Alpha Mate, Human Lover

Work Encounters

Callie's POV

I stayed in my room as long as I could. The walls seemed to breathe. I had heard Jackson leave for work so I knew it was at least 4:30. He didn't have to clock in until 4:45 and he is always 10 min late.

I rolled over to my side trying to think of what to do. Usually Jackson and I share off days but he picked up a shift tonight. It'll be an easy night for him. It's a Monday and he's working the bar.

Jackson and I really do everything together. How could not realize it's because he was in love with me? He's always been kind to me. How was i supposed it know it was something different than just friends? I mean that time period he dated Sarah, he was made it obvious he wanted to be with her so why hadn't he done that with me if he cared as much as he claims?

I groaned at the ache that was starting to form in my head and my stomach. s**t. I hadn't really eaten anything today. I checked the time. 5:30. Aww f**k it. Guess I'm going to go hang out with Jackson at work. I could use some wings and beer after today.

I don't have a car because most of our town is walkable. It's an extra expense I don't have to worry about and if anything I can always take Jackson's car. The bar is only about a 15 min walk from home and i really needed the fresh air. I jump up and throw on some biker shorts and an oversized HunterxHunter tee. Put on my crocs and called it good. It was just work. Not like I'd see anybody important tonight and my coworkers have all seen me in worse.

The walk was nice. The sun was low and there was a slight breeze. The kind of walk that makes you feel like you're in a movie credit scene. I did my best not to think about Jacksons confession or Maddox's intentions. I just took in all the lights slowly coming on. The traffic getting heavier and more people coming out to enjoy the town nightlife.

When i got to the bar i hesitated. I don't know why but it's as if my whole body was frozen. It didn't stay that way for long.

"HEY GIRL HEYYYYY!!!"

The host, Sam, a 16 yr old girl that's already taller than me, bounded through the doors. Her blonde pigtails bouncing. Its hard not to see why they keep her at the door. Her bubbly personality and innocent charm made you immediately feel welcome.

"Hey Sam", I laughed, "is it busy?"

"Nope. And you came just in time girl? 3 fine ass guys just came in and sat at the bar. Go talk to them for me."

"Sam, stop, you are a whole child."

She did a dramatic fake pout and rolled her eyes.

"Don't remind me."

With that she turned around the greet the next guest coming through the door.

I walked inside and headed towards the bar. I wasn't really registering who was at the bar as muscle memory led me through the restaurant towards it. I was looking around seeing who was all working tonight, waving and chatting with regulars. It wasn't until Jackson came up behind me and hugged me that I even knew he was there.

Maddox was at the bar. And from the way the bar stool just exploded against the wall, I don't think he's happy.

_____

Alpha Maddox

*MATE IS HERE*

"That she is."

I looked directly at her. She wasn't even in the building yet but when the host opened the doors the wind rushed past her and brought her perfect scent to me.

*I knew she would be here*

"Oh is that why your perked up when we got here?"

*Yes. I could smell hints of her around this place. I only assumed she works here. I was confused whenI didn't see her tho.*

"Hmph i bet. Well you got your wish buddy cause there she is."

*Perfect*

Reid and I sighed in unison.

She hadn't noticed me yet. She was making her way to the bar but Reid must have been right. She was stopping and talking to a few of the workers and even some guests waved her down.

Out the corner of my eye I watched as the guy who was just serving us drinks ran up behind my mate. He hugs her from behind and practically picks her up off the floor. I think I may have been able to control Reid if it wasn't for the laugh. This other man's touch made our mate laugh her most perfect laugh. Reid's rage destroyed any strand of control I still had.

The next this I know I'm on two feet and my stool has been thrown behind me. Reid has taken over and he's locked me out. I couldn't save this guy from his fury if I wanted to.

Reid goes to step forward and Slade, Cade's wolf, is now at the surface and holding Reid back.

Lucas is behind me ready to fight.

•Reid. This is NOT what you want her to see. This is NOT who you want her to think you are.•

*I DONT CARE. HE WILL DIE.*

Reid growled out between clenched teeth. He was seeing red and only wanted to see the blood of that man in his hands.

•You'll scare her away. Forever.•

Reid's eyes went wide. He looked at Callie who was now standing behind the man he wanted to kill. Why was she behind him? Is she afraid of me? She knows that if anyone could protect her it's me.

•I'm assuming she's a human. Reid. I'm begging you, for you and your human. Let it go.•

Reid looked away defeated. He slowly gave control back to Maddox.

"Thanks Slade."

•No problem Alpha.•

"Thanks Cade"

"Of course Maddox but why didn't you tell me?"

"Sigh, I just met her today and it looks like I might have just lost her today too."

"Naw. She's coming over now. Can humans feel the mate bond?"

Did I just hear him correctly? Surely he didn't say she was coming this way?

I looked up to look into the most beautiful brown eyes I'd ever seen. I was stunned by her presence and for the first time it was I that couldn't speak.