we don't want him! We can't just fall for some random stranger." Ciara growled at me with frustration, her mental voice laced with annoyance. "Yes, we do want him! Look at him! What a specimen! He's perfect!"
I shook my head, trying to clear the fog of attraction that seemed to be clouding my judgment. I spun around in my barstool, motioning Ned for another drink as I quickly gulped down the one he had just given me. My hands were shaking slightly as I reached into my handbag and pulled out a small spritzer. I quickly sprayed myself with the lavender-scented potion, hoping to mask my own scent and calm my wolf's enthusiasm. Ciara protested, her displeasure echoing through my mind.
As I returned the spritzer to my bag, I took a deep breath and tried to compose myself. I pulled out my clear lip gloss and slowly applied it to my lips, the familiar ritual helping to calm my racing heart. But my eyes kept drifting back to the alpha, who was now watching me with an intensity that made my skin prickle. I felt like a rabbit caught in the headlights, frozen in place as he began to walk towards me.
My wolf's excitement was palpable, her emotions swirling through me like a maelstrom. I could feel her urging me to get up, to go to him, to claim him as mine. But I hesitated, unsure of what to do next. Part of me was drawn to him, to the primal attraction that seemed to be building between us. But another part of me was screaming caution, warning me away from this stranger who seemed to be stirring up so much trouble in my life.
Kai POV
Partying was never a preferred pastime of mine, especially in a human club. The club was dark, lights strobing and music blaring, pulsating through every cell in my body. Women scattered about the place, dancing, drinking, and scouting out for the next night-time thrill. Short skirts, high heels, and tight tops were the norm, as I felt the probing eyes of another woman burning into me. A hunter, more dangerous than any werewolf, a human female looking for her next seduction.
The scantily dressed brunette smiled brightly once she realized she had caught my attention, raised her glass, and nodded her head directing me to come over to her. I frowned at her and pointed at the fake wedding ring I always wore when I joined the boys at this particular watering hole. She sulked and quickly turned away from me, searching for her next target.
I leaned back against the bar, nursing my drink, and observed the scene before me. The music was loud, the laughter and chatter even louder. I was here for one reason only: to meet up with my friends and pretend to be part of the human world for a few hours. It was all about blending in, being seen, and keeping up appearances.
The brunette had already moved on to her next conquest, a tall, lanky guy with a goofy grin plastered on his face. I watched as she worked her magic, her eyes locked onto his, her smile dazzling. She was good, I'll give her that. But I wasn't interested. Never had been, never would be.
My friends arrived, a boisterous group of guys, laughing and joking as they made their way to the bar. We exchanged greetings, clapping each other on the back, and I nodded towards the brunette. "She's got a type, doesn't she?" I shouted over the music.
One of my friends followed my gaze and chuckled. "Yeah, she'll eat him alive." We shared a laugh, and the night wore on, the music and lights blurred together in a cacophony of sound and color.
But I couldn't shake the feeling of being an outsider, a wolf in sheep's clothing, observing the human world from the fringes. It was a delicate balance, one that required constant vigilance. One misstep, and the entire charade could come crashing down.
For now, though, I was content to sit back, enjoy the music, and let the night wear on.
"One of these days that wedding ring is going to bite you in the butt, Kai," a handsome young blonde joked as he elbowed me playfully. I shot him a sideways glance, my annoyance evident.
"I highly doubt I will find my mate in a place like this," I uttered, my tone laced with frustration. "The only wolves here are us." The music pulsed around us, the strobing lights making it hard to focus on anything except the irritation brewing inside me.
The blonde gentleman standing beside me, James, my Beta, chuckled and clapped me on the back. "Kai, no one said she had to be your mate, but you could stand to loosen up once in a while and enjoy the night like the boys do." His eyes scanned the room, his gaze lingering on the women dancing and laughing, their eyes sparkling with excitement. He was searching for his after-hours entertainment, and I knew him well enough to know he wouldn't leave without finding it.
James was handsome, ruggedly so, with chiseled features and electric blue eyes that seemed to gleam in the dim light of the club. He rarely went back to the pack house, opting instead to join the others in getting a room at the local Hampton Inn. Luckily for James, he was always met by his beautiful mate Jane, who adored him with a fierce devotion. Unlike the other hounds in our pack, who cherished the night with a local beauty, James had found his one true mate.
I, on the other hand, had no such intentions anymore . I had searched for her and couldn't find her. My focus was on protecting our pack, ensuring our safety and security, and keeping our traditions alive. The nightlife, with its flashing lights and pulsing music, held little appeal for me. I was here because my pack was here, and I would do whatever it took to keep them safe.
