The Pilot and The Werewolf

A Date with who?

Amber

Edited, I wanted to add a better ending to this chapter.

I reached the hotel in Harlem. It's posh-looking with a small but grand-looking lobby. There is even a three-piece jazz band playing in the bar. This hotel was picked since it was made to be friendly to mythical creatures and humans. The flight crew is mixed, half werewolves, half not, and then there's me. I love these types of hotels. I have stayed in a few as a child. Your neighbors can be as noisy as they want, but you wouldn't hear a thing. Magic is right under the human's noses.

We're staying in the werewolf wing. It has bigger rooms to accommodate possible shifting. The woman at the front desk sees my last name and puts me in this wing. This room is way bigger than I need, but the views are good. So I won't complain. It's right after three once I get into my room.

As soon as I sit down, my phone rings with my best friend Ellie on the other line. She is a flight attendant and the first friend I made outside my pack.

"Amber, how was your flight? You'll never guess where I am.".

"My flight was normal. How was your flight? Where are you? I don't feel like guessing."

"My flight was great! It's so great how nice Mr & Mrs. Redwood are the Flight Attendants….Also, I dropped them off in Montana. Your parents met them at the airport. Damn, it's cold here!".

"That's not abnormal. We trade with them pretty frequently. They're old acquaintances," I said in reply as I loosened my tie and started to unzip my suitcase. I might have over packed for this trip, but after what happened earlier, I'm thankful for the extra outfit options.

"Gotcha, want to hear some juicy werewolf gossip?" asked Ellie,

"Not really, but I have a feeling that you're going to tell me anyway," I replied with a slight eye roll.

"So, apparently, Eric canceled all of his dates in New York. I heard his mom and dad discussing it during the flight".

"He... he canceled his dates?". my head started aching a bit. Oh Moon Goddess above. What was he thinking? It sounded like he was just being an impulsive alpha.

"Ellie, I have a date tonight."

"A date, A date with who?...wait, Amber, do you have a date with the Alpha?" replied Ellie.

"I do. Maybe that is just a coincidence. Maybe he just didn't want to speed date?"

"Or maybe...well, maybe you're his mate. Why would he cancel something this important just to schedule a date with you? Did you feel anything when you guys talked?" Said Ellie.

"...I can't be... I'm not Luna Material. I noticed that he smelled good, but that was about it." I can feel myself getting slightly anxious. Why would the Moon Goddess give me a mate with one of the most respected packs?

My heart rate was up. Was Alpha Eric really my mate? Was I really going to trust this random person even though I couldn't feel the pull?

"Hmmm, well, I guess you'll find out tonight. What are you wearing, by the way?" replied Ellie. How quickly she skips over a serious topic annoys me, but maybe that is a good thing. As I'm not sure how to respond to all of this.

"My usual, but nicer. Black turtle-neck, skinny black jeans, black boots, and a leather jacket...Also, I'm curling my hair," replied Amber. "He's taking me to the Raclette. It looks casual enough for that.

"You'll knock him dead! Have a great night. Said Ellie

Eric

"Well, that went better than I expected," I thought as I entered my hotel room. I finally had a free moment to think about my date. My mind is still spinning over the fact that she actually said yes.

It's later than I would like; almost five thirty now. I had to make a few business calls to clear up my schedule for tonight. I'm glad that this hotel provides offices. It meant that I was able to be more productive. I made a few calls to arrange a driver, dinner, and a reservation for drinks afterward. It should be the perfect night. If everything goes according to plan.

I changed into a black dress shirt, jeans, dress shoes, and a wool coat. Of course, I didn't need the coat, werewolves tend to run warm, but I still had to blend in. Going outside when it's fall and almost winter, without a coat, would not blend in here.

I gelled my hair and realized that my palms were sweating.

"D*mn it…... I've gone into battle, fought other werewolves, but I get this nervous bringing my mate on our first date."

"I don't know about you, but I know she will love me." Said, Josh

"Cocky Bastard" I think to myself, and my wolf snickers.

"Thanks, you're not helping."

"You should buy her flowers. Human women like things that smell good. Also, if you mess this up, I'm leaving you for another human," Said Josh.

