Mates!

Karina

The first few months were difficult, but I was nothing if not a survivor.

So I adapted, learning about everything I could in the modern human world through observation with the occasional asking. I got jobs and observed more. Learn more.

When I had enough money, I changed my location, and slowly but surely the cycle went on.

During my earlier times, my heart raced with panic after I realised that I hadn't gotten my period. The thought of being pregnant with any of those scum’s children filled me with continuous anxiety, unable to eat or sleep properly for several days. It wasn’t until the day I finally got my period, that I could finally be relieved of that possibility. I had cried myself to sleep that night.

The habit became a part of my life, and in the blink of an eye, seven years had passed.

I was a lone wolf, a rogue. At times, I hopped from city to city, always staying near the modern areas. Never breaching any forests.

I was aware that there were some packs in the area, but I paid them no mind. With what was now second nature, I remained inconspicuous and invisible to any werewolves.

I sneered at myself at the thought of the pack. That name and all it represented was tainted in my eyes. I was well aware of the pack's perception of the word rogue used as a dirty word. I had become exactly what they had expected of me - no, what they had made me.

My only regret was my mother, whom I left at such a turbulent time. Hopefully, no matter how badly they treated me, I hoped with my absence, they would comfort her.

I breathed in the cool evening air.

I had already spent several months in this town, seeing all the scenery and working. It was one of the fixed routines in my lifestyle.

And just like the other times, I was already prepared to leave.

All my bags were packed and my things were ready. Tonight was my last night in the city and it was time I simply laid back.

Stepping into the restaurant was either the best or the worst decision I had ever made.

There was nothing on my mind when I stepped in, ready for my one-woman celebration when I locked eyes with him.

He was a vision, looking almost lost as he sat at the table. I had to stop in my tracks to admire his visage. From his defined cheeks to the wild splay of untamed hair that framed his face.

He was handsome in a uniquely strange way.

And then he rose.

When I locked eyes with him, it happened out of nowhere.

‘Mate’

My heart stuttered. What?

After due contemplation, my body moved on its own, toward him. I eyed the menu he was holding, seeing his fingers aimed toward one of the unattractive options.

“Ordering that is a bad idea,” I said, ignoring the stutter as he looked up at me, confusion written clearly in his gaze.

“There's usually no difference aside from some extra bread,” I added.

He blinked, looking back at the menu with wide eyes like that of a child.

The more I watched him, the more I was sure that he didn’t know what he was doing. I helped him to order, doing the same for myself whilst I sat on the chair.

He stayed silent throughout in a meek fashion. I almost couldn't believe my eyes. Did he have no knowledge of the human world?

Immediately our food was brought, his eyes brightened.

“Thank you." He spoke.

My hand tightened on the glass or water I held. I should be annoyed and yet, it wasn’t annoying. On the contrary, it was endearing.

‘He’s your mate.”

“Shut up!” I said to my wolf, Germaine, giving him a smile.

“So, I think I should know the name of the man who’s my mate,” I blinked immediately and realized what I said.

It wasn’t supposed to come out that way.

It didn’t matter either way because when I had recovered, I realized that he wasn't too focused on my expressions in the first place. I watched as he blinked several times, as though he was processing everything I said. I almost snorted as I watched him, almost a minute passing before he seemed to realize what I had said.

A genuine smile almost crept up my lips, but I soon straightened, inwardly scolding myself.

“Connor. My name’s Connor.” He spoke after clearing his throat, looking slightly flushed under the lights.

“A-and… and you?”

‘Give him a fake name, something that’s unrecognisable.’ My survival logic screamed at me. Yet as I gazed at his purely clear coppery green eyes, I couldn't lie to him.

“My name is Karina. It’s nice to meet you, Connor.”

His smile made my heart flutter a bit, but I reigned myself in.

“So what are you doing in a place like this?” I asked.

I stubbornly hoped that the moment I got to know him, I would push him away. He had all the reasons for me to, as he revealed he was the Alpha-in-line for his pack and had come to visit another pack. The idea of 'alpha' and 'pack' was everything I despised.

However, even learning all of that didn’t push me away. Because I learned that he wasn't used to the human cities, or the expanse of noise people made all at once. Because he spoke of teaching children in his spare time. Because of the way he spoke fondly about his parents, the witty jokes he made that made me laugh to the way he smiled in spite of the worn edges.

And I would call it stupid, but at the moment, it felt like everything was good.

The little I learned about him had me craving more. I laughed, sharing jokes and stories with him with the occasional comeback to match his. It was almost unreal.

Throughout, he never made any indication that he knew I was a rogue. It wasn’t a secret, something that should have stood out with my scent. To my surprise, he never mentioned it.

What felt like an hour passed before I felt his eyes on mine, slightly sated than normal.

“Can I kiss you?” He breathed out, and in spite of my restrictions, I agreed.

When our lips touched, all I felt was electricity. It felt like coming home.

I pushed down the feelings that erupted from the mate bond, trying to figure out what to do. In light of my confusion and dilemma, only one thing stood clear.

I wanted him.

In spite of my shaking nerves and tumbling stomach, I gave what I hoped was a confident smile as I spoke.

“Take me to your room?”

My belly tumbled further as I followed him into the room of the hotel he stayed in.

I didn’t tell him that it was technically my first time, only to be shocked as he looked at me cautiously.

“I’ve never done this before.” He whispered.

My heart tumbled in response to his words, yet I managed to get a semblance of sanity, relief inwardly washing over me.

When he touched me, I didn’t think of any other hands at all.

Whilst I went through the motions of pleasure, I heard every single word he said. Words of endearment and praises and promises. I took them all.

“You're so beautiful."

I flushed at the reminder, watching him in what felt like deep sleep.

It was an early morning. I had woken up and for the past minutes, watched him sleep.

All my happy, soft thoughts fell short the moment reality hit me.

He is the Alpha to be of his pack, a pack that would never accept someone like me.

He was nice and he seemed okay now, but I couldn’t forget what I was.

A rogue.

And who knew if he had only wanted me for the night?

Slowly slipping out of the bed, I wore all my clothes passing him a glance.

Whether or not he was serious about the things he said, the result was still the same. It would never work out between us.

He was better off without me, and I, him.

I would forget all his gentle touches and kisses. I would erase his words from my mind as well as how his eyes looked underneath the lights.

At least, I hoped so.