Her Forbidden Human Mate

Awkward Encounter

(Narrator)

Ellie was buzzing around the house in a frenzy talking excitedly about the welcome home party for Dimitri. She had accentuated her blonde kinky curls and donned her soft pink lipstick. Her hazel eyes beamed and popped with the expert liner she'd applied. She had a flirty black dress on that showed off her petite frame.

Tessa on the other hand was wanting to go see Rowan. She had begrudgingly texted him earlier in the day to inform him of her plans with Ellie this evening, explaining she couldn't come by. He had been very understanding and told her he'd see her Saturday.

Ellie stopped her frenzied pace to glance at Tessa, "Tess, get dressed! We need to head out soon."

"What's wrong with what I've got on?" Tess replied glancing at her jeans and crop top.

"Can you at least put on a skirt? You're my wing man tonight, remember?" Ellie pleaded, grabbing onto her wrists.

Tessa sighed and gave her friend a soft smile. She returned to her room, only to re-immerge with a black short skirt paired with her white crop top. She pulled her auburn hair into a messy bun. She twirled to show Ellie she was more put together and Ellie clapped, pleased with her change. She then hooked her arm and led her out the front door.

The party was taking place in the town square. There were glamorous tents with stringed lights where music played and tables of food were set up buffet style. Ellie practically dragged Tessa to where the music was wafting out from. The whole pack was gathered. The older wolves sat at the tables conversing and eating. Little ones chased after fire flies and played with glow sticks. The younger wolves, where Ellie and Tessa fit in, were in the throws of dancing, some with wine glasses in hand. Tessa snagged 2 drinks off a passing server, handing 1 to Ellie as she scanned the crowd.

"You think he'll notice me?" she asked Tessa nervously.

"Of course" Tessa soothed. "You're gorgeous!" She sipped her wine, trying to calm her nerves. She was hoping to avoid Dimitri tonight.

Ellie had had a crush on Dimitri since they were kids. Unfortunately for Ellie, so had nearly every other girl. So when Dimirti had flirted with her back then she had been both excited and guilty. She felt special that he gave her attention but guilty since he was her best friend's desire.

Tessa's stomach rumbled as she realized she hadn't had time to eat after work. "I'm going to get something to nibble on," she said to Ellie.

"I'll come but I'm too nervous to eat," Ellie answered.

Tessa grabbed a plate and selected from the many options presented, snagging some juicy fruit, baked rolls, and of course some sweets. The two friends drifted to a bar height table. Tessa crossed her legs, bouncing her foot to the music as she munched. Ellie downed the rest of her wine. Suddenly clapping was heard and someone spoke into a microphone.

"Thank you all for joining us in welcoming our beloved son back home," Alpha spoke, earning cheers from the pack.

Ellie craned her neck and went to her tippy toes trying to catch a glimpse of Dimitri standing by his father. Dimitri had black hair, short but perfectly messy. He had the same blue eyes of his father. He was tall and toned. His facial features were chiseled and perfect, but his expression seemed less carefree than what Tessa remembered. He seemed to have an edge about him that he didn't have before. Before he left for his travels, he seemed playful and airy. Now he carried a sense of darkness that made Tessa shiver. What had happened to him while he was away?

He smiled and hugged his father, before leaning in to the mic to say, "It's good to be back, now let's enjoy this party!" as he lifted a glass of champagne that someone had passed him. The crowd cheered and whistled at his proclamation.

Ellie clasped her hands joyfully, turning to Tessa. " He's more mature than I remember! Still beautiful and mysterious! I wonder all he got to see and do?"

"I wonder what he went through, he looks like he's been through it," Tessa voiced as she picked at her food.

Ellie ignored her negative remark. "Look he's headed this way!"

Dimitri sauntered into the crowd, joining those who were dancing, downing his champagne. "Tess lets dance, please!" Ellie begged her.

Tessa downed the rest of her wine quickly. She did not feel confident dancing so the alcohol might help, if she had more of it. She allowed Ellie to drag her into the crowd, pulling her as close to Dimitri as possible, to Tessa's dismay. She didn't know what to say to Dimitri, especially since she'd found her mate.Tessa found herself wishing Rowan could be here with her. She would've felt perfectly comfortable in this crowd if he had his arms around her. She grabbed another glass, this time champagne from a server weaving through the crowd near her. She sipped its contents as she swayed to the music.

After the champagne, Tessa felt a very slight buzz that began to relax her. She freely danced with Ellie, pushing thoughts of missing Rowan out of her mind. Ellie drifted away from Tessa when she saw an opportunity to speak to Dimitri. Tessa didn't notice her friend slipped away until she had disappeared into the crowd.

"El?" she called. Thinking Ellie may have wandered to the bathroom she began excusing herself through the people to look for Ellie. "El?" she called again. She spun around to head out of the tent when she bumped into someone. A hand suddenly caught her before she stumbled back. She glanced up. "Dimitri" she greeted. A smile crept over his face as he pulled Tessa to her feet and wrapped an arm around her waist.

"Long time no see Tess" he uttered. Tessa felt herself blush.

"Hi...," she said surprised. They stayed that way for a few moments, his arm around her waist, her hands on his shoulders.

"I've missed you," he sighed, glancing down at her lips.

Tessa felt her heart beat quicken. She had not expected Dimitri to even give her a passing thought, assuming she was just a girl on his long list of many. She had a mate now and while he still excited her, she did not feel the desire she'd had for him before. She untangled herself from him, "Welcome home," she said quickly and rushed away.

Dimitri stared after her with pursed lips. He had not forgotten about their whirlwind romance that had been cut short by his departure. They had parted ways hastily and he admitted he never told her how he felt about her, always acting detached, something he was regretting now.

"Dimitri!" a voice called to him. He turned to see Rachel slinking up to him. She wrapped her arm in his, smiling up at him. Rachel had accompanied him on his travels as both a protector and advisor. She was a skilled warrior and had been one of his closest friends for years. "We have some business to attend to," she told him as she led him away. He reluctantly followed her, wondering when he'd find time to find Tess again.