Her Human His Lycan

Bar

Emma POV

I’ve never felt pain like I felt when I was sitting in class. It was a different kind of pain, one that gripped me from within. It started as a dull ache, radiating from my chest like a slow burn. Each beat of my heart felt heavy, as if weighed down by an invisible burden. The pain intensified, sharp and piercing, like a dagger plunging into my very core.

“Mate, he is with another," Inara's voice echoed in my mind, filled with anguish. I clenched my fists, feeling the warmth of my own skin against my palm. I took a deep breath, the air tasting metallic.

I tried to calm myself, to push aside the overwhelming emotions that threatened to consume me. I glanced at the clock, its ticking becoming louder with each passing second.

He was human, after all. Could I really blame him? But despite my attempts at rationality, sadness washed over me like a tidal wave. I had allowed myself to believe that he felt something, that there was a connection between us.

When he finally arrived to class, the atmosphere shifted. The air seemed to grow heavy, as if weighted with unspoken tension.

I struggled to act normal around him, to hide the turmoil that churned within me. The scratch of my pen against paper became erratic, a physical manifestation of my inner turmoil. I longed for the class to be over, to escape to the solace of my own apartment.

As the final bell rang, signaling the end of the torturous class, I teetered on the edge of breaking down. The air felt suffocating, as if closing in on me from all sides. I mustered the strength to speak, my voice strained and hollow.

I told Clay I could not go to the library, the words leaving a bitter taste on my tongue. Reluctantly, I allowed him to give me his number, the exchange feeling like a formality in the midst of my crumbling world.

With a sense of urgency, I rushed out of the classroom, desperate to escape the suffocating atmosphere. But even in my haste, I couldn't escape the sounds of Liz's laughter as she approached him.

Melody and Kris caught up to me outside, their concerned expressions etched on their faces. Melody's voice was filled with worry as she spoke, her words barely registering in my clouded mind.

"Is everything okay, Emma? You seem upset. You were so cheerful at lunch, but during class, you were like a different person."

I forced a smile, the effort feeling foreign and strained. "I think I upset my stomach. Maybe I ate something that didn't agree with me. I'm going to go to my apartment and rest, but I'll catch up with you two."

With a heavy heart, I turned away, the weight of my emotions threatening to pull me under.

Melody nodded, her eyes filled with understanding, as they both respected my need to rest. I could feel the weight of guilt settling in my chest, a heavy sensation that made it hard to breathe.

Once inside, I closed the door behind me, shutting out the commotion. I made my way to the bed, its softness inviting me to sink into its embrace. As I lay down, I buried my face into the pillow, seeking solace in its comforting touch.

Inara's voice echoed in my mind, her words resolute and determined. "We can't let that girl take our mate away," she insisted. Her words reverberated, a whisper that seemed to emanate from within me.

A sigh escaped my lips as I responded to Inara, my voice tinged with resignation. "There is not much we can do about it, in reality, Inara. We may have to settle for a chosen mate." The weight of that decision settled on my shoulders, a burden that threatened to crush my spirit.

But Inara refused to accept defeat, her determination unwavering. "We can't, and you know that, Emma. We are special. We need our real mate, and it will hurt us if we are not with him." Her words carried a sense of longing, a yearning that resonated deep within me.

I ran my fingers through my hair, feeling the strands slip through my grasp. "He's human," I murmured, the uncertainty evident in my voice. "I don't even know how to approach this." The thought of navigating the complexities of a human relationship overwhelmed me, like a tidal wave threatening to engulf me.

I reached for my phone, its cool surface providing a brief distraction. I considered reaching out to my mom or dad, seeking their advice. After all, my mother had once believed my father to be human, and they had worked through it. But the fear of disappointment held me back, preventing me from seeking their guidance.

Instead, I focused on my link with Noah, my heart yearning for his presence, but his response was swift and honest. He was busy. The disappointment washed over me.

I know I need to call my mom and dad at some point, I talked with them daily at home, but ever since my arrival here I have been silent with them. I pondered the best way to approach the fact that my mate was a human.

I know if I talk with them over the phone, they will sense my hesitation, my hidden secret. Instead, I decide to send them a text, my fingers tapping on the screen. I told them about the new friends I've made.

As I curled up in the bed, a heaviness settled in my chest. The day felt never-ending, like a slow, dragging river. Time passed, marked by the buzzing of my phone. I reached for it. Two messages awaited me, one from my mother and another from Ryan, the werewolf from my first class.

My mother's message brought a sense of warmth and understanding. She expressed her happiness for me and respected my need for space. Ryan's message, on the other hand, carried a different energy.

Ryan’s message read, "I gathered the books I want to share with you and can bring them to you tonight if you live near the school, I also wanted to invite you to a small get together some of my friends are having at a local bar, I did not want to say anything in class but I am sure you know my real identity as I could sense yours, thought you could use some friends like you" the message said.

I considered his message for a few moments before responding and then I typed, "Sure I could use a night out." I said, It would be nice to get to know some of the werewolf community in this realm and I knew well I could handle myself if any danger presented. I also really needed to get my mind off of Clay right now.

