Her Human His Lycan

Drive

Emma POV

"It's time," my father's voice greeted me as he woke me up in my cozy bed. My bedroom still enveloped in darkness, I sat up and rubbed my sleepy eyes. "I already loaded all your bags in the car, wanted you to get as much sleep as possible," he said, his voice filled with warmth and anticipation. I nodded gratefully, feeling the cool sheets against my skin as I swung my legs over the edge of the bed.

With a yawn, I made my way to my bathroom, the tiles cold beneath my bare feet. As I stood in front of the mirror, I gazed at my disheveled hair and quickly ran my brush through it, the bristles gliding through the tangles. I could taste the minty freshness of the toothpaste as I brushed my teeth, the coolness awakening my senses. After dressing in a hurry, I glanced at the small bag sitting on the bathroom counter, almost forgetting its contents. I reached out and grabbed it, the smooth texture of the fabric slipping through my fingers.

Inside the bag, I found a pair of colored contacts. As I struggled to put them in, my eyes watered, the discomfort causing tears to well up. Finally, I managed to place them in, the lenses altering my eye color to a shade closer to blue. Satisfied, I left the bathroom and found my brother sitting on my bed, a small box cradled in his hands. His pajamas clung to him, the soft fabric wrinkled from sleep.

"Were you crying?" he asked, concern etched on his face as he looked at me. I shook my head, a bittersweet smile forming on my lips. "No one will be mad if you change your mind," he said softly, his voice filled with understanding. But I reassured him, mentioning the struggle of the contacts, causing him to chuckle. He stood up and approached me, extending the small gift towards me. "Here," he said, his voice filled with affection. I marveled at his thoughtfulness, wondering how he had managed to find the time. "I've had it, just waiting for the right time to give it to you," he admitted.

Opening the box, I discovered a black and white rose nestled inside on a gold chain. They symbolized our royal lycans, always united no matter the distance. Tears brimmed in my eyes as my emotions overwhelmed me, and my brother enveloped me in a warm embrace. "I'll miss you, Emma, but I'm proud of you for pursuing your dreams. I can't wait to hear about your experiences," he whispered, his voice filled with a mixture of pride and longing. After breaking the hug, he helped me put the necklace on, the pendant cool against my skin. The realization that I would truly miss him settled in my heart.

Leaving my room, I descended the stairs to the main entrance, the wooden steps creaking softly beneath my weight. My father stood there with my mother, her head buried against his shoulder, her sobs now subsided. I approached them cautiously, not wanting to startle her. When she turned to look at me, her eyes swollen and red, my heart ached. "I'm going to miss you so much, my precious pup," she said, her voice choked with emotion. I chuckled softly, feeling a mix of nostalgia and love.

"Mom, I'm no longer a pup," I laughed. But she shook her head gently, her touch tender as she reached out to me.

"Now, you be safe, Emma," my mother said softly, her voice filled with concern. I nodded in response, feeling the warmth of her kiss on my cheek. As I made my way to the car, the air was filled with a crisp morning breeze, carrying the scent of freshly cut grass and blooming flowers.

Inara's voice echoed in my mind, brimming with excitement. "I can feel it, Emma. Our mate is out there. We will find him." I smiled inwardly and replied, "Even if he isn't, let's make the most of this trip."

Settling into the car, I could hear the gentle hum of the engine. My father joined me, and his presence brought a sense of calm. "Although driving your daughter to school isn't a tradition here, it is in the human realm," he said, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Curiosity sparked within me, and I turned to my father. "The school I'm going to is not far from where you and Mom once were, right?" I asked.

He nodded, his eyes filled with memories. "Correct. It's just outside a large city where your mother and I once stayed."

I couldn't help but wonder about my mother's time in the human world, how she had hidden. "I know Mom's time in the human world was during her hiding, but I do look forward to seeing some of the places you both went," I shared eagerly.

My father's voice held a mix of caution and anticipation. "Although the human realm is not the safest place for us right now, there is a lot of beauty. It's very different from here, and I believe this will be a good experience for you."

The drive was long, yet scenic, as we traveled through winding roads surrounded by towering trees. The vibrant colors of the leaves danced in the gentle breeze, creating a breathtaking sight. The sound of chirping birds filled the air, their melodious songs echoing in the distance. I could faintly smell the earthy scent of the forest, a mix of damp soil and pine needles.

As we drove, my father and I engaged in conversation. The sound of his voice was soothing, like a warm embrace. He spoke about human colleges, his words painting a vivid picture in my mind. I could almost see the bustling campuses and feel the excitement of being part of such a vibrant community. He also shared important advice about parties, cautioning me about drinking too much and ensuring I stayed safe. I couldn't help but laugh when he mentioned not going alone, teasingly questioning if I had any friends at all.

With a reassuring smile, my father assured me that I would make friends in due time. He took the opportunity to explain the intricacies of the human realm, a place where money held great importance. Unlike our home, where trade was the norm, here, transactions were conducted with currency. He taught me about buying things and the etiquette of tipping when getting food. He emphasized the need to keep my money secure, an important lesson for survival in this new world.

As we finally entered the human realm, a sense of awe washed over me. The sights outside the car window were overwhelming. Cars zoomed by, their engines roaring and horns honking, creating a symphony of urban sounds. Towering billboards adorned with colorful advertisements caught my attention, their words standing out against the bustling cityscape. The air carried a mixture of exhaust fumes and the faint scent of street food, enticing my senses.

