Her Human His Lycan

Hungry

Emma POV

"Stop worrying so much, Noah," I said to my brother, as I playfully tackled him to the ground. The soft grass cushioned our fall, and the sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting a dappled pattern on our faces.

"I can't, Emma," he responded, his voice filled with concern.

"I'm fine, Noah. In fact, I'm better than I have been in a long time," I admitted, as he rolled us around, his laughter echoing through the garden.

"You're getting stronger, Noah," I said, feeling a sense of pride for my brother.

"Yes, but that mate of yours, he gave me a run for my money," he chuckled.

"Wait, Noah, you have to be careful," I said, a tinge of worry in my voice.

"Don't worry, Emma. I won't break your mate," he reassured me. "But he is stronger than you give him credit for. He can hold his own well for a human." I pushed against him, launching him off me, and then we both erupted into laughter.

"You're going to pay for that," Noah declared, his voice filled with playful determination. I got back on my feet, and prepared myself as I dodged his attack and grabbed hold of him.

"Damn you," he laughed, his voice filled with brotherly affection. "I will get you one of these days."

"I know you will, and I can't wait," I responded, a wide grin spreading across my face. Noah and I shared a bond like no other, always pushing each other to be better.

"Don't you want to get inside to your mate?" Noah asked, a hint of concern in his voice. "This may be your last day alone with him for some time, Emma. The packs they harmed... Some are here, as you know. They want to know how we are handling the situation."

As we walked over to a tree on the property, I could feel the rough bark against my fingertips. "I'm well aware," I said.

"I made a promise to hold the hunters accountable, and I will not fail on my end," I said, the weight of responsibility pressing upon me. Noah sighed, and I could sense his worry.

"They have already contacted the kingdom, requesting you to meet with them again," Noah explained.

"Does Clay know?" I asked, a sense of urgency creeping into my voice.

Noah shook his head. "No, we have not discussed that yet. Ryan, when he called, explained that his pack is being questioned by others. And when I spoke to Mom and Dad, they brought me up to date. We are dealing with some packs that have been on the edge of being our enemy for some time. We must handle all of this cautiously and, well, with..." Noah trailed off.

"I'm well aware, Noah," I interrupted. "If they learn of my true relationship with Clay, they will use it against me and may target him. For now, keeping him as my slave protects him, and I will continue to do so in public. Clay understands this as well." Noah hung his head, a mixture of worry and understanding etched on his face.

"In order to maintain the facade, Emma, you might have to exhibit more control in public. You can't afford to appear soft on him," my brother said, his voice tinged with regret.

"He's grown on you, hasn't he?" I replied, a small smile playing on my lips.

"Yeah, kinda. I know he brings you happiness, Emma, and I don't want to see the one who holds my sister's heart get hurt. Just as I would feel the same for my mate," Noah said.

"I love you, Noah. I'm truly fortunate to have you as my brother. Thank you for always being there for me, even when I venture to places you dislike," I expressed, leaning against him.

"I'll always be by your side, just as we promised as pups. Nothing will break our bond," Noah reassured me. The warmth of his presence enveloped me as Clay's scent finally reached my nostrils, prompting me to separate from my brother.

"You okay?" Clay asked, his concern evident in his voice.

"Yes, actually, better than I've been in a long time, according to Bryn. Thanks to you accepting me," I replied, gratitude filling my words.

"I didn't mean to interrupt. Jennifer just wanted me to inform you that Ryan will be here soon and food is ready in the kitchen," Clay informed me. At the mention of food, my senses heightened, and anticipation flooded through me.

Noah chuckled, "You just said my sister's favorite word."

"It's true," Noah laughed heartily. "She has an appetite like a dinosaur. It's like another superpower of hers — she can eat enough to feed an army, yet never gains weight. Meanwhile, I eat a single slice of pizza, and it feels like I have to train for hours afterward." Noah's words embarrassed me.

"I just love good cooking, that's all," I said.

"Jennifer has been an incredible host. We must make sure we give her our thanks and help as much as possible. Her house has become like a mini hotel for all of us," I added.

"It's Bryn's house, and Jennifer watches it for her, so maybe we should thank both of them," Noah chimed in. I nodded in agreement, feeling grateful for their hospitality.

"I forgot to ask, but are you okay sharing a room with me?" I asked Clay.

“Is that alright?” he asked.

"It's normal, considering your slave mark. It's not uncommon to keep a slave close, typically not in the same bed. But no one will see it as suspicious since they won't be welcome in the room we stay in anyways," I explained. Noah decided to retreat inside.

