The Lycan’s Human Mate

My chest tightened at the sight of them, but I ignored it and returned my attention to Traian’s face, “Hey”

“We meet again,” Lara remarked, warmly beaming at me, which she hadn’t done all morning.

“Right,” I said.

Her gaze was drawn to Adam and then to my hands. I followed her gaze and quickly released my grip on Adam. She flashed a fake and knowing grin.

“Who exactly is he? Is he your date today? ” she asked.

I noticed Traian’s hands tightening around her waist. But I was too preoccupied with registering Lara’s words, which led to the absurd conclusion. It didn’t sit well with me.

“No, we just happened to cross paths on our way,” I replied dismissively.

“That’s a good excuse,” she remarked, grinning at me and enthusiastically adding. “I know a great diner where we can all eat.”

“Are you sure?” Traian said in a gentle voice as he faced Lara. His eyes gave concern.

I averted my gaze after they exchanged those few seconds of staring, as Claire and the others had. They appear to be communicating solely through their eyes. Maybe they are that close to each other.

“I’m alright,” Lara murmured softly and sweetly before turning to face us with a charming smile on her face. “What do you think about that? We can all get to know one another.”

But her enthusiasm seemed forced and insincere to me. “No thanks, we have somewhere to be,” I said, shaking my head.

“Really? Where? ” Traian asked gravely, staring at me.

His tone is dark and controlled but instead of being disturbed by it, I arched my brow, as annoyance grows within me. “That’s not of your concern”

Lara took a step forward, but she wavered slightly, and Traian was immediately on her side to hold her. Even Adam takes a step forward.

She said in a serious tone, as opposed to her cheery and gentle one. “Don’t talk to him like that,” her face hardening as if she was trying not to beat me.

I’m not trying to be mean, but there was something very offensive about this woman right now. I dislike how she approaches and speaks to me.

Before I could reply, Traian did it for me, surprisingly.

“Mind your tone, Lara,” Traian said, and a shiver raced down my spine at how deep and menacing he sounded. His voice carried both a warning and something more. Something more sinister.

Lara stiffened, her jaw clenched, and hung her head low. I frowned. What the heck was that?

I cleared my throat and was ready to speak once again when Adam beat me to it and I felt a hand wrap around my wrist.

“Let’s go, Jaidyn,” he said, his gaze fixed on me. He became suddenly quiet and seemed tense.

“Huh?” I replied confused, and with the knowing look he gave this time, I finally knew what he meant, “Oh! Right,”

I nodded and we started walking past them when Traian spoke again.

“The stores or restaurants in that area are already closed.”

I faced him, glaring, “Thank you for the information but we can handle ourselves”

“Lara’s offer still stands, dine with us unless…..” he replied, staring at me as if Adam was invisible to him. “You’re avoiding me.”

“I’m not going with you,” I sneered.

“Lead the way,” Adam interrupted, gazing briefly at Lara.

I turned to him, confused and a little annoyed. “We don’t have to go with them, Adam.”

“Scared, kitten?” Traian asked, smirking.

And damn, he sure looked hot doing it. My cheeks flushed from embarrassment and maybe from the desire building within me as I heard the endearment. This always happens.

I ignored him and turned to Adam, who was only smiling. “Come on, Jaidyn. The more the merrier.”

I rolled my eyes and nodded, three vs one was not a good sight though.

“This will be fun!” Lara suddenly exclaimed.

And for a brief moment, I had forgotten about her. I merely smiled and followed them. The two were in front of us with Traian’s hands on Lara’s elbow, helping her, which perplexed me.

“You’re cute when you’re annoyed” Adam whispered next to me.

I turned to face him, “Are you hitting on me right now?”

“I’d like to, but I feel like I’ve already lost before I’ve ever begun.”

I shook my head and mumbled, “Now, I regret leaving the comfort of my cabin”

“Why?” Adam asked, laughing. “This sounds fun though and I know it will be more fun later”

I frowned at him, noting how it sounded to hold a much deeper meaning. It appeared like Adam and Lara were the only ones who were having a good time. Maybe even Traian. Ugh! And here I am, wanting to go home since I know this will never be enjoyable for me. Not with my strange attraction to Traian, who was now with Lara.

My focus was immediately drawn to their backs in front of me. They have a pretty cute height difference. Lara was somewhat shorter than I was, and Traian was just tall for us. Even their backs looked stunning, and they might be mistaken for a couple with Traian’s hands locked on her elbow. They also looked good together, as if they were destined to be together.

I swallowed the pain as another wave of insecurity washed over me. I was surprised to feel a hand clasp mine. When I peered, I saw Adam’s huge hands intertwined with mine. A sad smile comes across my face, and I willingly accept the gesture, thinking that it may be his way of expressing concern and support.

We followed them silently till they entered a building. There were few customers around, and as soon as we walked in, their heads turned to us, and shock registered on their faces as if they had seen something on the four of us before they all nervously turned to their food.

Odd.

I glanced around and noticed the mosaic tiling, wooden beams, and wagon wheel lamps. The counter area has a soda fountain, and the walls of the dining room are lined with walnut wood. It was beautiful but simple.

Later, a man with ginger, curly hair pushed back to reveal a long, anxious face rushed over us. He was dressed in a white shirt that matched his apron around his waist which was different than the other staff, who wore red shirts. When he saw us, his eyes widened for a split second as he wiped his hands on his apron. He then confronted Traian with nervousness. The poor man was undoubtedly agitated.

“Alp-Traian, what brings you here?” he said.

“We’re going to eat here because I suppose that’s what your business is for, Michael,” Traian said as if he knew what was going on in the minds of the people around us.

The man named Michael nervously chuckled, “Of course, of course,” he beckoned us to an empty seat far away from the others. “Please, this way”

We followed him. We all take our seats, but without Lara being assisted by Traian throughout the task. I turned away from them and focused on the menu, but my mind was on the two people in front of me.

A loud phone ringing suddenly reverberated. Traian casually takes out his phone from his coat and gets up, walking out to take the call. The way Lara’s eyes hold affection and longing for the retreating figure of Traian only proves that she does like Traian. I once looked at someone like that.