"Great we are getting together around 6pm the bar is a small drive from the school, where do you live? I can come pick you up with my mate," he messaged me. Reading that he had a mate and she would be with him made me feel even more comfortable. I messaged him my location and then looked at the time. I had a few hours to work on my assignments and get ready.

Inara was not exactly pleased that I was going out, but she agreed it was not like I was going out with a single werewolf. I was going out with him and his mate, and we could use more friends. This also allowed me to maybe learn a little more about this area and how they are handling the hunter threat. I went to the small desk in my unit and got to work on my assignments, allowing my focus to stay on them. Soon, time started to pass by fast, and before I knew it, it was time to start getting ready to go out.

I hastily chose a more relaxed outfit, opting for a pair of worn-in jeans and a sleek black halter top that accentuated the necklace my brother had given me. As I examined myself in the mirror, I caught a glimpse of my reflection and simultaneously heard my brother's voice echoing in my mind. "Sorry, Emma," he said through our mental link, "we've been incredibly busy, but we managed to capture the hunters who infiltrated our realm." I breathed a sigh of relief, my brother's words comforting me.

"How are you, Emma?" his voice resonated in my mind, concern evident. "Please, be honest with me."

"It's just hard to fit in. Everything feels so different here, and humans are unlike anything we've ever known." I responded.

My brother attempted to reassure me, his voice soothing in my mind. "You can always come home, but I know you won't, Emma. It may be challenging now, but I'm certain you'll find your place."

"Thanks, Noah," I replied gratefully, glancing at the clock. "I'd love to talk more, but I'm actually about to head out. I was invited to a small gathering by a werewolf I met in one of my classes. He's coming to pick me up with his mate."

My brother's voice turned cautious as he warned me, "Be careful, Emma. Not all packs in the human realm support us, as you know."

"I'm well aware," I assured him.

"Link me every few hours and let me know when you get home safe," Noah insisted through our mental connection.

I couldn't help but tease him, "Okay, mom."

But he was serious. "I mean it, Emma," he emphasized.

"I will, I promise," I replied, ending our connection just as my phone buzzed with a message from Ryan. "I'm outside in a blue BMW SUV," it read. I wasn't familiar with what a BMW was, but I assumed it was a car.

Leaving my apartment, I stepped outside and scanned the area. Thankfully, I spotted a lone car that stood out with its vibrant blue hue. The driver's window was rolled down, making it easy to identify Ryan. "Get on in," he beckoned as I opened the back door and slid inside. Ryan wasted no time introducing me to his mate, Carly, as he swiftly navigated the streets.

"It's nice to meet you, Emma," Carly greeted warmly. "Ryan was thrilled to find someone like us at school. Not many are willing to venture beyond the safety of their packs into human territory." I nodded in understanding, noticing the scarcity of our kind in this unfamiliar realm as Ryan continued to drive.

"I guess it is time for me to introduce myself better," Ryan said to me. "I am future Alpha of the Dark sea pack, we are one of the few packs that have land in both the human realm and werewolf realm."

"I knew your name sounded familiar," I replied, my voice tinged with recognition. "I know your father well; he often visits my home."

"I recognized you fast in class," he confessed. "But you are doing a good job masking yourself, Lycan Princess. It is honestly an honor to even have you come with us tonight. I was not told you would be going to school in the human realm, especially with the hunters right now."

"I am here for only a short time," I admitted. I wanted to see the human realm for myself, but I would also like to learn more about the hunter situation here."

"They are catching onto us," he revealed, his voice laced with concern. "That is actually why I am going to the school right now. I am not sure if news has made it back to the Lycan Kingdom yet, but a month ago, in a prior session, three of my pack members attended this school as many have, and they have all gone missing. We know they are not dead since we still feel their pack link, but it's safe to assume hunters caught them. I have discovered they are using new weapons. They are getting tricky and finding ways to overpower us. I also know there has to be hunters registered as students. I am trying to identify them. I have some suspicions right now, but for now, I am trying to gather as much information as I can."

"Please be really careful on Campus," Ryan urged, his voice filled with genuine concern. "You are more than welcome to come stay at our pack house that we have nearby as well if you would like."

Grateful for his offer, I nodded appreciatively. "I really appreciate the offer. As of now, I am okay, but I will be more cautious," I assured him.

As he pulled up to a small building and parked, the sound of music and laughter grew louder, mingling with the aroma of sizzling food and the warmth of human interaction. "Let's go in and have some fun now," Ryan suggested, a spark of excitement in his eyes.

Carly couldn't contain her enthusiasm. "You will fit right in, Emma," she exclaimed, her voice filled with anticipation.

I stepped out of the car and made my way toward the entrance, joining Ryan and Carly. As we entered, the lively scene unfolded before me. The sight of a group of about six more werewolves gathered at a few tables pushed together caught my attention. Their animated gestures and joyful expressions painted a picture of camaraderie and belonging.

The establishment itself was alive with energy. The low hum of conversations blended with the rhythmic beats of music, creating a vibrant symphony that filled the air. The scent of delicious food wafted through the room, enticing my senses and making my stomach rumble with hunger.