"I had flowers delivered to her hotel room earlier, also go back to sleep. You're not helping.". I sighed and checked the time. The car should be here any minute now.

Amber

It was six, and I was still finishing my hair when I heard a knock at the door.

"Ugh, Eric said the car would be here to pick me up at six-thirty, not six," I thought as I went to answer the door.

I open the door and see a shorter man, probably an Elf with some false ear, holding a large bouquet of roses.

"Ms. Mount Wood, I presume," said the Elf, with a heavy accent.

"Oh yes, that's me," I said as I took the flowers and shut the door.

I read the card "Looking forward to our date later. See you soon.-Eric."

I set them on the table and admired them. There have to be at least three dozen roses here. The vase that it came in was the size of a large pitcher. They're beautiful….

I finished my hair a few minutes before six-thirty. Then, at six thirty-one, a knocking sounded at her door. I opened it expecting a driver but instead found a smiling Eric.

"Are you ready for our date?" Asked Eric as he offered me his arm. I gave him a slightly quizzical look, but took it anyway.

"I believe so," I said back. I'm still thrown off by him offering me his arm to hold onto. Do people still do that? Apparently, he does.

They started to head down the hallway when I remembered to thank him for the flowers,

"Thank you for the flowers; they're stunning."

"Ah, I disagree, I would say the flowers are pretty, but you are stunning." Said Eric while smiling at me. I blush...again.

"Why am I blushing? What am I twelve,"I thought. This isn't my first date or my first experience with a man, but here I am. Acting like a nervous middle schooler.

"Oh, thank you. You clean up pretty nicely yourself," I replied.

"I try, I try," said Eric as he opened the car door.

Eric

Sitting next to my mate, I went from nervous to giddy. I found my person! My other half. Now to bring up her being my mate. I planned to rip off the bandaid and hoped the rest of the night would go well.

"So I wanted to speak with you about something; I hope you'll hear me out.".

Amber went from looking outside the window to looking at me,

"I am all ears," she replies, turning her beautiful golden eyes to me.

"I think... I think that we're mates."

l look at Amber's face expecting a surprise, and she just smiles. What does that mean?

"I know you do, and I will try to trust you. Unfortunately, I haven't shifted, so I'm not close enough in contact with my wolf to confirm that." Said Amber.

"Wait, how did you know? Can you feel the mate bond at all?".

"No, I can't, not strongly at least. I can smell your scent, but that's about it. My friend Ellie is a Flight Attendant who flew with your parents today. She overheard them talking about you canceling your dating spree, and she put two and two together.

"Ah, well, thank you for giving me the chance to earn your trust. Captain Smith mentioned that you hadn't shifted. I hope you don't mind, but I made an appointment with Dr. Moore. She's world-known and my parents have funded several of her research projects."

"I have tried every test known to man and werewolf, but I suppose one more won't hurt," replied Amber.

"Dr. Moore is not your typical doctor. She is a hybrid. Part witch, part Vampire. She has been alive for over 900 years and has more experience than anyone with mythological creatures and their ailments.".

"Oh wow, she sounds promising, replied Amber, hopefully.

"So what is so outstanding about this restaurant we are heading to? Asks Amber.

"Well, they pour hot melted cheese over your food at the table. As a result, I tend to burn a lot of calories. So this is an easy place to leave full from and not need to order werewolf-like portions."

"Well, that sounds incredible. I'm excited now". Replied Amber.

Amber

"You weren't lying when you said their food was incredible," I said as we headed to the car waiting for us. I honestly felt like someone needed to roll me out of the restaurant. But here I am walking like I didn't just eat my weight in calories. Not that it matters. My metabolism will just burn right through it. This is something that doctors could never explain about me. I have the strength, hearing and almost super human abilities of a shifter, but I can't contact my wolf. Nor can I shift,

"No, I wasn't. It's one of my favorite places to eat in NYC," replied Eric as he opened the door for her.

I wonder how long he'll do that. Her father still opened doors, bought flowers, gave little gifts here and there, and they were fated, mates.

"Where are we headed next?" I asked.

