A Werewolf's Human Mate

4

Into the Woods

She stood there for a moment, trying to process what had just happened.

' What was that?!!

Am I really heading towards a wolf... a wolf?! And how could I be so foolish as to come into this forest unarmed, without any protection, especially in the dark?!

Ah! What's happening to me today?! Am I going crazy!?'

" And the biggest thing is, why wasn't I afraid of that... wolf? Instead, I felt a strange, inexplicable connection to it?!"

' But whatever it is, I should show some sense and get out of here before any more danger comes my way! '

Confused and intrigued, Aurora finally made her way back to the path, her mind racing with questions. As she emerged from the woods, she spotted Edwin standing at the forest's edge, waiting for her.

"Edwin?" she called out, her voice filled with a mixture of surprise and relief.

Edwin looked at her with concern, asking, "Aurora, what are you doing out here? It's almost nightfall, and what were you doing in the forest?"

Aurora heard his words, but her mind was stuck on the moment when he said her name. Hearing him say it brought back memories of the dream where someone had called her name in a seductive tone.

Her cheeks flushed red at the thought, and noticing this, Edwin asked, "What's wrong? Are you okay?"

Worried, Edwin placed his hand on her forehead to check her temperature. But the moment his hand touched her, Aurora felt a sudden shock run through her.

"Ow!"

"What... what was that? I felt a jolt, like an electric shock, from your hand!"

Edwin murmured to himself in a very low voice, "Yeah, I kinda forgot."

But Aurora couldn't hear him clearly and asked, "What did you say?"

"Nothing," Edwin quickly replied. "But tell me, what were you doing out here at this time?"

Aurora responded, "Well, I could ask you the same question, couldn't I?"

Edwin shrugged and said, "Yes, but I'm a w- I mean, I'm a guy."

Aurora raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean you're a guy? Are you trying to say that a girl can't protect herself? That she can't go wherever she wants? Is that what you think-"

Before she could continue, Edwin quickly stepped forward and cut her off, "Stop, stop."

"I didn't mean it that way, okay? Don't make me out to be some kind of misogynist! I was just saying, what urgent reason could you have for going into the forest at this time?"

"Uh..." Aurora hesitated, "Well..."

Edwin pressed, "Well, what?"

Aurora said, "I just felt like I needed to go there."

"And do you know," she continued, "I saw a wolf there. A wolf."

"Exactly!" Edwin replied, his voice filled with concern. "Why did you go into the forest so late at night? What if something had happened to you?"

Aurora responded helplessly, "I don't know why, but I suddenly felt like I had to go into the forest."

"It was as if something-or someone-was calling me, like I needed to be there. I felt this restlessness."

"I understand," Edwin said softly, stepping closer to her. He gently placed his hands on her shoulders, his eyes locking with hers. "But promise me, Aurora, that from now on, you won't wander into the forest alone, especially at night."

As Aurora gazed into his deep blue eyes, her voice barely above a whisper, she replied, "I... I promise."

When Edwin finally removed his hands from her shoulders, Aurora felt a sudden, empty pang, as if a cherished touch had been taken away. The moment lingered between them, charged with unspoken feelings and a newfound closeness.

But then she asked, "And what were you doing here?"

He replied, "I just had a feeling that you were somewhere you shouldn't be."

Aurora pressed further, "And how did you know I was here?"

Instead of giving a direct answer, Edwin teased, "Guess," and started to walk away.

Aurora followed him, puzzled. "What do you mean?"

Edwin chuckled and replied with a playful grin, "You know, just like how you ended up here on a whim, I had a bit of a feeling too. Seems like we both have our little instincts."

Aurora began to respond but Edwin interrupted, "By the way, do you get enough time off from your cafe job to wander around?"

Aurora explained, "No, not really. My work hours are from 8 in the morning to 5 in the evening, with a lunch break in between."

"Oh," Edwin said. "Have you ever thought about trying a different job? I mean, does the cafe pay enough for you?"

Aurora answered, "Usually, yes. Besides, I don't have the skills right now to land a high-profile job."

Edwin gazed at her with warmth and said, "Don't say that! A person's true abilities go far beyond their degree. You have so much more to offer. Maybe it's time to explore new possibilities and let your talents shine."

Aurora's eyes softened with gratitude as she smiled, "Thanks, that's very sweet of you."

At that moment, she didn't notice how Edwin seemed to know that she hadn't pursued further education.

As they continued talking, they reached Aurora's single house.

"Oh!" Aurora said, "I'm already home."

Edwin replied, "It looks like it."

Aurora asked, "But wait, if you were on my route, does your house happen to be nearby?"

Before Edwin could answer, his phone rang. Using it as an excuse, he wished her goodnight and walked away.

Aurora called after him, "Goodnight, be safe," and watched him leave before heading inside her houe.