Clay took my hand, leading me towards a secluded spot under a tree. As his body pressed against mine, I could feel the warmth radiating from him. "Not outside," I breathed out, trying to maintain composure despite the overwhelming desire that pulsed through me.

"I was told we are in the clear for a little," he said, his lips meeting mine. I could taste the sweetness of his kiss. "I'm sorry. You're just very hard to resist," he whispered in my ear before pulling away.

Realizing we should head back indoors, I hesitated for a moment, contemplating the what-ifs. "Wait, Clay, what if..." I began, but stopped myself, uncertain of how to voice my fears. However, he stopped me, urging me to speak.

"What would have happened if Ryan had not captured you? You would not have learned my true identity," I finally spoke, my voice filled with curiosity and vulnerability.

"I had every intention of coming back to you at the school. And even if I learned the truth about you a different way, I would have protected you. I would have never turned you in. Nor do I think it is even possible for me to hate you," he confessed, his words washing over me like a comforting embrace.

"I never believed in love, let alone love at first sight. But I fell in love with you the moment I first set my eyes on you," he continued, his voice filled with sincerity and adoration.

"Thank you. I don't mean to sound insecure. It's just that I needed to hear you say that again. I worry you accepted me because of the mark," I admitted, feeling a sense of relief mixed with lingering doubts.

"No, I accepted it because you're the only one I want. Just as I want no one else to have you," he reassured me, and I couldn't help but wrap my arms around him, seeking comfort in his embrace. However, as I did so, he winced, causing concern to well up within me.

"Clay, lift your shirt," I said, my worry evident in my voice. He complied, revealing several fresh bruises mixed with the healing injuries. "Noah," I growled, my anger simmering beneath the surface.

"I'm okay, Emma," Clay assured me.

"Your body says otherwise," I snapped at him, my protective instincts kicking in.

"Your brother and I just sparred a little, that's all," he explained, trying to downplay the severity of the situation.

"Noah knows better, your human, you must be in pain," I said.

"I'm really okay, I promise. I asked him to continue; he would have stopped otherwise," he replied, his voice calm. I let out a low growl causing him to laugh.

"What?" I questioned, my eyebrows furrowing in confusion.

"You're cute. That's all," he said with a mischievous smirk playing on his lips.

"If you're really worried about my bruises, just help me make them feel better later," he said, his voice laced with a hint of playfulness.

"Okay, let's get you fed," I said, tugging on his shirt as he chuckled and followed me towards the house. My stomach grumbled in protest, the sound echoing through the room like a hungry beast. The aroma of freshly cooked food wafted towards me, making my mouth water.

"Better get food before you get hangry. You're scary when that happens," Noah joked as we entered. I glanced towards the kitchen, my eyes fixated on the tantalizing spread before me.

"I saw what you did to Clay," I said, my voice filled with a mix of concern and protectiveness. My brother lowered his head in shame, his body language showing remorse. Flint entered the room, his presence bringing a lightness to the atmosphere.

"Play nice, you two," he interjected. "Noah is just welcoming Clay to the crazy family, that's all."

"I know," I replied softly, my gaze shifting towards the food.

"Where have you been all my life?" I muttered, a mixture of gratitude and hunger coloring my words. I reached out and grabbed a taco, the warmth of the tortilla filling my palm.

I turned to Jennifer, a smile gracing my lips. "Seriously, you know your way to my heart," I said, my words filled with appreciation. Taking a seat, I took a bite of the food, the flavors exploding on my tongue, a symphony of tastes and textures.

Clay watched me. A blush crept up my cheeks, spreading like wildfire. "You have to eat as well, you can't just watch me," I said.

"Thanks for the food," he said to Jennifer, his voice sincere. He made a plate and sat beside me. But after a while, he leaned closer, his lips brushing against the side of mine. A rush of warmth spread through my body, leaving me breathless.

"You missed some," he whispered. My face burned, the sensation of embarrassment washing over me like a wave crashing onto the shore.

"I've never seen my sister turn into a hot Tamale before," Noah joked, his words teasing and light-hearted. My embarrassment reached its peak, causing me to stand up abruptly.

"Wait, Emma," Clay pleaded, his voice filled with regret. But I couldn't bear to face him, not in that moment. "Stay," he said, his voice laced with desperation, but I ignored his plea. I needed fresh air, a moment to gather my thoughts.

"Stay seated," I simply said.

