A Werewolf's Human Mate

26

Imprinting

Aurora’s day begins with a sigh of relief as her boss, understanding her need for rest, grants her a day off.  She takes her time, savoring each moment of solitude as she freshens up, slipping into comfortable clothes and settling onto her couch with a warm drink in hand.

By noon, Lily arrives, and together they prepare a light lunch, filling the kitchen with laughter and the aroma of fresh food. Their conversation drifts naturally, from lighthearted gossip to the unsettling rumors sweeping through town. Stories of eerie howls, shadowy figures, and sudden curfews hang in the air like an ominous fog.

As evening approaches, the soft glow of sunset spills through her window, casting warm hues across her living room. Just then, a knock echoes from her door.

It’s Edwin.

As Edwin steps inside, he instantly wraps Aurora in a long, warm embrace, his familiar scent and steady heartbeat grounding her as they stand together in a moment of quiet. She leads him to the couch, where he sinks into the cushions with a weary sigh, accepting the snacks and water she hands him.

"It's been a long day," he murmurs, his voice calm yet carrying the weight of unspoken exhaustion.

Aurora settles beside him, a small frown creasing her brow. "You’ve been looking really busy lately."

"And tell me, what happened yesterday? You were so tired, and suddenly you transformed into your wolf form?"

Edwin meets her gaze, explaining. " Sometimes, when werewolves are overly exhausted, we automatically shift into our wolf form. It speeds up recovery, helps us regain strength faster."

Aurora nods thoughtfully, filing away this new piece of information, but she’s still curious. "So, what happened yesterday that wore you out so much?"

He sighs again, this time with a flash of frustration.

"Those Ravenwood werewolves crossed a line. They tried to launch an attack on our town, teaming up with some rogues. It was chaos. All of us were furious—who did they think they were?"

Aurora listens closely, her fingers instinctively tightening around her glass.

"Some of those rogues came at me directly," he adds, "so I fought them off, and even after all that, they, our Moonbridge pack called us in for more training. That’s why I was so worn out."

A quiet pause falls between them as Aurora processes his words.

"So, it means the danger is increasing, doesn’t it?"

Edwin nods solemnly, and seeing her worried face, he leans closer and gently tilts her chin up. To ease her anxiety, he gives her a reassuring lip kiss, pouring warmth and comfort into the gesture.

When they pull apart, Edwin continues, “Now listen, there’s something else I need to share about us.”

Aurora’s curiosity piques. “About us?”

“Yes,” he confirms. “I need to tell you that when a werewolf meets their mate, they also imprint them.”

“Imprint?” she questions, puzzled. “What does that mean?”

Edwin explains, “The imprint is a process that allows a werewolf to always stay connected with their mate. After the imprinting, a werewolf can be away from their mate without feeling weak and won’t feel the constant urge to be close. They’ll know, without a doubt, that their mate belongs to them.”

“Huh?!" Aurora’s brows knit together in confusion. " What? What is this?”

Edwin reassures her, “Remember how you often feel like going into the woods? You’ve been there several times.”

Aurora nods, “Yeah, actually… I still feel like going to the woods sometimes, but I manage to control it now.”

“Exactly,” he responds, a smirk playing on his lips. “That’s where we train. As my mate, you feel drawn there too; it’s a subconscious urge to meet me. I feel it too.”

“So when we imprint each other, we won’t feel that urge constantly, and we’ll be able to act normally."

Curiosity sparks in her eyes as she asks, “So, how does this print-- imprint happen?”

Edwin’s expression turns playful. He pulls Aurora onto his lap, and his breath tickles her neck as he leans close.

“In imprinting, there’s a bite given on the back of the neck.”

Aurora’s heart races at the intimacy of the moment. She feels shy but doesn’t move away, instead teasingly asking,

“Oh? Really?”

“Why like this?” she questions, genuinely intrigued.

Edwin leans closer, his voice a low murmur.

“When a werewolf bites, they leave their permanent scent on their mate, symbolizing that they will always be together.”

Aurora’s eyes widen in surprise. “Oh? But I don’t have teeth like yours, nor any scent?”

As the warmth of the moment envelops them, Edwin leans in closer to Aurora, his lips brushing against her neck, sending shivers down her spine. The kiss is gentle yet filled with a sense of urgency as he whispers reassuring words,

“It’s okay. My scent is enough for you.”

With a deep breath, he prepares to mark her, sealing their connection in a way only werewolves understand. As he bites into her soft skin, a surge of energy courses through them both, marking her as his mate and solidifying their bond.

Aurora feels a rush of warmth spread through her, an instinctual understanding that they are now forever intertwined.

The kiss that follows is electric—full of passion and desire, each touch igniting the air between them. They lose themselves in the moment, but just as they begin to explore this new depth of their relationship, reality intrudes.

Edwin pulls away reluctantly, his eyes filled with a mixture of longing and responsibility.

“I have to go,” he says softly, regret tinging his voice.

As the weight of the moment settles between them, Edwin glances at Aurora, his expression a mix of regret and determination.

“I’m sorry, I forgot to tell you that after meeting you, I have to go home today,” he says, his voice tinged with an apologetic tone.

Aurora’s heart sinks at the news.

“I promised my uncle and aunt that I would have dinner with them tonight,” he continues, the urgency in his words only amplifying her disappointment.

“Is it really so urgent?” she suddenly asks, rising from the couch with an unexpected fervor.

“Can’t you stay a little longer before you go?” The hope in her eyes is palpable, yet she can sense the struggle within him.

“No, if I stay here for even a moment longer, I won’t be able to control myself,” Edwin admits, his gaze steady yet filled with an unspoken longing.

“And I don’t think you’re ready for that yet. You know what I mean, right?”

Aurora feels a blush creep to her cheeks at his insinuation. She simply nods, a mix of understanding and regret washing over her.

They share a charged silence.

With a heavy heart, they finally step closer, their hands lingering for a moment before letting go. “Take care,” he says softly, his eyes locked onto hers as if trying to memorize the image before him.

“Goodbye,” she replies, as they part, the air around them feels thick with unsaid words and lingering feelings, marking the end of their time together for now.