The Four Mates of Freya Rivers

A Human in Town

Freya



Cora managed to shove me into this pretty backless red dress with a cowl neckline and a slit than ran to my upper thigh. It was gorgeous and had a pretty big presence. Not to mention the fact that it fit me like a glove, hugging my waist and showing my curves in a manner that I don’t usually go for. But I can’t deny that I looked pretty hot in it.

My best friend also convinced me to grab this pretty corseted floral sundress. “It’s your day look!” She had said. I had just sighed and went with it. If I didn’t love her like a sister…

Now we’re in our favourite diner in town, enjoying the best chocolate milkshakes and burgers before heading back to the pack house.

“Aren’t you worried about your mate, Cora?” I start.

She looks up at me from her phone, looking like she might have missed something in our conversation. “My mate, what?” She asked.

“I mean, you’ve been 21 for a good few months. And there’s no sign of your mate anywhere.” I clarified. “Aren’t you a little worried?”

She thinks as she scoops up some of the ice cream. “Not really, no. I was actually relieved when I knew for a fact that it wasn’t anyone from our pack. I mean… wouldn’t it be weird? I grew up with these people and then one day, I’m just suddenly gonna attach myself to one of them and we’ll what? Bone down?”

I almost choke on my burger. “Cora!”

“What? I’m serious!” She laughs. “But I did hear that s*x with your true mate is mind blowing. Like legs shaking, multiple orgasms mind blowing. A girl could only wish…”

“Oh my Goddess, can’t you speak any louder?” I hush, looking around to see if anybody heard. Luckily, most of the people were too busy with their own meals.

“Stop acting like a prude, Frey.” She smirks as she takes a bite of her burger. “We’ve both been to that neck of the woods.”

She’s not wrong.

We’re both 21, surrounded by young werewolves filled with too much energy and who always looks like they’re in the best shape of their lives. We’ve dipped our toe in the shallow pool of the hook-up culture. Granted, Cora ventures around more than I do. Hell, the girl dives in head first.

I’ve got my fair share of steamy make out sessions while the party carried out around the bonfire, but nothing more than that. The first and last time for me was about three years ago, when eighteen year old me lost my virginity to this charming eighteen year old boy named Archer.

We were at this special summer camp for werewolves up in Aspen. Me, Jax, Chase, Cora and a few other young’uns from the pack. Then on the first day, there was a hide and seek game that where the losers would get kitchen duty for the first night. It was tradition, they’d said. It was my first time attending that year and didn’t know where to go, until this boy with the prettiest grey eyes grabbed my hand and whispered. “C’mon, I know where to hide.” He took me to a cliff side with the most discreet pathway hidden behind shrubs. We hid there, sitting on the grass, just talking and eating a bag of gummy bears he had sneaked out of the pantry.

Archer and I had gotten really close that summer. First, it started with teaming up for every activity and partnering up for sparring trainings then it led to sneaking around late at night to watch the stars and that lead to sometimes (well, almost mostly) making out. We spent so much time together that Jax had gotten his panties in a twist about it – he joked about feeling abandoned.

When the time of the summer solstice came around, Archer and I had sneaked off from the party where he was supposed to be my date. We went to the cliff side where he had set up a nice little picnic for us. Boy, it was romantic. Just the two of us talking under the stars, dancing to the soft music that played from his phone.

Then one thing led to another, and things just… happened. My first time having s*x was right there on our spot, under the very stars we watched almost every night. He was gentle and sweet, caressing me with such softness I felt like I was on a cloud. I was so sure nothing felt more perfect.

He and I separated ways that summer with the promise of keeping in contact. Unfortunately, his final wave to me as our car sped away was the last interaction we ever had. All I had of him was a phone number and the knowledge that his pack’s territory was in the next state over. I tried calling him a few times, but he just never answered until the line was inevitably disconnected. So there’s that.

I was heartbroken for months. My friends had no idea how to console me aside from Cora bombarding me with ice cream and movie marathons while Jax swore up and down that he would ‘rip his head off and throw it into the lake’.

