Chapter 22: The Human Mate
446 Words
The library was quiet, bathed in soft golden light as late afternoon bled into dusk. Anya sat in her favorite corner near the window, deeply engrossed in a book on advanced healing techniques. Her pen moved quickly as she jotted notes into her journal.
Suddenly, her heart skipped.
It began to race wildly.
Aurora stirred in her mind, pacing with alert eyes.
“Aurora?” Anya whispered internally. “What’s going on?”
“I... I smell something. Something familiar. Something…”
A strange but addictive scent floated through the air—sweet, musky, warm like sandalwood and storm-kissed pine. It tugged at something deep inside her.
Aurora growled in her mind,
“Mate.”
Anya froze.
“What do you mean? Another mate?” she asked, alarmed.
“I’m certain, Anya. He’s here.”
Anya quickly gathered her books and papers, confusion and adrenaline pumping through her. She turned down the nearest aisle, determined to get out and clear her head.
That’s when it happened.
She bumped hard into someone—tall, broad, and warm. Her books tumbled to the floor, and she would’ve fallen if he hadn’t caught her by the arms.
“Whoa, you okay?” the man asked, steadying her effortlessly.
Anya looked up.
The man had tousled black hair, soft green eyes, and a smile that could melt the winter snow. His voice was calm, but something about his touch sent sparks through her skin.
Aurora whispered again.
“It’s him. That’s our mate. But… he’s human.”
Anya quickly straightened, face flushed.
“I-I’m sorry. I wasn’t watching—”
“No worries,” he said warmly, picking up her scattered books. “You new here? I haven’t seen you around.”
“Yeah… I’m a first-year student. I’m Anya,” she replied hesitantly.
He smiled.
“I’m Nathan. Second year. Biology major.” He offered his hand. “Nice to meet you, Anya. You’ve got a beautiful name.”
Anya reluctantly shook his hand, electricity pulsing at the contact. Aurora whined softly, confused but drawn to him.
“Thanks,” Anya said softly, pulling her hand back a little too quickly. “Um… see you around.”
She turned and left in a hurry, her heart still pounding.
Behind her, Nathan stood watching, curiosity written all over his face.
Back in her dorm, Anya dropped her bag and leaned against the door, breathing hard.
“He’s human,” she murmured.
Aurora’s voice was filled with wonder and confusion.
“Yes. And yet… he’s our mate. This has never happened before.”
Anya sat down, her mind spinning.
Two rejections. A third bond.
A human.
What did it all mean?
- Writer
