An Unlikely Mate

Amelia

The next day Aexander had errands to run for the bar and so he wouldn't be in when they opened. They had an interview set up for a bartender position. He hoped she worked out, they were in desperate need for an extra hand. It was difficult finding help that knew what they were doing, came in to work reliably and didn't just want e the job for free drinks. He trusted Lucious to handle the interview and make the right decision.

He had to pick up an alcohol order, stop at a commercial cleaning supply warehouse and go to a print shop to pick up an order of flyers. By the time he got to the bar they were open, but pretty empty. Rush hour wouldn't hit for awhile yet.

As he stocked the shelves his senses perked up. That sweet scent again... why was she here? He hadn't expected to ever see her again. Something about it was relieving. Something about that had been relieving, but had also caused a little panic. He needed to fight that panic. Fight everything his primal urges awakened when it came to his mate. He would not take another mate. He had vowed 500 years ago to never taint her memory with another... He would keep that vow.

After finishing his job he went out to find Lucious. That woman must've been the one interviewing. He'd tell Lucious to get rid of her and find a new candidate for the job. Easy enough.

She was just leaving the office when Alexander neared it. Her scent hit him like a truck. He stopped, almost staggering back. He focused on her lips as she smiled. "Excuse me," she said as she walked past him.

His heart nearly ripped out of his chest. He wanted to grab her and make her his right there in the bar. He grit his teeth, waiting for her to exit the building. when she did, he could finally move and stumble into the office.

Lucious looked up, startled. "Did you decide to top up on the stock you just picked up?"

"You can't hire you," Alexander said firmly.

"Well, that is unfortunate considering that I already did and she starts tonight."

"Call her and fire her," he said as he leaned over the desk.

Lucious gave him a look. "Back off. We need the help, you know that. She has experience and she's fast. She doesn't ever drink on the job, according to her. She could be perfect."

"If there's one perfect one out there, there will be another."

Lucious stood up from his chair and looked at his friend. He searched him in a way only someone who's known a person for centuries could. "She's your mate."

"Don't say it. Don't put that out there."

"You're going to have to deal with it because she's hired. Unless she doesn't work out, we're going to have to keep her. It's that or reduce our hours of operation. It's been months of searching and trying new hires."

Alexander groaned. "I don't want her."

"Maybe you'll change your mind."

This time, he growled. "I will not change my mind.I will not have her. I will not have anyone."

Lucious sighed. He'd been there when Alesander had lost his first mate. He had thought the heartbreak would kill his friend. But he'd pulled through, swearing to never love again. And for all of these years he'd not had even so much as a one night stand. Lucious had held out hope that Alexander would find a new mate who would heal his heart. His hope, however, had faded as the centuries passed. But now? Maybe there was hope. Maybe the shell of a man Alexander had become could be healed. The balm that only a mate could be. The new bartender, Amelia, a human no less. This could get interesting.