Her Human Mate

A witch

Crystals POV

Just go inside. He's right there. Simply get out of the car and go see your friend. He is unlikely to get angry with you he's an understanding person. I sigh as I look through the windows of Chris' bakery. I have unexpectedly grown really nervous. What if he doesn't want to be my friend any more? What if he was calling just to rip me a new one? I moaned and covered my face with my hands. I felt a hand gently caress my upper thigh. The exhilarating feeling tells me it's Brian. "Crystal look at me." He put his fingers under my chin and turned me to face him. His sparkling green eyes stared straight into my soul. It seemed as if he was trying to protect it from danger. I could get lost in his eyes for eternity if I could. "Don't stress yourself out. This is Chris we're talking about." I smiled as I think about how Brian developed a strong friendship with Chris. They first met when Brian joined me at work one day. It was when the mate bond began to get stronger, and he was baffled as to why he was acting the way he was. So he stood at my side for weeks without recognizing it. They hit it off right away. I couldn't get a word in once they started making conversation. Brian appears to have been coming to his shop since he was a teenager. Chris never spotted him because his business was often busy with customers. It's different now. He'll receive the occasional regular and a few visitors from out of town.

Anyways, Brian developed a trusting bond with him and grew fond of him. Chris as well. He used to tease me about my little crush on him until he found out that we were dating. To say he was excited would be an understatement. He was rooting for us from the moment he entered those doors. "It's okay baby, I'll be right behind you for moral support." He offered my hand a reassuring squeeze. I drew a long breath and nodded. As I got out of the car, all of the warriors did as well. "Do they really have to come with us?" I asked Brian as he stepped out of the car, chuckling. "If you like the idea of being kidnapped by rouge wolves then you could've just said so." Brian chuckled as I slapped his shoulder. "Fine. Let's go." I stomped to the front of Chris' business. Before I could open the door, it was almost ripped off its hinges, and I was pulled into a crushing hug. The warriors protested and reached for their guns. "Stand down." Brian commanded, and they took a step back, concentrating on our surroundings around us instead. "Oh God, Crystal! Where have you been!? Why haven't you answered my calls or texts? Are you OK? Are you pregnant? Is that why you're ignoring me? I tried to get some info from Brian but he is as useful as a slug."

Chris rolled his eyes at Brian before pulling me into the shop. I savored the pleasant aroma of the snacks and coffee, remembering the days I worked here. It's been too long, in my opinion. We sat at one of the tables. Two warriors joined us and stood facing the entryway. Chris frowned and sat with us. "Oh wait!" He stood up and dashed behind the sweets, grabbing something off the shelf and placing it on a plate. He came carefully back to our table and set it down, with a big grin on his face. "I know this is your favorite. I've been making new batches everyday in case you decided to come see me." I gasped at the wonderfully crafted treat in front of me. Canelés de bordeau. They make perfect accompaniments to tea, brunch, or dessert. The outside is crunchy and crisp, and the interior is delicious custard. Canelés are still quite uncommon outside of France, unless you are fortunate enough to live near a bakery that serves them. Which is what made Chris' shop so popular in the past. He prepares unusual delights from throughout the world. Sour cherry and pistachio Danish, Baked Alaska, Bûche de Noël, Croquembouche, and Thai steamed coconut-pandan cake. He can make pretty much anything you can think of. I'm not sure what happened, or why people stopped coming.

I gazed up at him through teary eyes. His smile continued to grow as he reached for my hand. "It's great to see you. I'm sorry I've been a babbling mess; it's just—" He let out a "oof" sound as I hurried to hug him. I embraced him tightly as tears streamed down my cheeks. "I missed you too." His body eased into mine. "It's so good to see you Chris." I pushed away from the hug and gazed into his sad eyes. "Likewise, little one. Now! Eat your snack and tell me why I had to pay a lazy piece of crap to do your job, hmm." He said with a strained smile. I peered behind him and saw a tall, slinky boy on his phone. I giggled and covered my mouth. I doubt he realizes we're even in here. "Oh he can't be that bad." I murmured as I chewed into the crunchy but soft dessert. My mouth was saturated with the flavors of vanilla and rum. I moaned at the flavor and almost fainted. I miss his baking. Chris scoffed, crossing his arms. "Not that bad? He doesn't even know how to start the coffee pot. Typical Gen Z." He said, rolling his eyes. "Hey now, Brian and I are apart of that generation." I replied, chuckling at his frustration. "You guys don't count. You're all pretty mature for your age. Enough of this! Tell me what's going on, Crystal, because this isn't like you. And why do you have body guards? I mean I don't mind, they're quite beautiful people and I could get used to them being around here more often."