Emma POV
Inara went wild within me, our mate, he was in our class. I guess I always knew we would find him here since it seemed as if I was being guided to the human realm. It all began with a dream, a dream that kept nagging at me, pulling me towards this city I had never seen before. The city, with its unknown beauty and mysteries, called to me in my sleep. And in that dream, there was a man, his back always turned to me, but I knew he was my mate.
I confided in my father about the dream, and he revealed that the city I described matched the one he had visited with my mother. His suggestion was for me to embark on a journey of self-discovery, to uncover the truth behind my dreams. It felt as though the moon goddess herself was guiding me, pushing me towards my destiny. I had no idea what form my mate would take - human, werewolf, or something entirely different - but I had an unshakable belief that I would find him.
Inara, urged me to go to him, to meet our mate. But I had to hold her back, reminding her that humans take time to sense the bond between mates. We couldn't reveal our true identity to him just yet. It stung a little when I overheard a girl claiming him as her boyfriend, but I had to remain composed. As I left the coffee shop, Inara struggled with the newfound bond, her emotions running high. She warned me about the possibility of our mate being with someone else, and the pain I would feel if that happened.
I reassured her, acknowledging that humans often have multiple relationships. We would have to endure and hope that our mate would not be that way. "Let's hope his eyes find us," I whispered to Inara. Inara couldn't help but comment on our mate's physical appearance, noting his strong build and muscular frame. I chuckled at her quick infatuation, reminding her that I was a lycan and he was human.
I had no qualms about my mate being human, but I wondered if he could accept me for who I am. The vast difference in our lifespans weighed on my mind. Humans live such fleeting lives compared to ours, and I wondered if the moon goddess would grant him a long life. Observing our mate's interaction with other girls earlier, I noticed a hint of amusement in his eyes, not just towards them but also towards us. I twirled a strand of my hair around my finger, contemplating if his gaze was due to the bond or if he found us peculiar.
We are beautiful," Inara reassured me.
"Yes, but we don't look human, do we, or normal?" I said.
"None of the girls do. There was one with vibrant pink hair in the class." Inara pointed out. I agreed, taking a moment to savor the aroma of freshly brewed coffee as I settled onto a weathered bench. From my vantage point, I absorbed the vibrant sights of students rushing by, their colorful outfits blending into a tapestry of diversity. I allowed myself this brief respite before heading to my apartment, seeking solace before the upcoming class.
"Getting homesick yet?" My brother's voice echoed in my mind, breaking the tranquility.
I chuckled softly, replying through our telepathic link, "No, and it's a welcomed vacation from you."
His laughter echoed in my thoughts."Dad's having me lead a group of warriors on my first solo mission later today. A nearby pack, not far from the kingdom, reported difficulties shifting. There have been deaths, and we suspect the hunters may be involved. Some could be posing as wolves."
My mind raced, contemplating the implications. "If they are collaborating with witches who haven't sided with us, they may have acquired something to pass as wolves," I shared, the weight of the situation settling upon us.
"I agree," my brother replied.
"Be safe, Noah, and keep me updated," I urged, concern lacing my words.
"You do the same. Remember, you are in the realm where the hunters reside, Emma," he warned, the bond between us palpable.
"I know, and I will. We will find a solution to this hunter problem. Unfortunately, their deep-seated hatred stems from the old wolf packs that once resided in the human realm. Times have changed, but some still harbor grudges and seek revenge," I sighed, the weight of the past weighing heavily on my heart.
"I've got to get going to my next class now, Noah. As always, link me anytime. I'm skilled at concealing our telepathic conversations. And give Mom and Dad a hug for me," I requested, a mix of affection and concern in my voice. The connection severed, and I marveled at the fact that we could communicate from such a distance. Being twins, our bond was special, allowing us to share not only thoughts but also a sense of danger. It had proven invaluable in the past, like that time in our childhood when I found myself trapped in a collapsed cave, my leg broken. My brother felt my pain and guided our parents to my rescue. I suppose you could say I was the mischievous one out of the two of us.
Leaving the sanctuary of my apartment, I made my way to my next class, Mythology. Determined, I settled into a seat at the front, ready to immerse myself in the rich tapestry of legends and lore.
I was the first to arrive. The soft hum of the fluorescent lights above filled the air, casting a gentle glow on the empty desks.
