Her Forbidden Human Mate

Move in with me

(Narrator)

It had been 3 months of seeing each other and Tessa was madly in love with Rowan. He was on her mind every minute of every day. They spoke to each other every night, texting throughout the day. They saw each other every weekend, with her spending the night cuddled next to him in his bed.

Ellie would give her that smug smirk every once in a while just to show her how right she was about the mate bond, despite Rowan being human. She admitted to Ellie that Rowan was not a mistake and she could not give him up. But she kept to herself that she had marked him. She was unsure of the effect the mark had had in Rowan, but Tessa could feel his emotions when she was close to him. The mark had brought her closer to him.

She was so incredibly happy that she often hummed while she worked in the greenhouse and lab. Plants were her life's work. As a microbiologist she doted on her plants and worked tirelessly on her research. Often while working, Rowan entered her thoughts. A few days ago Ellie had asked her if she'd told Rowan about the mate bond, about what she was and she had advised Tessa to tell him the truth sooner than later. Tessa knew she needed to explain her kind but she was nervous. She was scared Rowan would fear her and pull away or worse, run away. She didn't think she could survive that. So she kept pushing it away, enjoying her relationship as it was.

"Someone is happy today," Dr. Marquez said to her. He was the head of their lab and Tessa's greatest mentor. He was an older hybrid, close to her parents age. He was extremely intelligent and had taught Tessa all he knew. She smiled and nodded happily. "You look almost as happy as the Luna! Are you also happy to have the prince back home?"

Tessa stopped what she was doing and glanced at him. "Dimitri is back?" she questioned.

"Yes! He arrived this morning, back from his travels."

Dimitri was the son of the leaders of the pack, Luna Grace and Alpha Jax. He had left 2 years ago to travel the world and other packs. Tessa had had a fling with Dimitri that lasted a few months, ending when he had left the pack. He was a royal and her family was lower on the social ring so she knew it was never going to go anywhere. Dimitri and her had kept it very quiet, no one, not even Ellie knew.

All the girls in the pack were always fawning over him, waiting to see who his fated mate would be. So when he went away, so many hearts were broken. But for Tessa, Dimirti had helped fill the void. The void left by not finding her mate yet. But Tessa was happy for Ellie that Dimitri was back. Ellie had always dreamed of being with him. She figured she'd get an ear full about how excited she was when she got home.

Tessa felt her phone buzz and looked to see that Rowan had texted her.

'Come over tonight?'

It was a Thursday, not their usual weekend time. As if reading her mind he sent a follow up message, 'Missing you bad!'

How could she say no to that? 'Meet you at your house at 7?' she answered.

'See you then love,' was his response.

Tessa kept busy the rest of the day, eagerly waiting until she could get off to get ready to see Rowan. She grabbed her bag at 5 and dashed out the door, shouting goodbye to Dr. Marquez. Her home was a short walk from the lab. She speed walked through the crowded sidewalk. She was about to put her key in the door when Ellie opened it and pulled her in.

"Did you hear?" she exclaimed excitedly. Tessa giggled at her friend.

"Dimitri?" she teased.

"Yes! He's finally back!" Ellie clasped her hands together. "Are you coming to the welcome back party?"

Tessa frowned. She spent her weekends with Rowan but she didn't want to let her friend down.

"It's tomorrow night," Ellie said grabbing Tessa's hands in joy. It was then Ellie saw Tessa's frown. "You're coming with me right?" Tessa stared into the pleading face of her best friend.

"Maybe for a little bit," she compromised.

"Fine, I'll take it," Ellie replied.

Tessa rushed past her to go get changed. Ellie went to the kitchen, "Tacos tonight?"

"Um I'm going to eat with Rowan tonight,"

Tessa called back. Ellie rolled her eyes since Tessa wasn't near her.

"Now he's taking you from me during the week days?!" she yelled back feigning heart ache.

Tessa laughed. "So you're going to tell him about what you are right?" Ellie added.

Tessa froze upon hearing her words. She hadn't told him yet. She was afraid to. Ellie stopped what she was doing when Tessa didn't answer. Tessa saw her peek around the doorway with accusing eyes.

"Tess," she said softly. "You gotta tell him. He's falling for you hard."

Tessa ignored her words and continued with her make up, touching it up. "Tess," Ellie tried again.

"I will," she said quickly. "It's just not the right time." She glanced at Ellie in the mirror. Her face was concerned. "I will," she assured her again. Ellie nodded then headed back to the kitchen.

Tessa knew she was right. It was like basing her relationship on a huge lie. But what if he didn't react well? She wasn't ready to face it if he rejected her. Tessa decided to push the thought from her mind as she finished getting ready.

*****

Tessa laid with Rowan on the couch, cuddled into his side. His arm was around her. She had her head resting against his chest. "I love this," she sighed. Rowan gave her a squeeze. He tipped her chin up to him and lightly kissed her lips. "I wish every night I could relax with you," she hummed, gazing up at him.

Rowan grinned,"We can," he answered. Tessa gave him a look of confusion. "Move in with me."

Tessa pushed herself to a seated position. "What?" she asked in shock.

"Move in with me," he repeated gazing into her eyes.

Tessa felt her heart rate quicken. Moving in meant leaving the pack, leaving her job, her family, her best friend. She had not planned for this, not right now. She racked her mind for a response that wouldn't hurt him. The longer she sat in silence, the faster the joy on Rowan's face dwindled.

"I... I," Tessa stammered.

Rowan shook his head, "'m sorry, I didn't mean to throw that at you," he began. "Just forget I Said it."

Tessa nodded but she could see the hurt in his eyes. She felt his disappointment like it was her own. Dez whimpered at her. She did not like Rowan feeling this. Tessa reached up and touched his face with her hand. He closed his eyes upon her touch.

"I love you, I'm just not ready for that," she said softly.

He opened his eyes, meeting her gaze briefly before looking down. He nodded, letting out a sigh. He suddenly removed his arm from around her, picking up their dishes from dinner and headed to the kitchen. Tessa sank into the couch. Rowan didn't know it but the mark she had given him allowed his emotions to wash over her and right now his sadness was heavy on her.

'What am I doing?' Tessa thought to herself. 'This is only going to lead to pain.'

Rowan reappeared, leaning on the doorway of the living room. "Did you want dessert? I picked up some French silk pie on my way home. I remember your said it was your favorite."

Tessa's heart surged. Rowan was so good to her, always thinking of her. "I'd love some," she said warmly. He put on a half smile before disappearing back into the kitchen.

They finished their dessert together, then cuddled while watching a movie. Rowan had tried to act like he had never asked her to move in but their evening weighed heavy with his disappointment. Tessa tried to enjoy his company but the waves of sadness that kept washing over her from Rowan were breaking her heart.

Dez chastised her repeatedly for hurting him. 'He's so good to us. He's perfect. We need him.'

'I know Dez,' she answered her wolf. 'give me some time, I'll figure out how we can make this work.' But even as she told Dez the words, she had a hard time believing them.