Goddess, I felt stupid for even falling for anything that happened between me and Archer that summer. The naïve eighteen year old girl falling head over heels for the dreamy guy. Because that’s what most eighteen year old boys do, ladies and gentlemen! They’re like the most romantic poets at the beginning, telling you everything you need to know. Treating you like you’re such a gift. Until you give in, and bam! They dust their hands and wave goodbye, not a thread of remorse in their body.

What a way to get my first heartbreak, huh?

I guess that’s the reason why I never really crossed that line again, to having s*x. I never want to feel vulnerable like that ever again.

“Ooh, look at those muffins they just put out!” Cora says, dragging my attention towards the counter where Gary, the owner, had just placed a fresh batch of banana chocolate chip muffins out. I literally perked up. Those were my favourite and Gary makes them best.

Cora and I tried to catch the attention of the waitress, but she was busy attending to a family in the corner booth.

“Hang on.” I said, deciding to just go to counter myself. Besides, it’s been a while since I’ve caught with Gary. Maybe I could convince him to deliver some of those muffins to the pack house for tomorrow’s festivities.

I stood up, smiling as I caught Gary’s eyes. But just as I rounded an empty table, a person – a man – bumps into me as he entered the diner. Now my balance is usually outstanding, and my coordination even better. People see that when I enter the ring for a spar. But when his front touched my back, I felt a spark so strong it felt like I’d fallen off a tree. The gushing out of my lungs.

Luckily for me, he was quick as a whip and caught me by the waist. The breath that left me ceased to come back when I turned around to face him.

His sharp jawline was clenched as he looked back at me. His thick dark eyebrows hung low over his bright – are those purple-ish blue? – eyes. And his black hair, Goddess his hair, it looked soft – long enough to volume out but not too long that it would curl behind his ears. If I were ever to call a man pretty, this would be him. But let’s be honest, pretty feels to… soft for him. The man breaths a piercing and darkened aura. And I was intrigued.

“I’m sorry.” He breathes. That low husky voice sending warmth through my body.

“No, it’s okay…” I start, trying to get my footing and yet he still doesn’t let go of me. “I didn’t see you either.” My voice was barely above a whisper.

His eyes were moving all over my face, from my eyes to my lips and my blushing cheeks. Why was I even blushing? It’s not like this was the first time I was this close to a man. But there was just something about him.

“Nicholas!” Gary’s voice snapped me out of my daze. The man’s attention moved from me to him in a quick glance before setting me on my feet and taking a step back. “Your usual again for today?” Gary continued.

The man – Nicholas – looked over to Gary with a court nod. “Yes, please. Thank you.”

“Shall I have it brought outside again?” Gary asks, referring to the handful of shaded tables set up just outside.

“Yes, thank you.” He answers, short and quick. “I’m sorry again.” This time he says to me. He bows his head a little, keeping his electric eyes on mine. The guy was completely unreadable.

“It’s all good.” I answered. Then he stand back up straight, looks at me up and down before turning back towards the door.

I follow him with my eyes as he takes a seat in one of the tables outside. I watch him as he just casually leans back in his chair and opens his newspaper, not even glancing back at me. Now, why that makes me feel disappointed, I don’t know. But what the hell. Besides, who even reads a newspaper nowadays.

I turn back towards the Gary who was now wiping the counter with a knowing smile on his face. I’d just barely opened my mouth before the cut me off, knowing exactly what I was about to ask

“He’s been in town for a few days now, grabs brunch here every day. From what I could gather, he’s just another human passing through.” He states, making me smile.

That would make sense. A lot of humans pass through our little town every day, some even choosing to settle down here after seeing the scenery. A handful know of our true nature, meanwhile the rest have no faintest idea that almost every single person they meet here is a werewolf.

“Not exactly your type, Freya.” Gary smirks as he grabs a plate and places a muffin on it for me.

“That’s not exactly what I was gonna ask about, Gar.” I smile. “It’s just that I have this weird feeling…” I spare him another glance through the window, but he’s too engrossed in whatever he’s reading.

“Thought so too.” Gary says, placing his hands on the counter and leaning over a little bit towards me. “Not that many people passing through stay for a few days. Felt like he had other reasons for visiting us here, but so far the guy checks out.”

“You’ve already scouted on him?” I laughed.

“Oh, you could bet on it.” He answered, pushing the two plates of muffin my way. “By the way, your father already sent for a large order of these muffins for tomorrow.”

