The Mediator - Alpha's Human Mate

The night shimmered with color, strings of red, green, and gold lights wrapped around the trees and houses like sparkling vines. The air smell just like the absolute Christmas Eve, cold and freezing but yet exciting. Music thumped through the open festival ground, and the smell of roasted turkey and cinnamon drifted between laughing crowds. It is the annual Christmas Eve Biker Competition, the biggest event in the city. It is part race, part concert and part chaotic celebration of the season. The last time I was here was about 3 years ago while in my finals in school, my roommate then had dragged me out on that particular night so that I could have fun which I did have fun but after that work never allowed me to experience this again. I was usually placed on night duty each year. “This is perfect,” I whispered jiggly, squeezing Evans’ hand. “I can’t believe I’m actually here and not stuck in the hospital.” Evans chuckled, “Yeah, lucky you.” Lucky wasn't exactly the word. I had practically begged my best friend Suzzy to take my night shift and fill in for me with the promise to fill in for her during the new year festivities. It was the first ever free Christmas Eve for me and I wanted nothing but to spend it with the man I loved. Even if Evans wasn’t always the most affectionate, even if he forgot dates sometimes, even if I felt like I was always the one putting in effort most of the times I always love this man and I can't help it. Tonight was meant to feel special. “Look!” I tugged his sleeve, eyes brightening. “They’re lining up the racers! Babe, the celebrity bikers, this is them. I’m seeing them in real life!” The engines roared like thunder, sending vibrations through the air. The stands erupted in cheers as the riders revved their monstrous machines. Among them, one figure drew my gaze without warning. A tall biker in matte-black gear, helmet visor tinted, sitting on a midnight-blue motorcycle that glowed with neon accents. I couldn’t see his face nor his name, only his number was visible, NO 3. For a moment I couldn’t look away, my eyes were unusually glowed to him. His energy hit me like a pulse, something magnetic and unexplainable. I don't usually react to strangers, especially not bikers. As a rational, science-loving nurse who relied on facts and logic some category of people isn't just my type. My stomach flip when he tilted his head almost as if he sensed my staring among the crowd? "Stop. It’s nothing. I'm just excited." I waved it and finally take my eyes off to observer the other bikers. The announcer’s voice boomed, snapping me focus back to the track. “Racers! On my mark!” I cheered alongside others, letting the thrill take over me. “Ready… set… GO!” The bikes shot forward like bullets. Crowds screamed. Fireworks blasted overhead. The racers blurred into streaks of light around the track. And the one in black, the mystery rider that caught my attention before moved like he was part of the machine, cutting corners with dangerous precision. He wasn’t just fast. He was dominant, untouchable, leading the rest effortlessly. I found myself screaming at the top of my voice with the crowd, chest buzzing with excitement. “That’s him!” I yelled, I couldn't control it. “He’s incredible!” I shook Evans pointing at the field. " Yeah I can see that babe!" Evans cheered, a little disinterest in his voice. It was almost like he was forcing the vibe. I guess he has more important things to take care of in his phone. I can't complain though, having him here with me was more than enough. I focused back on the field. Within minutes, the race ended exactly as expected, the biker in black crossed the finish line first. Cameras flashed, fans surged forward, and staff surrounded him, pulling off his helmet. Through the huge screens hanging around the venue I caught only glimpses of dark hair… a strong jawline… a commanding presence that drew attention like gravity as he finally takes off his helmet. I was about to see his full face when the helmet finally come off but Evans tugged my arm over the railing. “Wait for me here, I will get drinks.” " Wait!" I turned around but he was no where to be found, he forgot to tell me where exactly he was going to get the drinks and due to the crowd we could lost each other easily here. Since the race finished people are returning to their various seats for other activities of the night. The field was empty too and I couldn't get to see the face of the top biker but that was the least of my worries now. I set off inside the crowd squeezing myself between people, I needed to find Evans soon. I toiled the crowd for some minutes until a scene before me made me freeze Just beyond the drink booth, half-hidden behind some stacked crates, I saw Evans kissing a girl. My heart didn’t break immediately Instead, it sank slowly, as though refusing to believe what my eyes were seeing. The girl giggled as Evans cupped her waist. I took one unsteady step backward alerting them of my presence. Evans jerked away, eyes wide. “Alice Alice, wait!” he called out. I turned and walked fast toward the trees, vision blurring. Pain burned behind my eyes, but I refused to cry here, in front of strangers. I ran deeper into the woods. Evans caught up, grabbing my arm. “It wasn’t what it looked like. I can explain...” I shook him off. “Evans, I saw you. I'm not blind” “I said wait! Listen to me!” he pleaded. I didn’t, there was nothing to explain except what I saw. I tried to leave again, but he shoved past me, temper rising. “Fine! You want the truth?” His voice sharpened into something cruel surprising me with the voice switch. “Maybe if you weren’t so flat and shapeless, I wouldn’t need to look elsewhere!” My breath caught like air was knocked out of my lungs. I couldn't believe my ears. Evans stepped closer, pointing a finger in my face. “Do you know how embarrassing it is having a girlfriend who looks like you? I’m a man, Alice. I need more!” I forgot how to breath untill I nearly passed out, I was breathing heavily trying to get enough oxygen. Each word chipped away at me until only numbness remained. I stumbled away from him, tears finally prickling. “Evans… what?! .” I sobbed. He scoffed. “You’re lucky I even brought you here tonight, it's so embarrassing... ” A growl sliced through the night interrupting us both. Deep, savage but nothing human. I turned around just in time to see a massive animal burst from the shadows, fur sleek and black as midnight. Its eyes glowed gold, locked onto Evans with bloodthirsty fury. Evans screamed and fell backward. “Wh-What the hell?!” The creature lunged at him, claws slashed the air, jaws snapped inches from Evans’ throat, and the creature pinned him to the ground with crushing weight. Evans shrieked, struggling uselessly as the wolf snarled inches from his face until he passed out. “Stop!” I cried, fear freezing my legs. “Please someone help!” I couldn't shout loudly nor run, I stared helplessly with tear stained eyes as the animal paused probably contemplating whether or not to come after me too. It happened like a dream but the creature's body suddenly started changing. Bones cracked. Fur receded. Light shimmered around the creature and right in my eyes it turned into a man. He was naked except for dark racing leathers torn at the seams. Breath steaming in the cold. His golden eyes still glowing with fury. It was the top biker from the race.The same man I had felt strangely drawn to minutes earlier. He looked up at me this time with no helmet, no visor. He looked like a god and in that instant, I felt something inside my chest stutter. Like a string had snapped and reattached to him instead. He authered some inaudible words, voice rough, primal, and too calm for someone who had just been a beast. He dropped Evans limp body to the ground and gradually started walking towards me immediately striking my survival instincts, I took to my heels dragging my weak legs back to the festive ground. Even if he catches up with me people would hear me scream from there. I ran like my life depended on that very minute and it indeed did.