1.

SHERNEIL.

Why was it so hard to smile or laugh?

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, attempting to tug my lips upward like I see people normally do when they smile. But nothing happened. It didn't look like I was smiling; rather, it looked like I was about to cry, my face scrunched up.

This wasn't a smile. This was a grimace.

Why is it so hard for me to smile like every other person does? Why don't I find things funny like they do?

I squished my lips up to try once more, yet nothing. This has been part of my routine for almost two years now, yet, every time I tried, every time I practiced, it never worked.

I don't know how to smile.

'Let's try doing this another way, Sher,' Robyn sighed. 'Just follow my lead.' She added.

'How so?' I furrowed my brows.

'Try lifting one side of your mouth first,' she began, using her front paw to describe. 'Just quirk it up a bit, like you're about to grit your teeth but in a more simpler way.'

'Like this?' I asked, attempting to quirk the right side of my mouth up. But even I knew that wasn't a smile. Nor an attempt at smiling.

'Shit! That would scare even me off, Sher!' Robyn scoffed. 'Try loosening the grim lines on your face. That is no smile.'

'Well, let's forget it and just accept the fact that I can't smile. Among other things of course.' I pursed my lips.

Robyn went quiet for a while before she popped up again. 'We can practice this daily. I think I'm on the edge because I'm a horny bitch lately,' she groaned. 'I need to get laid, Sher.'

I sighed, ignoring her and packed my braids into a bun and began my night routine.

Floss. Brush. Bathe. Tuck into bed.

Simple.

Once, I had missed the routine, and it left an itchy feeling on my body, enough to make me leave work and get back home. But that too means I've messed up another routine, and so, everything for the day got ruined.

I pulled the quilt over my body, turned off the bedside lamp beside me, fluffed my pillow once more since it wasn't my bed, and pulled out my phone. I swiped through the few notes I had in there, which were all work related before I allowed myself to return to the simple text message I had received from my mate.

It's been two years since I met him. Two years since he told me he doesn't want to do this. Truth be told, neither do I. So we let things be without rejecting each other, of course. Two years since we last spoke, except for the occasional messages he sends after every six months, making four including today's.

M- 'Trust you're good. Take care.'

Same words. Same text message. Always.

And I always sent back a single reply. 'Fine.' What more can I say after that? My life is nothing short of exciting, at least, that is how it appears to me. I love football, and I make sure to train every single day with the boys. While I do love my job, it has become hard to work around condescending men who never think I'm worthy of being part of them. That, and the fact that my love life is plainly...empty.

No mate. No boyfriend. Nothing. Is it weird that as a 24-year-old, I've had sex only twice? Definitely weird. And I may need to fix that soon. Not that it bothers me, but I think my lack of experience in all of that may be the reason why. Besides, I need that experience myself.

It was exactly why I had agreed to take this mission and come to the human country. Alone.

'Plain old boring text every time. That's no way to woo a woman. I should teach him that next time we meet,' Robyn grumbled. 'Right now, I just need to get laid.'

'He's not trying to woo us though. We both agreed we didn't want this, and if I recall clearly, you were the most eager for that.'

'Not my fault. He's too scary, and his lycan wolf is the worst. Through the aura, I could feel his resentment. I don't want a mate like that. I’d rather get laid when I want to and continue kicking asses in football and CIS.'

'A relationship with no strings. Just to satisfy the urges and we go our different ways.' I replied.

Neither Robyn nor I have interest in relationships, or the mate bond that binds we wolves. It's already been established that I can't be in a relationship. Neither friendship nor romantic relationship. I just can't keep up, and can't understand the need for them.

I love the comfort of my silence. Of being alone. I just can't seem to understand the thrill people find in too much noise, especially the loud ones that make my head spin. Being alone is what I do best. And what I'll maintain.

'That. That is it, Sher. That being said, I'll repeat myself again. I seriously need to get laid.'

'I think your horny mind is getting to me, Robyn.' I murmured. 'I heard humans have something called escorts where you sign up for men and they satisfy you. Want us to try?'

'You bet I do!' Robyn shrieked, jumping around happily.

Mustering up enough courage not to back down, I downloaded the escort app with the most reviews and signed up. Then scrolled through the list of names and bios visible. Some of the men had their pictures plastered; to be frank, a better part of them do. But the one that caught my attention the most was the one wearing a mask. However, he was completely bare from waist upwards, with a large colorful butterfly tattoo on his right chest. He looked so muscular, and too big.

'He looks yummy. Definitely the perfect fit for our petite form!' Robyn clapped her paws together.

Wouldn't he crush my petite form if I chose him? I wondered quietly, reading through the simple bio he had written there.

'I get the job done in minutes. I'll have you screaming before you know it.'

'That right there is the man for the job, Sher. I like the idea of him making us scream.' Robyn purred.

'He sounds...cocky. Or rude' I replied, albeit already agreeing with Robyn. But that only piqued my interest towards him more. And his eyes, grey green. Where have I seen this shade? But that was one other thing that sealed the idea for me. I clicked on his profile, and booked him for Friday night. That is two days away from today.

Time to make something exciting out of my life. And time to make my stay here worthwhile!

I dropped my phone and shut my eyes, eager for Friday night.