My human mate

4#

Jason pov.

We drove in silence back to the Packhouse. I mind link my Beta.

"Stephan, please take my 12-noon appointment. I need a run."

I block him out before he can respond. I need time to think. I didn't expect it to be like this when I first saw my mate.

I take off my clothes and put them next to a tree. I close my eyes and let my wolf Loki take over, once shifted we run through the forest.

I was shocked when she asked what would happen. It was clear she had no intention of coming with me right away.

Probably because she's human. They don't know the mate bond as we do. It took everything I had not to claim her. It would scare her. I hope she gives us a chance.

"Jason, man up. We're Alphas. She must give us a chance." I hear Loki say confidently.

"You don't know Loki, she's not like us, we have to be careful. Before she runs off. We have to make sure she chooses us."

Haily pov.

I needed a walk, to put everything in order. Why can't anything ever go calm and normal in my life?

I came here to sort it all out but instead, I got a problem with it. Ever since I found out about werewolves and mates I've always thought I wanted one too. That it would be easy if it did. Boy was I wrong.

It's moments like these that I miss my mom so much and wish I could call her. Sadly, she passed away when I was 9. I sigh.

Maybe I should call my aunt? But she probably tells me not to think too much and just go with it.

I walk through the shopping street. It looks quite cozy, all those small shops. A hairdresser, local souvenir shop, bakery, flower shop, and even a bookshop. I decide to take a look around there.

I have always felt comfortable between the books. That's why I've decided that I want to start writing myself.

I take a look around the store. There is no one inside except for 1 woman. I'm guessing the owner.

"Hello, always nice to see a new face. Can I help you? Looking for something special?" She asks friendly.

"Hi, no thanks. I just wanted to look around." She smiles. "Okay, if you need me, don't be shy. Happy to help."

From the outside, it looks like a small shop, but still, they have quite a bit of space. Enough that they've made a cozy reading nook.

I look around and see that they have marked each genre. I walk to the fantasy part. How ironic my favorite genre.

I chuckle to myself. I run my hand over the books. Unfortunately, the fantasy part is not very big and I have already read most of it.

"See something that appeals to you?" It sounds behind me. I was so absorbed in the books that I didn't realize she was behind me. I was stunned for a moment.

"When in doubt, I have some recommendations if you want?"

I smile. "Not necessary, I've already read most of what's written here. I just came to look around." I answer.

"No problem, a bit of a bookworm huh? How come I've never seen you?" She asks, laughing.

"Yes, a little. I only arrived yesterday. I'm staying at the hotel." I answer.

"Oh nice, how long are you staying?" She asks

"Not sure yet. I sort of ran away to be away from my ex. I hadn't made a plan yet." I explain. "I'm a freelance writer so I can work anywhere. I'm just having a bit of trouble finding work at the moment." The woman smiles.

"Well, if you're interested, I'm looking for someone to help me out here. And you sound like someone who loves being around books."

I thought for a moment. It wasn't a bad idea. I still had some savings, but if I stay longer I will have to have a job.

"That seems fun!" I said happily and held out my hand. "My name is Haily."

She smiled. "Monique, welcome to the store. Do you want to start on Monday? Then you have a few days left to explore a bit."

"Sounds good." I say enthusiastically. "Any suggestions where I really should go?" I ask.

She thinks for a moment. "There isn't much to do here. The lake is beautiful and you can swim well. Other than that, not really. If you want to meet some people you should go to the local cafe. During the day you can have a nice meal or a cup of coffee and on weekends there is often live music in the evening."

"Thanks, getting to know people would certainly be nice. Especially if I decide to stay. What time do I have to be here on Monday?" I ask. "The store doesn't open until 11 am on Mondays. So if you're here at 10 am it's fine."

"okay totally fine, thanks again!" I walk out of the store.