We arrived at the train station, and my father parked the car. Stepping out, I felt a surge of excitement and nervousness. My father assured me that arrangements had been made for assistance with my luggage. He mentioned Jennifer, a witch who would be waiting for me at the train station and would give me a ride to my apartment. I couldn't contain my anticipation, eagerly looking forward to seeing Jennifer again. My father, mindful of our surroundings, reminded me discreetly to contact Jennifer in case of danger, emphasizing the need to maintain my human facade.

With my bags in tow, we made our way to the train. A kind train attendant helped me settle into my private compartment. I gazed out the window, watching as my father stood outside, a bittersweet moment. He spotted me and gave a final wave before departing. As the train whistle blew, signaling our departure, a mix of excitement and trepidation filled my heart. Finally, I was embarking on my own in the human realm, a thrilling adventure awaiting me.

The train ride, although another long journey, flew by in a blur. I managed to catch some much-needed sleep amidst the rhythmic rumble of the tracks and the occasional whistle that pierced through the air. When I finally arrived, Jennifer greeted me with open arms. Her voice carried a hint of excitement as she exclaimed, "It's been years, Emma! Look how much you have grown. You are a beauty."

Grateful for her presence, I thanked her and admired how she looked. The sound of her laughter filled the air as she smiled and guided me towards her car. As I settled into the passenger seat, the leather upholstery welcomed me with a soft caress. Jennifer assured me that the drive would be short, the words mingling with the darkness that enveloped the sky.

Reflecting on my journey, I confessed to Jennifer, "I was able to get some sleep on the train, but I also took the time to marvel at the passing scenery outside the window."

Jennifer focused intently on the winding road ahead, her eyes darting from side to side as she spoke. "I am not far from the school," she said. "It's only a fifteen-minute walk or a shorter drive from your apartment. But, Emma, you need to be careful. The number of hunters is growing, and even students in the schools are being recruited. It's not safe to shift, and I know that's something you need. So, please, whenever you do need to, contact me. My property is safe and won't be watched by anyone."

I nodded, feeling a mix of gratitude and apprehension. "Thank you," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. "My father gave me a cell with your number."

"Good," Jennifer said, her tone filled with relief. "You will like it here, Emma. Despite the dangers, I'm glad you get to experience this realm. It's connected to your father, even though he's a lycan. He was raised in human form for a long time."

I smiled, a sense of excitement building within me. "I know," I said, my voice tinged with anticipation. "I am very much looking forward to this. And maybe, while I'm here, I can learn more about our world and one day help us achieve peace with the humans."

Jennifer nodded, her eyes filled with admiration. "Well, if anyone can make that happen, I am certain it's you and your family," she said.

As Jennifer pulled up to the complex, the dimly lit tables near the buildings were occupied by college students, their laughter echoing in the late hour. I stepped out of the car, and immediately noticed the cool night air against my skin. "I have your keys so let me help you get in," Jennifer offered, her voice a gentle melody in the quiet night.

Grateful for her assistance, I replied, "Thank you, I really appreciate all the help."

With my bag and backpack in hand, I followed Jennifer towards the building door. Confusion washed over me as we approached a peculiar door. "Where are the stairs?" I asked, my voice tinged with bewilderment.

Jennifer chuckled softly. "This is an elevator," she explained. The doors opened, revealing a small, enclosed space. I stepped inside, feeling a slight jolt as Jennifer pressed a button. The elevator began to ascend, its low humming sound filling the air.

As the doors opened again, I marveled at the sight of a well-lit hallway. Jennifer led me to my unit, the soft click of the key turning in the lock resonating in my ears. The apartment was cozy, with a small sitting area and a bedroom filled with warmth. "I already love it," I exclaimed with excitement. I took a moment to truly absorb the ambiance, feeling a sense of liberation in having my own place.

"It's getting late, so I'll let you get settled in," Jennifer said. "But anything you need, please don't hesitate to call."

I thanked her, watching as she departed, her footsteps fading away. As I explored the apartment, a growl emanated from my stomach, reminding me of my hunger. "Food," I mumbled, my voice a whisper in the quiet space. Inara, giggled softly, her laughter like a gentle breeze. I noticed a note on the fridge from Jennifer that read, "I stocked the fridge and freezer with some food." Gratitude filled my heart as I opened the fridge and prepared a sandwich, savoring each bite.

Craving some fresh air, I stepped onto the small patio, the cool breeze caressing my face. The sounds of nature surrounded me, intermingling with the distant hum of the city. I took a deep breath, filling my lungs. Inara's excitement echoed in my mind as she exclaimed, "I smell him, I smell him!" Our mate was near, possibly even in the apartments. I pacified her excitement, reminding her that we must remain inconspicuous. "We will look for him, I promise," I assured her. "But we can't draw attention to ourselves; he may be human." She agreed, her voice filled with contentment.

Sitting in a small chair on the patio, I basked in the late-night serenity, relishing the freedom of my own space. "Thanks, mom and dad," I whispered, feeling their love and support surround me. I mind-linked with my brother, assuring him of my safety and newfound contentment. With a sense of peace, I leaned back in the chair, enjoying the symphony of sounds and the taste of the food that Jennifer had provided, grateful for the tranquil surroundings.