After several minutes, the door creaked open, interrupting the silence. I turned my head to see a girl and a guy walking in. The girl's eyes met mine, her friendly smile radiating warmth. "Hey, you look new," she said, her voice carrying a gentle tone. I admitted that I had missed the introduction week, feeling a slight pang of nervousness.
The girl introduced herself as Melody, her hand extending towards me. As I shook her hand, I felt her firm grip, a sign of her confidence. I then turned to the guy, Kris, who greeted me with a friendly nod. The aroma of his cologne lingered in the air, adding a touch of masculinity to the atmosphere.
"So what made you choose this class?" Melody asked me, her voice filled with curiosity.
"It sounded neat, like a class that would keep me interested from start to finish," I admitted, my eyes scanning the room. The classroom was adorned with posters of ancient gods and goddesses, their vibrant colors catching my attention.
"That it is," Melody replied, her excitement palpable. "Mythology is one of my favorite topics. And the professor, oh, he is so animated when he speaks. You will love it," she said. A smile played on her lips, brightening up her face.
"We have a group project. The professor will inform you. Most groups have four members, but we only have two. Would you like to join us?" she asked. "Thank you, I'd love to," I responded.
As more students entered the class, the room gradually filled up, the shuffle of feet and the rustling of bags creating a symphony of sound."Wow, full class," I commented, my voice filled with surprise.
Melody nodded, her eyes scanning the room. "Yeah, we're missing one. Looks like Clay is absent," she replied.
I turned to her, curiosity piqued. "Do you know him?" I asked, hoping to learn more.
"He's a jerk, watch out for him," Kris finally spoke, his voice laced with caution. "He attracts the girls and is always at all the parties, but he's sketchy. Maybe a dealer or something. I've only seen him around for a week, but that's enough to learn someone's personality. He's rude to the girls when he doesn't need anything from them and is a complete d**k to the guys. We actually asked if he wanted to be a part of our group, and he said he doesn't associate with nerds," Kris explained, his words filled with a mix of annoyance and disappointment.
"I don’t think anyone has ever called me a nerd before,"Kris said.
Melody chuckled softly, the sound filling the air. "It's because we're always early and focused on the class," she explained, the words flowing smoothly.
I shook my head, a smile tugging at my lips. "That's in no way nerdy," I replied.
As the professor walked in, the room fell silent, the only sound being the creaking of the door. He immediately began teaching, his voice commanding attention. I was immediately drawn into his lecture, my mind captivated by his words.
Towards the end of class, he made his way to my seat, his footsteps barely audible. He went over the group project with me, his voice filled with enthusiasm. I could feel his excitement, a warmth emanating from his presence. When the class finally ended, a sense of relief washed over me. It was the end of my schedule for the day.
"Hey, there's a party later tonight," Melody said, her voice reaching my ears. "We typically don't go, but this one I have no choice since it's in the house I rent a room in. You should come."
"Okay, I will," I replied.
"It will be nice to not just have all the preppy girls there. I can tell you're more like us," Melody continued, her voice filled with sincerity. "It's about two blocks from the school. I'm sure Kris can walk you if you live nearby. There have been some attacks as of late near the school, so it's best to always walk in pairs at night."
"If it's not trouble, I would appreciate it. I live in the campus apartment building 3," I explained, my voice laced with gratitude.
"I'll be outside at 9:30pm. How about we exchange phone numbers as well?" Kris offered. I smiled and handed them my number.
"I can't wait, thanks for the invite," I said, my excitement evident in my voice.
"Hey, since you're new, have you been to the dining hall yet? We were going to get an early meal there. How about you come?" Melody invited.
"Okay," I replied, my smile growing wider.
"I'm sorry if we seemed overly happy that you were in class today. We haven't made many friends in the first week. It's just that we're not as outgoing as the others," Melody explained, her words rushing out in a flurry.
Kris chuckled softly at her. "Slow down," he teased.
Melody apologized, her voice softer this time. "No worries, my brother is the same," I reassured her.
"Is he here as well?" Melody asked, curiosity lacing her voice.
"No, he's back at home. We're twins and often do everything together, so it's a little weird without him," I admitted, a tinge of longing in my words.
"Well, we can help fill the void," Melody said excitedly.