I beamed at that one. My Dad’s the best. He always thinks of everything.

I thank Gary as I grabbed the muffins and headed back to our booth.

Uh, who exactly was that hunk?

Cora’s voice popped into my mind, obviously too excited to wait for me so she had to mind link.

“Relax, Cor.” I answered as I sat down. “He’s human.”

This makes her deflate, her interest suddenly disappearing. “Oh well, scented him as much. But I was kinda hoping I’d be wrong on that one.”

“You’re such a great friend but you could be such a slut sometimes.” I laughed, taking a bite of sweet delectable tastes of banana and chocolate chip.

“I’m sorry, am I hearing prude remarks again?” She smiles. “But seriously, did you even get a good look of him? I’d break my werewolves only rule for someone that looked like him. Well, maybe just until second base.”

We landed in a fit of giggles at that.

Cora wasn’t wrong. That Nicholas guy could turn heads. He looked like he was well built under that white buttoned down shirt. He was tall, almost a full foot above me. And if that wasn’t enough, those mesmerizing eyes could hold anybody captive just like they did to me for a few moments back there.

Which is why when I caught those very eyes staring at me again, I couldn’t look away. My friend was too busy blabbering about all the cute wolves that will be there tomorrow that she didn’t even notice I was completely pulled out of our conversation now – captivated by his stare. His brow furrows, like he was trying he was trying to place me or get a read on me or something. Just like I was doing with him.

Because there’s definitely something off with him. And boy, did I want to know what it was.

༻✦༺ ༻✧༺༻✦༺

That night, I’m warm and cosy under a wool blanket as I look up at the stars from our house’s third floor balcony. Yes, a third floor balcony. It’s still technically in the Alpha and Luna’s wing of the house, just across the foyer that leads to their bedroom.

I love sneaking up here. I only do it on the days when Victoria is out of town because she doesn’t really like me sneaking about their space. But I can’t help it. This was mother’s favourite spot in the entire house, and I understand why.

From here you could see out towards the lake, the moonlight shimmering off its calm waters in the distance. On the other side, you could see the tree tops and the busy town just ahead of it – full of life and energy. You could even see the speeding shadows of wolves who have shifted and decided to take a run under the moonlight. Then you look up and you see the sky – the clearest you’ll ever get to see it.

It feels like a completely different world up in this balcony.

I hug my knees as I hear the glass door creak open behind me. A few moments later I feel the outdoor couch dip beside me and I automatically lean my head and sigh. My head right on his shoulder, just like when I was a kid.

“Cora says you had fun in town today.” My Dad says, and although I couldn’t see him, I could feel his smile in his voice.

“We did.” I smiled. “Sorry I didn’t get to help around here.”

After our drop by at Gary’s, Cora had dragged me all around the town looking for shoes and accessories that would go with tomorrow’s dresses. Then she convinced me to get a pamper day, which consisted of getting our hair and nails done as well as a relaxing full body massage. She got the highlights of her blonde hair retouched, and I’d only gotten a few inches cut off from my waist length jet black hair. The afternoon went by so quick, we hadn’t noticed it was almost dusk when we left the salon.

I’m actually convinced Cora did everything in her power to get me to calm down about tomorrow.

“You know I’ve got everything handled today. We’ve got people for all of it, everything is set and ready.” He answers, putting his hand around me and rubbing my arm. “I know you’re nervous, Freya. Talk to me.”

“It’s nothing, Dad.” I sighed as I straightened. Then I looked at his profile as he too looked up at the stars, noticing the deepening lines around his mouth and eyes. His hair starting to salt and pepper now. His age never seemed so obvious from afar, but up close I could see every evidence of it and his exhaustion in trying to take care of our pack. I’ve been doing my best to help him with it, with everything he’d allow me to do like paperwork and conflict resolution.

Dad doesn’t talk for a few moments, obviously waiting for me to crack. And that I do, then I just let it flow out. “It’s just that… I might find my mate tomorrow. And everything’s been so constant and controlled my entire life. I know what I must do today, and tomorrow and a year from now. But with the possibility of meeting my mate tomorrow, I just feel like everything I’ve worked for my entire life could be upturned.” I breathe as I try to read the look on his face. “I’m going to be next Alpha of the Blackmane pack, I don’t really need to find my mate for that, right? Tomorrow shouldn’t be a big deal to me.”

