Her Human His Lycan

Pub

Emma POV

I sensed Clay again for a short while in the apartments. It was hard for us to not simply go to him, as we wanted, but doing so would blow our cover.

Part of me was afraid for him as well. The hunters, were dangerous adversaries. Although Clay was now on our side, if they were to learn his allegiance, they may kill him without hesitation.

"I know you worry because he is human," Inara's voice whispered in my mind."But he is strong, Emma. We need to trust that he can also protect himself."

"He may not have a wolf, but he is stronger than a normal human. He is still a hybrid," I reassured myself.

"And because he has wolf blood, you know he can become a lycan," Inara said in my mind, her voice laced with hope.

"That is if he wants that," I replied, "Just a few days ago, he hated our kind, even if that hate was based on lies."

"It is the only way for him to stay with us," she said to me.

"Good point." I replied.

Through our link, my brother's voice filled my mind. "I'm nearby now, Emma. Let's meet. There's a pub not far from you in the city. I'll message you the address on your phone." His words echoed in my consciousness.

Excitement surged within me as I eagerly asked, "How do I get to you?" The anticipation of seeing my brother filled me with joy.

"Didn't dad download The Ride app on your phone?" he asked through our link, his voice laced with a hint of amusement.

"Yes," I replied, a glimmer of realization dawning upon me.

"Well, you did say you wanted to experience more of the human world. Use it," he suggested, his words resonating in my mind.

I sighed, accepting his suggestion. "Okay, I'll be there soon," I replied, relieved that my courses for the day were finally over. Retrieving the address my brother sent, I inputted it into the ride app and requested a ride. Stepping outside, I leaned against the cool brick wall, my anticipation growing with each passing moment.

Suddenly, I caught sight of Clay emerging from the building, his attire was really nice. My heart skipped a beat as I looked at him. Heat rose to my cheeks, tingling with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. I remained hidden, hoping that he wouldn't catch a glimpse of me amidst the flurry of activity.

Finally, my ride arrived. An older lady greeted me with a warm smile as I climbed into the car. "What a lovely day it is," she exclaimed, initiating small talk. I nodded in agreement, appreciating her friendly demeanor.

Peering out of the window, I marveled at the towering buildings and bustling streets. The city's grandeur and energy were both awe-inspiring and slightly overwhelming. It was a stark contrast to the tranquility of my home.

Upon reaching the destination, I thanked the driver and made sure to tip her generously through the app. Stepping out onto the sidewalk, I found myself in the midst of a vibrant neighborhood. The pub was nestled among a cluster of bustling businesses.

Although it was late afternoon, the pub was already brimming with activity. Conversations mingled with laughter, creating a symphony of human interaction. Amidst the crowd, I could sense my brother's familiar scent, a comforting presence amidst the sea of strangers.

I made my way towards his table, my heart pounding with a mix of emotions. As I approached, I noticed something different about him. His normally blonde hair had been dyed dark. A smile played on my lips.

"Out with it," he said, his voice filled with a mix of playfulness. I couldn't help but laugh, feeling a wave of relief wash over me. "It's to be safe, can't have us looking alike right now," he explained, standing up to engulf me in a warm embrace. The sensation of his strong arms around me brought an overwhelming sense of comfort and belonging.

"I'm here with you now, Emma," he whispered, his words resonating deep within my being.

We both sat down at the cozy booth, the dim lights casting a warm glow on the wooden table. I glanced at the menu. As I scanned the options, my stomach let out a low gurgle.

"Despite everything going on, Emma, you look well,"Noah said.

I playfully teased him about his unconventional hairstyle, eliciting a soft laughter from both of us. I couldn't help but notice a few women stealing glances at him, their eyes twinkling with interest.

"Do you have the rest of the night free?" he asked.

"I do," I said to him.

"Bryn and Flint are at the same hotel I'm staying at," he explained."But we thought it best we never meet all together right now, to be safe." His voice carried a hopeful undertone, laced with anticipation. "Maybe later, you can show me around your campus. I would like to see where you're living and all, and just spend some time with you."

"Of course, as long as you think it is safe," I replied.

He pointed to his hair, causing me to laugh again. I could see his mischievous grin as he teased me about our different hairstyles. With his new hair color and colored contacts, we no longer looked like twins.

He got up and slid into the booth beside me, I could feel the warmth of his presence next to me. It allowed us to have a private conversation without others overhearing.

When the server approached our table, my brother ordered a beer, and I followed suit. "Are you a drinker now?" Noah asked me.

I sighed "Maybe after the past few days."

"We're going to get through this, Emma." Noah reassured me.

“How are mom and dad?” I questioned.

"They're busy. Things aren't good at home right now. It's like you leaving triggered a chain of events. Dad is really worried about you, but Mom is handling things better. She has faith that you will be fine." I smiled, remembering how my mother always seemed to have an unwavering strength. She was a warrior in her own right. Both of our parents had trained us, but my mother had spent a lot of one-on-one time with me.

The server returned to our table, placing our beverages in front of us and taking our orders.

Once the server left, Noah took a sip of his beer. He turned towards me, his expression now more serious.

"Although you look well, Emma," he began, his voice filled with genuine care, "you must be honest with me about how you're doing. I can feel a lot through our twin bond, just as I know you can with me now. I'm well aware of how you've been struggling over the past year, desperately searching for your mate. Mom has been worried too. Are you able to keep more control? Have you been feeling sick at all?"

I gave my brother a small smile, grateful for his understanding. My mom had a better grasp of what I was going through, although it seemed that I had it worse than she did. But Inara, she had powers unlike other lycans. She had the ability to create and control storms, a rare gift. As for me, it often happened involuntarily when my emotions ran high. Fortunately, that hadn't happened here.

