My Foreign Mate

CHAPTER 4 Calm before the storm

Time past, and before Selena knew her first week of school went by. It was Friday and she couldn’t wait for the bell to ring, signalling the start to the desperately awaited weekend. Not only by her but by everyone at school, including the teachers. It was another beautiful day and Selena planed on shifting form and going for a run at night. This was something she hadn’t done in quite some time and she knew her wolf would be happy after all they went through.

When the lesson finally ended, she stepped outside the school building blinded by the bright sunlight, having to shield her eyes with her hand. Then she recognised the outlines of a familiar person. It was Olivia. She came towards her.

“Hey! I haven’t seen you in a while. How was your first week? Are you all settled in yet? What do you say, you come over and we celebrate the weekend with some ice cream at my place and you tell me all about your week? And I promise, it will only be you and me. Nothing big.” She smiled, competing with the sun. Selena just couldn’t say no. This was really what she was in the mood for and besides, maybe it gave her the chance to find out something about home.

“You know Olivia, this sounds like the best idea I have heard all week. How could I refuse?” And they both laughed walking down the steps and Olivia linked her arm with Selena.

“There is just one little problem.” Selena mentioned with a smirk on her face.

“Don’t tell me you will run away or don’t have time.”

“No at all. I want to have a swim in the pool.”

“And why is that a problem?” Olivia stopped and looked at her confused.

“I don’t own a bathing suit.” They stared at each other for a second and then laughed out loud.

“Not a problem at all.”

They drove for a while and then entered the centre of Olivia’s pack territory. It was guarded. She opened the window.

“Hey boys, just me and my friend Selena.” The three big muscled men nodded and let them pass. The situation reminded Selena a bit of home, but she had to act surprised and impressed not to give herself away. She made big eyes and saw Olivia smile at her reaction.

“This is just a very secure and private complex, people living her just want to feel safe.”

“Is the crime rate so high? I wasn’t aware.”

“Not anymore, it was bad when I was little. You know my dad is kind of leading the community and he took care of the problem really well.”

This obviously meant Olivia’s father was the pack’s Alpha. Selena’s instincts were right. Maybe she did have a chance of catching some of the gossips.

They kept on driving, it was a relatively huge complex. Everything was well taken care of, streets and houses were all in a great condition. It was a hot day and the sun was burning restlessly. To her surprise trees were everywhere and it was green, and she enjoyed the cooling shadows. A road heading straight ahead led them to a spacious hacienda, painted with earthly colours. It was beautiful, very open and blended in perfectly to the environment. She didn’t expect that and this time her big eyes weren’t pretending. This was the pack house. They parked in front of the entrance, took a few steps onto the porch, which seemed to cover around the whole house as much of what Selena could see at least. They entered through a massive wooden double door. Inside was a beautiful patio with a fountain, birds were chirping and Selena felt surprisingly started to feel at ease. She didn’t expect it, for the first time in a very long time, she felt something like calmness. Something she was not sure she would ever feel again. She missed it, so much she almost wanted to cry but she would then have to do some explaining, so she pulled herself together.

“This way. We’ll go to my room first to get you a bathing suit, I suggest.” Olivia smiled and led the way through the patio to her room. She opened her door and they entered a room in the same Latin-American style, with a big bed and dressing table. One side was covered with windows from top to bottom, which were open and inviting to walk outside. There were also two doors which led to a bathroom and a dressing room.

“I should have one or two bikini sets which I have never worn. They should fit your beautiful slender figure.” Selena heard Olivia’s voice coming from her dressing room. “Ah, found them.” She came out and held two bikini sets in her hand. “Mysterious black, or sexy red?” She grinned.

Selena tried them both and settled for black. They headed to the back of the property, Olivia greeting people from time to time. Might be all part of the pack. Half an hour later they laid on deck chairs at the pool, drying their wet skin in the sun. Selena couldn’t believe it, but she was really enjoying herself and she enjoyed Olivia’s company. It was easy to talk to her. Olivia was a lively person who and was interested in everything.

“So how is Austria? Much different than this place?” Olivia asked, Selena had to laugh and looked at her iced tea.

“It is very different. More mountains, less heat.” Now it was Olivia’s turn to smile.

“Why did you leave?” Luckily Selena was prepared with an answer to this question.

“My sister and I decided we wanted to try a new life. She received a green card and here we are now.”

Olivia burst out laughing. “Why not New York or L.A.? Why here?”

“Too many people” This wasn’t even a lie. Selena felt a bit guilty lying to her.

“Do you miss Austria?”

“Every day.”

With these words they stayed silent for a couple of minutes, with only birds interrupting. Olivia then turned her head, lifted her sunglasses and smirked. “I think it’s time we get our ice cream.” And with these words they got up and went to kitchen. As soon as they entered Selena felt dizzy. There was a scent in the air she couldn’t stop sniffling. It was intoxicating and addictive. The more she smelled it the more it made her wolf purr. It smelled fresh but earthy, sweet but with a hint of mint or citrus. It was the most alluring thing she had ever smelled, and she couldn’t get enough of it. Olivia mentioned something about different flavours but Selena couldn’t really hear, she kept looking around where the smell was coming from.

“Damnit Will, do you always have to leave your mess around?” Olivia shouted. “I’m sorry Selena, my brother is such a messy mutt.” Olivia laughed and looked at Selena, not noticing her drowsiness.

“What’s this smell?”

Olivia sniffed around. “I don’t smell anything.” She answered confused, but Selena kept on inhaling this heavenly fragrance.

“Seriously Will, whenever you are back home this place is a mess. Luckily we have people who clean after you.” Olivia shouted again.

Suddenly the scent got more intense. Selena got exhilarated, and her wolf started to become restless. She looked up and knew instantly what was driving her crazy. She looked into deep golden eyes and was lost in them. His eyes turned black and then only one word fell.

“Mate.”