My father sighs, leaning back on the couch. It’s very rare to see him relax like this, so I settle down beside him.

“I met your mother the day I was pronounced as Alpha. I knew how to become a good leader long before then. But with your mother beside me, helping me carry the load of all of it, it made me even a better leader. Knowing I had someone in my corner, that I had a home to come home to every night. My five years with her were the best of my life.”

“Gee, thanks Dad.” I interject, joking.

“You know what I mean.” He laughs. “When we lost her after your birth, I was in a terrible space. You were the only one who held me together, even though you tried to scream the roof off the entire pack house.” We laughed. “I tried my best for those three years alone. Taking care of my infant daughter, running the pack, taking care of the pack. I was actually thankful when the elders urged me to meet Victoria and consider taking her as Luna. It was a good decision for everyone, and look at what she’s done for our assets outside the pack. That large additional income has proved to be a great aid for everyone, building homes and expanding the school. Better weapons for our guards and warriors. Besides, Victoria gave you a brother.”

“What’s your point, Dad?” I cut him off, not really wanting to hear any of that part. A year after he was married to Victoria, she’d given birth to Lucas. I already know these parts, but he does have a tendency to over share sometimes so it’s better to cut him off early.

He laughs as he looks down at me. “I’m just saying, you should have somebody in your corner. Looking out for you. Besides me and your family and friends. Not just somebody, because you might get it into that head of yours to just take a chosen mate. I want for you to find your true mate, your soul’s mirror in every way possible. I don’t want you missing out on the love and joy and security it brings.” He smiles at me, his eyes teary. And then I felt him mind link with me, sending a picture from his memory that makes my heart melt with so much love. It was his memory of my mother, Maria, holding me in her arms. Her hair was dishevelled, her face a teary mess, but her smile was so pure and bright. And the memory held such peace and love, it overwhelmed me.

I smiled at my Dad, understanding what he wants for me and feeling a little guilty for trying to avoid all of it. I at least owe it to him approach tomorrow with an open mind, to know that whatever happens, I’ll still be the next Alpha of the pack. And I’m going to make him proud to pass the title on to me.

“I’ll make you proud, Dad.” I reassure him.

He shakes his head as he looks at me. “You gotta do what makes you proud, Freya. Stop thinking about anybody else.” He smiles.

And those words echo in my head until I fall asleep in my bed that night.

༻✦༺ ༻✧༺༻✦༺

When my eyes opened to the light of dawn casting through my window, my heart did a mini little panic attack. It’s morning. Today was the day. I could feel my wolf stretching out and getting giddy, excited to roam the territory, hoping that her mate is here.

I sat up in bed, feeling around my arms and legs and head. But nothing, aside from my excited wolf, felt different. The aura of the morning felt like every other beautiful morning – me waking up with my pack.

After freshening up in my private bathroom, I change into some running clothes – shorts and a light shirt. I grabbed my phone, sending a quick text to Jax as I exited my bedroom. But as soon as I stepped outside, I’d dropped my phone, completely forgetting about it as I followed this heavenly scent through the hallways. It was a weird mixture of a crisp warm citrus-y scent with something dark and earthy.

My heart was pounding in my chest, my mind blank and wanting nothing but hurry towards it – towards the person. My wolf was creating havoc in my chest, pounding against the restraints of my chest just like my wild heart. I couldn’t stop my feet if I wanted to, running down the stairs and turning towards the kitchen.

Who the hell is in the kitchen?

I’m holding my breath as I grab my chest, trying my best not to faint at the flood of emotions flowing through my body. I rush towards the open archway towards it, turning the corner and finding two men at a standoff with each other…

Jax and Chase.

I gasped when I saw them, making them turn towards me at the same time. My eyes bounced between theirs and my wolf went haywire, finally placing that the scents were coming from… well both of them.

Mate! She kept yelling in my head. Mates!

Before I could try to comprehend her words, or the sudden need in my body to launch itself into both of their arms, Chase speaks.

“I f*****g knew it.” He takes three quick strides towards me, grabbing my neck and crashing his lips against mine.