I stormed out of the room, the door slamming shut behind me. But there was no respite for me. As I stood there, attempting to catch my breath, a car pulled up in front of me. Ryan stepped out. The door on the other side opened, revealing his mate and a few of his warriors.

"Hey Emma," Carly said to me with a friendly smile, her voice carrying a sense of warmth and familiarity. The sunlight danced across her face, highlighting the genuine happiness in her eyes.

"I'm sorry she insisted on coming," Ryan said.

"No, I'm glad," I admitted, the words escaping my lips with a sense of relief.

"I filled Carly in, she will keep everything a secret. I just don't keep any secrets from my mate," Ryan confessed, his voice filled with trust and loyalty.

"I knew Clay was your mate anyways, the moment he came into the bar for you," Carly said, her words accompanied by a soft chuckle.

"Us girls are far more observant," she added, her voice carrying a playful tone.

"How's Kris?" I asked, curiosity lacing my words.

"Safe, but it will take him time. I have pack members keeping an eye on Melody for you," Ryan reassured me.

"Thank you," I responded, gratitude filling my voice.

As my brother and Flint came out to greet everyone, we talked for some time outside.

"Where is Clay?" Ryan asked before we went inside, his voice filled with curiosity. Noah chuckled lightly, the sound of his laughter adding a lightness to the air.

"Emma told him to stay at the kitchen table," Noah explained. I let out an exasperated sigh, the sound escaping my lips with a mix of frustration and regret.

"I didn't mean to," I muttered, a sense of guilt weighing on my shoulders. I rushed inside and went to Clay, Jennifer keeping him company.

"I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking; you can get up," I said, my voice filled with remorse. I could feel the soft touch of Clay's hand on mine, offering reassurance and understanding.

"I know you did not mean to. I'm not upset," he said.

"Ryan and his mate, and a few warriors, are here to talk. They will be in soon," I informed Clay.

"I'm assuming that means I got to play my role well," he responded.

"His mate knows, but the warriors don't," I explained, a sense of secrecy underlying my words. Clay nodded in understanding.

"I understand. But when they leave, I can have you," he said with a smirk. My cheeks flushed with a mix of anticipation and embarrassment, the warmth spreading across my face.

"Fine. It's only fair after I made you sit for so long," I replied, a playful tone in my voice. We walked out into the main room, and everyone came in.

"I want to thank everyone here for their support. Per my sister's request, I'll be taking the lead on aiding to formulate a plan moving forward to go against the hunters. Thanks to Clay, we have their headquarters location now," my brother announced to everyone. The room fell silent, the tension palpable.

"How can we trust the hunter is not giving us false information?" one of Ryan's warriors asked, his voice filled with skepticism.

"He is my slave. I can force him to speak the truth. He can't lie under my command," I responded. I glanced at Clay, a mix of guilt and gratitude in my eyes.

"Clay, I command you to verify the information given is true," I said, my voice firm but tinged with regret. I could see the slight flinch in Clay's expression, a fleeting moment of pain.

"It is," he said, his hand meeting his chest briefly. The warriors seemed satisfied with his response, their murmurs of approval filling the air.

"Clay has proven himself helpful and shown already we may have been wrong about him. He is to be shown more respect moving forward," Ryan ordered his warriors. I nodded to him, a silent thank you passing between us.

"Noah brought my belongings here. Among them are the weapons I've been given: my gun, arrows, knives, and poison. You can take them and analyze them. I don't know how they were made, but maybe you can find better ways to protect yourselves from them."

"I appreciate that. I believe Bryn and Jennifer may be better at analyzing them. As you know, Clay, any information you can give us aids us. We are well aware that many hunters are deceived and have no clue what the leaders are really doing. We don't want to simply kill, as many are innocent. We just want to put a stop to the real evil, that's all," Ryan explained.

"I understand. I wish I knew more, but I was under the impression for a long time that your kind was attacking humans. That is why I trained," Clay explained.

"I was wrong and blinded, and for that, I do apologize," Clay also said.

"As for the hunter Liz, we believe she is still alive and now knows Emma's true identity based on tracking a trail," Ryan explained.

"Because of that, my pack is offering protection whenever you leave the safety of this home's barrier, Princess Emma and Prince Noah. Please know that my pack pledges full support to your kingdom, and we will follow all orders from you two," Ryan explained.

"Thank you. Together, we will put an end to the evil the hunters have been doing, so it is safe for your pack as well as all others," I said. As we all settled in and discussed the situation, I initially worried Clay may feel out of place, yet he seemed to fit right in.