As we entered the dining hall, the aroma of food enveloped us, making my stomach rumble with anticipation. The sound of chatter filled the air, mingling with the clattering of utensils.
"Student ID," a lady said to me, her voice cutting through the bustling noise of the crowded room. I extended my card towards her, feeling the smooth plastic surface under my fingertips, and she swiftly scanned it. The electronic beep echoed in my ears as I stepped into the vast expanse of the buffet area. The aroma of various delectable dishes wafted through the air, teasing my nostrils and heightening my senses.
As hunger gnawed at my stomach, I instinctively placed my hand on my growling belly, unaware of just how ravenous I had become. Amongst the chattering of fellow diners and clattering of utensils, Melody's voice broke through, her words mingling with the cacophony. She commented on how I must have been hungry.
"Just a little," I responded, my words barely audible amidst the hubbub, as we settled down at a nearby table. Taking a few bites, I savored the flavors, the taste exploding in my mouth.
Amidst my indulgence, my gaze wandered towards the group of girls who had caught my attention earlier. One of them glanced in my direction, her laughter reverberating through the room, a mocking sound that pierced the atmosphere. Unfazed by their derisive remarks, Melody leaned in and shared her insight.
"Don't mind them," she whispered, her voice laced with empathy. "They think they're the queen bees, stuck in their high school mentality."
As I continued to savor my meal, the flavors dancing on my taste buds. With a grateful smile, I thanked Melody and Kris for their company, eagerly anticipating the events that awaited me later in the night.
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The cool night air gently caressed my skin from an open window in my apartment, sending a refreshing chill down my spine as I ran a brush through my hair. I admired my reflection in the mirror, the dress my Brother had gifted me on my last birthday shimmered with black sparkles, making my hair stand out even more.
Kris was already leaning against my building, engrossed in a game on his phone until he noticed me. "Wow um well you look good, Emma," he said, his words stumbling over each other.
"Careful, Emma," Inara warned in my mind, "by the way he is looking at us, he may want us. And we only have eyes for our mate." I took note of her warning as we walked.
Kris remained silent, his footsteps barely making a sound as we continued on. I wondered if he was more shy than Melody.
"So you have known Melody for a long time?" I asked him, breaking the silence. "You guys looked like a couple when we first met."
"I wish," he muttered before quickly clearing his throat. "Yes, we have known each other since Kindergarten," he explained.
"So you wish you were a couple?" I probed gently.
He hesitated for a moment, the weight of his emotions hanging in the air. "Yes, but it won't happen. She does not see me the way I see her, and I would prefer not to destroy our friendship," he admitted.
The sound of laughter from nearby mingled with the distant sound of music, creating a vibrant atmosphere. "Sometimes one must take risks for love," I said. "Yet I do understand where you are coming from. The fear of losing a friend, one that is bound almost as closely to your soul as your soulmate, is not easy."
"Deep," he chuckled, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "Maybe one day I'll get the nerve, but for now, do you mind not telling her?" he asked, his voice laced with vulnerability.
"Of course, I am one to never share information like that. Now, let's have some fun," I added, a surge of excitement coursing through me.
We continued walking until we reached a house, the booming music vibrating through the air. Kris laughed as he looked at me. "I'm guessing this is your first party," he joked. I couldn't help but smile, feeling a mixture of nerves and anticipation.
"Is it that obvious?" I asked, the sounds of laughter and conversation growing louder as we approached the house. "Don't worry, we've got your back," he reassured me, his voice barely audible over the cacophony of sound.
Melody must have been watching us, as she immediately came over, handing both of us a cup filled with a strange golden liquid. The aroma of alcohol mixed with the musky scent of sweat filled the air. "It's beer," she said, noticing my hesitant gaze.
"It's her first party," Kris explained, and Melody nodded in understanding.
"Anytime you need a drink, always get it from friends you know, like me or Kris or yourself. Don't take a drink from some random person. There are some yucky drugs the guys sometimes slip in them," she said softly, her words a gentle caution. I thanked her.
"Just stick with us, and you will have fun. Chug the drink, we'll get some shots, and then dance," she said with excitement. I laughed, feeling the warmth of camaraderie and the pulsating energy of the party filling me with anticipation. I was ready to have some fun.