James's eyes locked onto a woman across the room, and a slow smile spread across his face. "Ah, now she's a beauty," he murmured, his voice low and husky. I followed his gaze, my eyes landing on a stunning brunette with piercing green eyes. She was laughing, her smile radiant, and for a moment, I felt a pang of envy. James had found his mate, and I... well, I had my duties.
The music pulsed on, the night wearing on, and I stood there, a sentinel watching over my pack, ever vigilant, always ready to defend those I cared about. The wedding ring on my finger felt like a weight, a reminder of the role I played, the expectations placed upon me. But I wouldn't trade it for anything. This was who I was, and I would see it through to the end.
"I am assuming you and the boys already set your reservations at the local hotel for tonight," James laughed as he quickly returned his attention to me. His eyes sparkled with amusement, and I couldn't help but chuckle in response.
"Of course," I replied with a smile. "I think we got a block of 10 rooms tonight. Kai, it's not every day we can celebrate our newest warrior's 21st birthday!" I gestured towards the group of young men, all of whom were grinning from ear to ear. "Training has been excellent, everything has been secure and going well, it never hurts to take a couple of days off and enjoy the town."
James nodded in agreement, his gaze sweeping over the crowded club. The music pulsed around us, the strobing lights casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the dance floor. "Besides, we can't exactly take one of these lovely ladies back to the pack house now can we?" He raised an eyebrow, his expression mischievous.
I shot him a sideways glance, my lips twitching into a wry smile. "No, I suppose not." The pack house was a place of discipline and training, not exactly conducive to... extracurricular activities especially with humans.
"But let's keep things under control, shall we? We don't want any... incidents."
James chuckled, his eyes glinting with understanding. "Of course, Kai. We'll behave ourselves." He clapped me on the back, his grin infectious. "Mostly, anyway."
I rolled my eyes good-natured, shaking my head. "I'm sure you'll all manage to restrain yourselves." But I knew better. The young wolves in our pack were eager to let loose and have some fun, and I couldn't blame them. After all, they were celebrating a milestone birthday, and we all needed a break from the stresses of pack life.
As we made our way through the crowd, James leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a more serious tone. "Seriously, Kai, you should consider joining us for a drink or two. You've been working hard lately, and you could use a night off."
I hesitated, my mind weighing the pros and cons. A night off did sound appealing, but I had responsibilities to attend to. "I'll think about it," I said finally, my eyes scanning the room. "But for now, let's just enjoy the celebration and make sure everyone has a good time." James grinned, his eyes sparkling with agreement. "That's the spirit, Kai. Let's party!"
I stood alone, casually leaning against the brass rail, observing the club scene with a mixture of detachment and curiosity. The pulsating lights and thumping music created a sensory overload, but my heightened senses allowed me to filter through the chaos with ease. That's when I first noticed it – the delectable scent of lavender, with subtle earthy, herb-like notes that I recognized as heather. It was like a whispered promise, a hint of something extraordinary.
My wolf stirred within me, his presence a sudden and intense spark of excitement. "Oh my God, she's here!" Caleb's voice danced within my mind, his enthusiasm infectious. My heart rate quickened, and my senses went on high alert, as if every molecule in my body was attuned to the scent. The aroma lingered for only a few moments, teasing me with its fleeting presence, before it nearly disappeared.
I took a few steps forward, my eyes scanning the room with an intensity that bordered on desperation. Where had the scent gone? I needed to find it again, to follow its trail and uncover the source. My wolf growled softly, urging me to move faster, to track down the elusive fragrance. I felt a sense of urgency, a primal drive that I couldn't ignore.
As I scanned the room, my gaze swept over the crowded dance floor, the bar, and the lounging areas. The music pulsed on, the lights flashing in time, but my focus was singular – finding the source of that intoxicating scent. My senses were on high alert, my nostrils flared, and my heart racing in anticipation. I felt alive, electrified by the prospect of discovery.
The scent had been smooth, earthy, and alluring, like a siren's call. I was drawn to it, my body responding on a primal level. My wolf was restless, pacing within me, urging me to find the source of the scent. I felt a sense of trepidation mixed with excitement, unsure of what I would find, but knowing that I had to follow the trail.
With every step, my anticipation grew. Who was she? What was she like? The questions swirled in my mind, but I pushed them aside, focusing on the task at hand – finding the mysterious woman with the captivating scent.
