An Unlikely Mate

Complicating Things

Alexander was shocked to see Amelia walk into the bar the n3ext day. He thought she'd never return. He'd been hopeful she wouldn't, but equally hopeful she would. He should not have touched her. It sent his primal need for his mate into overdrive. His wolf form wanted to rip itself forth and have its mate. He would not allow that to happen, however. A human could never withstand his wolf form and then his secret would be out. It was absolutely forbidden for a Lycan to reveal itself to a human. He wasn't like a werewolf where his wolf was just that, a wolf living within him and he could shift into it. His wolf form was very much himself, it wasn't separate at all. But it was a much more primitive version of himself. Driven by instinct, strength and zero morals. He could let it take over, it just looked like him with wild eyes, taller, stronger and with more body hair. If he let himself remain in that state too long he'd become lost to it. He had shifted only twice. Once when he gained the ability and once when he'd killed every man responsible for Rebekah's death. Having a new mate pulling at his senses made the wolf in him want to break free, but he had enough strength to keep it well buried. He would be careful to avoid her from now on. He quickly went into the back room to count inventory when he saw her begin cleaning the miorros behind the bar.

He emerged hours later when he felt the crowds would help keep them apart. He did security rounds first and then found a place to tuck away and watch the main area for awhile. everything was pretty standard for a weeknight. Mostly a younger crowd, college students and the like. Not the type to get into too much trouble with classes the next day.

Finally, he went back to do some restocking. He froze when he saw Amelia in the back room. She was struggling to reach a box on the top shelf. The big jugs of Tequila.

She jumped when she caught sight of him. "You scared me," she said, placing a hand over her chest.

"I... I'm sorry," he stammered.

"Could you help me get that box down? I don't see a step ladder or anything. I need to get back out there. I have a group of women slamming back margaritas almost as fast as I can make them."

He nodded and strode over to her. He effortlessly handed the box down to her. Her fingers brushed his hands as she took it. Their eyes met and she bit her lip. She looked away, a blush creeping across her cheeks.

Alexander knew what was happening. She was beginning to feel the mate bond. As a human, she wouldn't understand it or feel it as strong as he did. But she'd feel a sudden, strong attraction to him. Where as his was a visceral need. He had to get away from her.

Amelia took the box and hurried out of the room. Alexander used a hand on a shelf to steady himself. He fought back the urge to run after her. He won the battle. Instead, he did what he come here for. Grabbing the things he needed, toothpicks, olives, napkins... He went back out tot he bar and refilled respective containers and bowls.

He managed to stay away from her for the rest of the night. By the time he got home and his head had hit the pillow he was exhausted. But sleep didn't bring peace, only dreams of Amelia presenting herself to him in lingerie. But before he could have her, Rebekah would enter the room sobbing. Asking him why he'd let her die, only to betray her with another woman. He would ultimately lose both of them as the dream concluded.