A Werewolf's Human Mate

24

Howls

Just as they were about to step out of the cozy, fairy-lit setting, a familiar face approached Edwin-a casual acquaintance, perhaps someone from his world?

Aurora watched as they exchanged a brief greeting.

The guy approached with a warm smile. "Hey, how are you, buddy? We’re meeting after quite a long time!"

Edwin responded casually, "I’m fine. Did you just come here today?"

The guy answered, "Yes, I just returned today. Met everyone else, and luckily I ran into you too." His eyes then drifted towards Aurora.

"It seems like you’re on a date," he said with a knowing look, glancing between the two. Then, turning his attention to Aurora, he added, "By the way, may I know your name? What's the name of this beautiful lady?"

Aurora, feeling the momentary pause, first looked at Edwin for reassurance. Edwin gave her a calm, encouraging nod.

She smiled, introducing herself. "Hello, my name is Aurora. Nice to meet you," she said, extending her hand for a handshake.

"Ah!" the guy exclaimed, eyes flicking back to Edwin. "You’re a lucky guy, aren’t you? Finally, you’ve found a good and beautiful partner."

They shared a few more brief exchanges before the guy waved and walked away, leaving Edwin and Aurora alone again.

As they got into the car, Aurora asked, "Was that a friend of yours?"

Edwin just nodded while putting on his seatbelt.

"Hmm, so only werewolves are allowed here, so..." Aurora started to say, but Edwin, already knowing where her question was headed, interrupted, "Yes, he’s also a member of our werewolf pack."

" Oh. "

The conversation flowed naturally between them, the soft hum of the engine providing a backdrop to their shared laughter. Edwin was supposed to drop her home, but halfway through the drive, his phone rang. It was an emergency work call, something that couldn’t be ignored. Regretfully, Edwin had to pull over and book a cab for Aurora, apologizing as he explained the situation.

Aurora gave him a soft, understanding smile.

"What was the need for all this? I could have walked."

Edwin, clearly upset, replied with a sigh, "I’m sorry. I couldn’t even drop you home. Now you’re waiting in the middle of the street for a cab."

Aurora shook her head, still smiling gently. "It’s okay."

But despite her words, Edwin’s frustration lingered. His expression showed that he felt like he had let her down. Seeing his discomfort, Aurora felt a pang of sympathy.

Without another word, Aurora leaned closer, her eyes locking with Edwin's, conveying a silent understanding. The world around them seemed to pause as she pressed her lips to his.

The kiss was slow, deliberate, and filled with intensity. Her soft lips lingered on his, deepening the connection with every passing second. The warmth between them grew, their breaths mingling in the closeness. It was a kiss filled with passion and a tenderness that left them both breathless

Just as the french kiss reached its peak, the sharp sound of a cab's horn pierced the air, shattering the moment like glass.

Aurora slowly pulled away, her lips leaving his with a final, soft touch.

She gave him one last smile, her eyes filled with a mix of warmth and reluctance, before turning and stepping into the waiting cab.

Edwin stood there for a moment, as if frozen, still feeling the heat of the kiss on his lips. His heart pounded in his chest, the lingering effect of their connection leaving him breathless. He watched the cab drive off, and the reality of the situation slowly settled in. His expression, once soft, gradually hardened as his thoughts shifted.

With a deep breath, he gathered himself, his posture straightening with determination.

The familiar weight of responsibility returned as he took a step back from the emotions of the moment.

In an instant, his form began to change, muscles rippling as he shifted into his wolf form. His eyes gleamed with purpose, and without looking back, he darted into the nearby woods, disappearing into the shadows, ready for the meeting that awaited him deep within the woods.

A few more days passed quietly in Moonbridge, and by now, Edwin and Aurora were officially dating. They had shared the news with their friends and acquaintances, solidifying their relationship.

One late evening, Aurora, following her usual routine, was closing up the café. The warm, dim glow of the lights inside cast long shadows across the walls, giving the empty space a quiet, peaceful atmosphere.

As she wiped down the counters, the steady rhythm of her actions was soothing—until an eerie, unfamiliar sound broke through the silence from outside.

She froze, her hand suspended mid-motion, ears straining to catch the noise again. A low, distant howl echoed through the air, sending a shiver down her spine. Her pulse quickened as the sound grew nearer, more distinct, and menacing. Panic began to creep in.

Without wasting another moment, Aurora hurried to lock the doors, the clink of keys the only sound in the otherwise still café.

She quickly flicked off the lights, plunging the room into darkness, and crouched low, hiding behind the counter. Her mind raced as she tried to steady her breathing, fear seizing her thoughts.

"Could it be those.... those outsider werewolves again?" she thought, anxiety tightening her chest. "But now… what if they’ve killed someone this time?"

As Aurora crouched behind the counter, her phone suddenly buzzed, causing her to jump slightly. She fumbled to pick it up, her heart pounding in her chest.

It was Edwin calling.

"Hey, are you okay?" His voice was urgent, but calm. "Did you hear the howling? Are you in a safe place?"

Aurora’s voice trembled as she replied, "I’m still in the café. I’ve locked everything up and I’m hiding inside."

"Good," Edwin said, relief evident in his tone. "Stay there, quietly. Don’t make a sound."

"But what’s happening?" Aurora asked, her fear creeping into her words. "Do you know anything?"

Edwin let out a frustrated sigh.

"These wolves from the Ravenwood pack
have been causing us no end of trouble. Our Moonbridge pack has strict orders—if anyone suspects even the slightest hint of a Ravenwood pack wolf in our territory, they have to howl immediately to alert the rest of us."

"So, it seems someone spotted something, and that’s why the howling started."

Aurora’s anxiety spiked. "So, what now?"

"Don’t move from where you are," Edwin instructed, "Stay hidden, stay quiet. And if you can, spray some strong room freshener around you. It’ll mask your human scent, so they won’t pick it up easily."

Aurora swallowed hard, nodding even though Edwin couldn’t see her. "Okay."

She slowly rose as she grabbed the nearest can of air freshener and began spraying it around the café.