"We are headed back to Harlem, but to a Jazz Club that I like. The drinks are great, and the music is even better," said Eric. "I've rented out the upper level. That way, we can talk and get to know each other without worrying about being overheard". Continued Eric.

It's getting late, and this city seems to be waking up. Not going to sleep. More people are on the streets now.

The car stops, and we walk up to a place that doesn't look like it should have a club. I frown

"This doesn't look like a club."

"That's because it's SpeakEasy. Knock three times and give them the password, Moonlight," explained Eric.

I knocked three times, and a small door opened up, "Password," said a voice from inside, "Moonlight," I replied. The door opens, and the bar they enter looks like we are returning in time. The bartenders are either in suits or dresses, the lights are dimmed, and some are colored red.

They approach the hostess stand when the hostess looks up and says, "Welcome back, Mr. Redwood; we have your room already prepared for you, right this way.".

"Thank you, Amy," replied Eric. The hostess leads them to an old-looking elevator. The hostess waves them in and says, "Enjoy your night," as the elevator doors are closed.

Eric hits the two-button, and you can hear the gears working to lift the elevator. As the elevator moves, their arms brush against each other.

I hear Eric breathe in, and I remember that he is feeling the sparks that I can't.

"What do the sparks feel like?"

"It varies from feeling like I stuck my hand in a light socket …...so I've gotten too close to a flame," replied Eric.

"Well, that sounds intense."

"It is, but in the best way," replied Eric, as the elevator doors opened.

Eric

We entered the second floor of the Speakeasy. It had dark wood floors, dark red lounge chairs, a private bar, and a great view of the stage. As we sit down, an elegantly dressed waitress approaches them.

"Good Evening, and Welcome to Luna Lounge. Here are your menus with tonight's specials, Mr. Redwood, would you like your regular?".

"Yes, thank you," I replied quickly.

I looked over at Amber and said "They have a great wine list if that's your thing.".

Amber laughs slightly, "No, it's not my thing. I'll take a Whiskey Sour, though," said Amber, with a slight smirk. Well, there I go, already sticking my foot in my mouth. Note to self. Don't make any assumptions about this woman.

"We have similar tastes in drinks. If I'm drinking an Old Fashioned, it's usually a whiskey sour. How do you like California so far? Also, how long have you been in California?" I realized that I just asked like fifty questions without stopping.

Goddess, I swear I used to be a smooth talker. Luckily, Amber is gracious and laughs it off before replying.

"I enjoy the weather the most. It is usually colder in Montana this time of year. I moved to California about six months ago", replied Amber as she took a sip of her drink.

"Our mate has been this close to us for six months, and we didn't even know." whimpers Josh in our mind.

"Wow, we've been this close for six months. We'll have to make up for the lost time.", so I say before taking her hand, and I'm glad she doesn't pull away.

Amber

I looked and saw Eric's pupils dilate as he took my hand.

"I see that your wolf likes that we're holding hands, "I said while smiling.

"What is your wolf's name?"I asked, genuinely curious.

"His name is Josh, and yes, he is delighted to be this close to you. We've been looking for you for nearly a decade... So it's surreal that you're even here," said Eric.

I thought for a bit, enjoying the warmth of Eric's hand. "I didn't think I would find my mate. With me being so disconnected from my wolf, but I'm glad you're here.".

We enjoy our drinks and the music. Eric even asked me for a dance. Eric makes it so easy to talk to him. It feels like I'm talking to a long-lost friend….

At midnight we headed out to go back to the hotel. "Wow, this place is the city that never sleeps, " I mused as we passed plenty of sites that were still open and taking in people.

"Yes, that's one thing I like about New York; the energy, the life," said Eric.

We reached the hotel, and Eric walked me to my door.

I looked up at Eric, who gave me a half-smile and leaned against the door frame. He looked a lot more at ease than I did at that moment.

"As much as I want to kiss you, I want to wait until we figure out why you're disconnected from your wolf. I want you to have the same experience as I would".

"I...I guess that is probably a good idea," I say, even though I am disappointed.

I think that he caught my own disappointment, as he leaned forward and gave me a very quick kiss on my forehead.

"Good night, my beautiful Mate. I'll see you in the morning," said Eric as he walked to his room.