As I took in the sights, sounds, and smells of this bustling gathering, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and trepidation. The world I had entered was both thrilling and dangerous, a delicate balance that I would have to navigate with caution.

I followed Ryan and Carly to the tables. Despite the human establishment, I felt a sense of belonging and happiness for agreeing to come tonight.

As I went through introductions, I caught glimpses of familiar faces among the werewolves.

Carly stayed by my side, her laughter floating through the air as she taught me how to play darts. Shot after shot, the burn of alcohol warmed my throat, the bitter taste mingling with the scent of hops from the beer we consumed as well. But amidst the laughter and drinks, thoughts of Clay lingered in my mind.

"You seem a little down," Carly observed, her voice cutting through the noise. I pulled out my phone, the screen illuminating my face with a soft glow. I glanced at the time and realized that hours had passed in this haze of alcohol. The room spun slightly, a sign that I had indulged more than I ever had before.

"Guy problems," I replied, my words slurring slightly. Carly's giggle brought a momentary lightness to the heavy atmosphere.

“You know the best way to get them back? Show them you're having fun and they're missing out." She said to me.

Her laughter echoed in my ears as I stumbled to a quieter corner of the bar. I scrolled through my phonebook, my fingers tapping on Clay's number that he had programmed. Doubts crept into my mind, Inara's voice questioning my actions. But my frustration and longing pushed me forward, and I pressed the call button.

As the phone rang, regret washed over me. Panic surged through my veins, and I quickly hung up before he could answer. But within seconds, my phone buzzed again, a mix of anticipation and anxiety filling me. I sighed heavily and answered, trying to play it off as a pocket dial in my drunken state.

"Hello," I slurred into the phone, the sound of my own voice foreign to my ears.

"Emma," Clay's voice echoed through the phone, the sound slightly muffled. I could hear the distant hum of a crowd in the background.

"That's my name," I replied, my voice slightly slurred.

"Are you drunk?" Clay's worry was palpable, his concern evident in the way his words trembled.

"Maybe," I admitted over the phone.

Ryan appeared beside me, his voice cutting through the cacophony. "Hey, Emma, want another round?" He asked. I nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and carefree abandon.

"Who was that?" Clay's voice crackled through the phone again, breaking through the lively atmosphere.

I tried to brush off the conversation, not wanting to delve into details. "New friend from class this morning, sorry I pocket called you," I explained, trying to end the call quickly.

"RYAN," Clay's voice boomed through the phone, his tone filled with a mixture of anger and concern. Confusion clouded my mind as I struggled to make sense of his words. Did he want to talk to Ryan?

"Do you want to talk to him?" I asked. But before I could hear Clay's response, the room seemed to sway around me. I laughed, feeling the effects of the alcohol washing over me.

"Wow, the room is moving," I murmured, my vision slightly blurred.

Ryan's voice cut through the haze, concern evident in his words. "Let's get you a chair and some water." I gratefully accepted the glass he handed me, the cool liquid soothing my parched throat.

"Emma, where are you?" Clay's voice demanded, piercing through the noise of the bar on the phone. I hesitated, unsure if I should reveal my location.

"Why should I tell you?" I retorted, a hint of defiance in my voice.

"EMMA, WHERE ARE YOU?" Clay's voice boomed through the phone, causing me to wince at the sudden loudness. The noise seemed to echo in my ears, making it difficult to concentrate.

"Why are you yelling?" I replied, trying to shield my ears from the sound. "I think it's called Rose's or something, sheesh." As the call abruptly ended, I wondered if he had hung up on me.

Carly asked if anyone wanted more after some time passed, and just as I was about to respond, a wave of Clay's scent hit me like a tidal wave.

Suddenly, his voice thundered from behind me, causing me to jump in my seat. "Time for you to go home," he declared. I was shocked to see Clay standing there.

Inara's voice echoed in my mind, reminding me that I had called him. Ryan offered to take me home, but before I could respond, Clay interjected, "I'll bring her home." Without giving me a chance to protest, he grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the exit.

Ryan stepped forward, but I knew I had to avoid any confrontation. "I'm good, see you in class," I managed to say, even though my steps felt unsteady beneath me.

Clay's frustration was palpable as he muttered, "Not going to drink again, my ass." Suddenly, he lifted me off my feet, catching me off guard. I could feel his strong arms supporting me as he carried me out of the venue. My vision started fading in and out, as if I were drifting in and out of consciousness.

Eventually, I realized I was being placed into a car. The scent of leather upholstery mingled with the faint smell of air freshener. Clay handed me a water bottle, urging me to drink. I could feel the plastic against my lips as I obediently drank the entire contents. The car ride was silent, the only sound being the faint hum of the engine.

Soon, we arrived at the parking lot of my apartment building. Clay parked the car, and I attempted to get out on my own, but my legs felt like jelly, barely able to support my weight. Just as I started walking, he stopped me. I slurred my gratitude for the ride, but he interrupted, "My place or yours?" I froze, unable to comprehend his words. "You drank way too much," he stated firmly. "I am not leaving you alone tonight. What apartment, Emma?"

Reluctantly, I conceded, "Mine." Uncertainty washed over me as I wondered what I had gotten myself into.