I also have what is best described as an electric current flowing through me. At times, it surges uncontrollably, sending shocks through my body. The power is overwhelming. That is why I rely on my mate. When he is near, our connection amplifies, granting me extra strength. It's not just the power itself, but the bond that offers stability. Without it, I am vulnerable. The potency of this power often makes me sick, something uncommon for lycans. It corrodes my insides, eating away at my being, since I struggle to maintain control.

The struggle became so severe that I had to seek help at the kingdoms medical facility at one point. Now that I have found Clay, there is a subtle change, a flicker of hope. However, we have not completed the bond yet. He cannot mark me since he is human, I would have to mark him. The slave mark prevents a bond from fully forming as well.

“I’m handling it,” I told my brother, “though there were a few times I almost lost it. Then Clay, as I said, kissed someone else—the betrayal felt like he’d had s*x with someone, even if he didn’t. My body just reacted that way.” His growl was barely contained.

"Cearful Noah," I said, watching as he took a big gulp of his beer. I followed suit, taking a sip of my own drink, the cool liquid refreshing.

"Does he know, Emma? Have you told him how important he is to you?" Noah asked.I shook my head, feeling a mix of nerves and anticipation swirling inside me.

"I have not yet," I responded, my voice tinged with uncertainty. "This is all really new for him. It's just... I don't want to overwhelm him or make him feel pity for me. I want him to be with me because he genuinely wants to."

Noah nodded, his eyes filled with understanding. The scent of beer and fried food wafted from the nearby tables, mingling with the faint aroma of perfume and cologne. "I know you're slowly building trust with him, Emma. But if you truly believe he's good for you, he should know the full extent of what you're dealing with. What if you lose control? You'll need him by your side. As much as I want to help, I can't provide the same support as your mate can. Sure, we're twins and I've been there for you in the past, but you know that his presence will be different."

"So, you're okay with him being my mate?" I asked, seeking reassurance.

"Do I have a choice?" Noah sighed. "I don't know him yet, but I trust you, Emma. I know how easily people, especially humans, can be manipulated. If you love him, if he makes you happy, then I'll accept him. I'll protect him as you've asked, and we'll find a way to make things work. Your happiness should always come first, even with the responsibilities of being a princess. We'll all stand by you."

Tears welled up in my eyes, blurring my vision as I looked at my brother. The warmth of his presence enveloped me as I leaned my head against his shoulder, seeking comfort. The aroma of sizzling steak and garlic filled the air as the server brought our food. Our hunger was appeased as we started to eat, the flavors exploding on our tongues. I realized just how famished I had been before coming here.

"When we are done here, I will spend the rest of the night with you," Noah said.

"Keep an open line of communication with me through our link, Emma," Noah continued, his words tinged with urgency "Point out anyone you know is a hunter or suspect as one," Noah instructed.

"We work at this as a team now," Noah emphasized, his voice filled with conviction. "And then tomorrow, when you are done with classes I know that Flint and Bryn want to see you as well," Noah mentioned, his voice filled with warmth.

"Mom and dad wanted to come, but they are still handling the issues back home," Noah revealed.

"I appreciate all the support," I admitted, my voice filled with gratitude.

"For tonight, as well, Emma, I want you to relax and have a little fun," Noah suggested, his voice gentle and caring.

"If I go out and drink more with you, you will use it to tease me for the rest of my life," I joked, a playful smile on my lips.

Noah raised his pinky finger, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I pinky promise I won't," he said, his voice filled with laughter.

"You are such a child sometimes," I laughed, linking my pinky with his.

By the time we left the pub, I had already enjoyed three drinks, the taste of each one lingering on my tongue. The sky had transformed into a velvety darkness, dotted with twinkling stars. Noah helped me request a ride, the sound of the car engine rumbling to life as we headed back to my apartment.

"Not bad," Noah remarked, his voice filled with approval, as he settled on my couch. I pulled my phone out of my purse, the soft touch of the screen beneath my fingertips. There were no messages from Clay, but one from Melody, mentioning another party at the place she lived.

"There is a party not far from here," I suggested to my brother, the words slipping off my tongue.

"If you want to go, my friends from class will be there," I added.

"You have never been one for parties," he said to me, his voice filled with amusement.

"I can message Ryan to meet us here. It's better to have a casual setting where we can blend in as students just having a conversation." I explained.

My brother nodded, his eyes narrowing as he contemplated the situation. "Very good point," he said. "I know you have your suspicions about him, so I will see what I sense from him."

"Thanks," I replied. "I really do hope that he is on our side, but he just seems a little off to me. He also told Clay to reject me."

"He may have only said that to Clay out of concern for you," he suggested. "But at the same time, he has no right to be suggesting that to someone else's mate."

As I sent Ryan a message, my fingers tapping on the screen, my brother glanced around my apartment. "I'll stay here for the night with you," he offered.

"For tonight, Emma," he continued, his voice gentle yet firm. "I want you to have fun, like an average student would. That way, you fit in more. And if any of the other hunters in the area have suspicions about you, it may get them off your track for now. Not fitting in right now will make you stand out."

"I understand," I said.

"For tonight, you have me," my brother assured me, his voice filled with a sense of sibling love. "So you don't need to worry. Just have some fun and relax, try to get your mind off of things. Let me be the one to worry tonight and be alert."

I smiled, a sense of gratitude washing over me. "Thanks, Noah," I said, my voice filled with genuine appreciation. I quickly freshened up, and we headed out into the night once more. I would try my best to fit in and relax for the night, as my brother asked of me. It won't be easy, but with him by my side, I do know that I am safe.