The Lycan’s Human Mate

I slowly sat up and rested my head on the backrest of the couch as I fluttered my eyes open. My attention was drawn to the window, where the ocher sunrays of the afternoon were seeping through and bathing the living room a glow.

“Ugh,” I groaned, aware that I had overslept and that my sore back was the result of my uncomfortably curled-up position.

Nevertheless, I’d like to blame my lack of productivity today mostly.

After being motionless for a while, I finally made the decision to get up and pick up my phone off the nightstand. Three o’clock in the afternoon had already come and gone. I went to the sink and drank water while my fingers thrum on the table as I thought of what I could do today. Anything productive if possible.

Afterward, I began to consider wifi. Before going to the library, I had the intention of searching the internet for a possible clue. Not today though, since Lara and Traian were both there, I’m sure.

No, I refuse to see them together. I can prevent it by not stopping there. Maybe some other day, other than Wednesday.

With that in mind, I headed to my room to brush my reddish-brown hair before putting on my coat and applying some pink lipstick to liven up my pale face.

After pausing outside to take a quick look at Claire’s house and watching the door close, I resumed strolling along the road. While I had intended to ask for directions, I instead chose to savor the calming effects of wandering on a side road. I became aware that some people were staring at me, but I chose to ignore them in favor of being enthralled by the fragrance of the outdoors and the beautiful scene I was seeing. As I strolled by homes, I noticed that there were rows of trees surrounding them and that each one had flowers planted within.

As I strolled, a smile came across my face as I saw children playing carefreely in the several green fields I had spotted across the town. Both then and now, I have always loved children and been captivated by their innocent minds. It wasn’t until someone coughed next to me that I realized I had stopped walking and was adorably watching the children with my hands tucked in my coat.

I looked to my left and noticed a man with chestnut dreadlocks who had pulled them back to expose a full, handsome face that matched his bright hazel eyes. I felt that my cheeks were growing scarlet with embarrassment. Did he call me for long? Wait, did he even call me? I honestly didn’t hear him.

He said, “Hi,” and I could tell by his accent that it wasn’t as strong as the locals here.

I said with a smile, “Hi.”

“Are you from around here?” He added, “I’m sorry, but I just noticed you don’t have an accent like most people here,” and I actually smiled at that since I had just had the same thought.

“No, I am here for a short vacation”

He exclaimed, “I knew it,” snapping his fingers as if he had just placed a wager on his head, which made me chuckle because the man was so nice and easygoing. He was unintentionally funny.

My attention was drawn to the camera that was slung over his shoulder.

“Wait, are you going to photograph this part?” I asked, moving aside to allow him room. “You should have told me”

He smiled, and if I said he didn’t have good looks, I’d be lying.

“I intend to, but I wanted to know whether you could also be on it.” His words weren’t demanding; rather, they were friendly and courteous.

I pointed myself, surprised. “Me?”

Well, with the exception of the fact that I paid for it myself, no one requested me to pose or participate in their photos. “Are you sure? ”

He nodded before saying, “I am quite sure,” and then going on to say, “You simply have this admiration for this place in your eyes like you just love at first sight here. It enthralled me.”

“Oh,” I said, my voice giving reluctance. But I suddenly caught myself saying, “But anyone would fall in love with this place.”

He agreed, “Yes, but not everyone will have this deep attachment that shows in your eyes on this place. Not a vacationer”

I was so stunned by that that all I could do was smile at him. Is it really so obvious? My sister’s comments about how I belonged here are echoing in my head like a broken record, which makes me feel more uneasy.

“Are you alright?” The man’s voice, which sounded worried, interrupted my stream of thought.

I turned to face him and said, “Of course.” I then walked back to where I had been standing and said, “Well, you have my consent to include me in your shot.”

He grinned at me and prepared his camera. “It’s an honor.” He took a few paces away before saying, “Just let your mind wander naturally, and be natural with your expressions.”

I’m not sure, but his words inspired me, so I followed his advice. I allowed the breeze to caress me and the afternoon sun to bathe me in its warmth as I became lost in the kids’ lively laughter. I let myself be free of worry and thoughts.

After a short while, when he didn’t speak anymore, I turned to face him and heard the camera shutter before realizing it was set. He took a step toward me while glancing at his camera with a broad smile on his face.

“What’s the smile all about?” I can’t help but wonder.

He shrugged his shoulders and held out the camera, saying, “Nothing, you’re just extra gorgeous in the last image.”

Shaking my head, I looked down at his camera. My green eyes were staring directly into the camera, and my reddish-brown hair was blowing in the wind. It was a stunning photograph.

“Did you mention that to each of your models?” I chuckled as I continued to review my photos.

He replied, “No because you’re the only one I invited to be in my photos.”Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

I raised my head and turned to look at him with my eyebrows raised in doubt.