There had to be over a hundred people in this club, and settling in on one scent in this place was nearly impossible, even with my heightened werewolf senses. The air was thick with the smells of heavy cologne, perfumes, and smoke, which filtered within my nostrils and made my mate's scent faint and nearly impossible to recognize. I felt a pang of frustration, my wolf's enthusiasm momentarily dampened by the overwhelming sensory input.
"I think you are mistaken, Caleb," I advised my wolf in a low sigh, trying to temper his excitement. Caleb growled and ceased conversation, his displeasure evident. He was so emphatic when he believed that he had caught wind of his mate; he could hardly contain himself. I understood his fervor, but I had to be practical. This wasn't the place to find a mate, not with the cacophony of scents and the chaos of the club.
I ignored the restless wolf within me, focusing instead on the celebration at hand. I was simply here to support my newest warrior's 21st birthday party and enjoy the company of my friends – nothing more. And one thing was certain: I was not going to find the love of my life in a human meat-market such as this. These places were for humans to indulge in fleeting pleasures, not for werewolves to find their fated mates.
Just then, my newest warrior, Jake, excitedly slapped my shoulder and draped his arm over me, pointing to a scene unfolding across the dark room. "Alpha, look!" the young man exclaimed, directing our attention to a red-headed woman talking to one of the town's resident lowlife humans. "You ever seen hair like that! Wowzah!" Jake's eyes were wide with admiration, and I couldn't help but follow his gaze.
The woman's hair was indeed striking – a fiery mane that cascaded down her back like a waterfall of autumn leaves. She was laughing, her eyes sparkling with amusement, and for a moment, I felt a flicker of interest. But it was quickly extinguished as I noticed the man she was with.
"James, the Beta leaned over to see what all the excitement was about. "What are we looking at?" he asked, his voice low and curious. I gestured towards the bar, my focus becoming clearer as an indecisive whine came from Caleb. The Beta stood with hesitation and inched a step closer to me. "Is she a wolf?" he whispered in such a low tone only I could hear it.
I froze, my nostrils flared as I caught the very faint scent of lavender and heather. The same scent that I had noticed earlier when Caleb had begun dancing around in my head, insistent that this scent belonged to no other than our mate. The aroma was intoxicating, a strange yet wonderful smell that seemed to wrap itself around my senses. I felt a sense of calm wash over me, as though I wanted to bask in the fragrance, to let it envelop me completely.
My heart began to pound in my chest as I rapidly began walking over to where the red head sat, her back facing me. Her hair was a thick, auburn mane with a natural wave flowing all the way down to the top of her lower back. I had never seen a woman with thick red hair such as hers. It was stunning, and I felt an overwhelming urge to reach out and touch it, to see if it was as soft as it looked.
As I approached her, my senses went on high alert. I could feel Caleb's excitement building within me, his anticipation and hope palpable. What if this was her? What if this was our mate? The thought sent a shiver down my spine, and I felt my heart racing with excitement.
I slowed my pace, not wanting to startle her. I didn't want to scare her off before I even had a chance to see her face. I approached her quietly, my eyes fixed on the back of her head, my senses drinking in every detail. And then, I caught a glimpse of her profile, and my world came to a standstill.
As I caught a glimpse of her profile, my heart skipped a beat. She was even more beautiful than I had imagined. Her features were delicate, yet striking, with high cheekbones and full lips that curved into a subtle smile. Her eyes sparkled as she laughed at something the man said, and I felt a pang of irritation towards the man who was currently monopolizing her attention.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing thoughts. I needed to approach her calmly, to make a good impression. But as I stepped closer, my senses were overwhelmed by the scent of lavender and heather, now stronger and more intoxicating than before. It was as if my entire world had narrowed down to this one moment, this one person.
Caleb's excitement was palpable, his presence thrumming through me like a bass line. I could feel his anticipation, his hope that this was indeed our mate. I shared his enthusiasm, my heart thudding in my chest as I prepared to make my move.
"Excuse me," I said, my voice low and smooth as I interrupted the conversation. "May I buy you a drink?" I asked, my eyes locked on hers, searching for a spark of recognition, a glimmer of interest.
She turned to me, her eyes meeting mine, and I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. They were green, a deep, rich green that seemed to sparkle with amusement. She raised an eyebrow, her gaze lingering on me for a moment before she turned back to her conversation.
"I'm good," she said, her voice confident and uninterested. "Thanks for offering, though."
I smiled, feeling a spark of challenge ignite within me. She was not easily won over, and I found myself intrigued by her aloofness.