The Lycan's Human Mate

Tears blurred the pristine airplane window as I squeezed my eyes shut, willing the thoughts away.

'Let’s end this, Jaidyn. I don’t love you anymore.'

The echo in my head mocked me. A shuddering breath escaped my lips, and I ripped open my eyes, the harsh sunlight momentarily blinding me. It was the words of my ex-fiance. I shook my head and turned to face the airplane window.

It seemed excessively possessive to him, wanting to travel to spend time with the person you love. At least, that’s how my ex-fiance saw it. He was just waiting for the right moment to break up with me; I knew that much. And his justifications were laughably weak.

“I hate him,” I grumbled, feeling like the fool my sister labeled me for leaving and continuing to travel to a place I had reserved for both of us.

I had spent money on it, so why couldn’t I enjoy it, right?

But after a while, it sounded crazy when you did something rash like flying across another continent you had little knowledge about for a little trip to forget the pain. To forget a man you loved.

I pushed back the thought and glanced around. My gaze fell on the flight attendant beginning to approach us. I waved her over.

“Can I get vodka, please?”

The flight attendant offered me a kind smile and nodded before walking away. I forced another smile at the old couple next to me, who returned it with an understanding nod.

The flight attendant returned promptly, carrying my vodka. On regular days, I never even considered asking for a drink since, to borrow a phrase from my ex-fiance, I am very kind and a good girl who always follows the rules.

I don’t understand why he believed that after knowing me for ten years, especially considering some things I did that wouldn’t fall into a “good girl’s” book. It was, however, his fixed opinion of me all along. This action might be purely in the mindset to behave out of character, perhaps to prove to myself or him that I can be different. That I am not what he thinks I am.

Originally, I reserved a hotel room for two people in Europe. A particular mountain there suddenly fascinated me once I saw it in one of the pamphlets I came across. Though Anthony and I had different schedules, I always tried my best to spend time with him. Despite my best efforts, he constantly declined and provided a never-ending excuse for his refusal, which I can’t believe I fell for. In retrospect, it could just have been his excuse.

My gaze fixated on the ring finger adorned with the shimmering diamond he gave me. I couldn’t bring myself to take it off. Not just yet. I fought back tears threatening to spill.

“It’s a good thing I didn’t wed that moron.”

“You have a beautiful ring,” the old woman next to me commented, peering down at the band wrapped on my ring finger. “Are you married?”

I looked down at the large, shiny ring on my finger, discreetly tucking my hand into my coat pocket.

“No, I’m not,” I said.

I noticed the old woman’s confused expression, but I had already shifted my attention back to the window, avoiding the need to explain. I took a sip of my beverage, feeling my throat burn. It was time for me to put him out of my mind.

I planned to spend a few days in a certain town before returning home. Despite my attempts to appear optimistic about this little escapade, fear tightly gripped me. I wasn’t familiar with the area, and I didn’t particularly enjoy stepping outside of my comfort zone. Every time I went somewhere, either Anthony, my friends, my older sister, or my parents were there to accompany me. I’m never by myself.

Being with Anthony for eight years made him my rock, my home, my first love. Therefore, letting go of the betrayal is an incredibly difficult process.

Even if this journey turns out to be my worst decision ever, at least I’ll gain a bit more real-world experience without Anthony or anyone.

Fortunately, after informing my sister about my destination, her husband–Jaxon–knew someone there.

…..

I arrived at my destination after a lengthy trip, now cramped into a car navigating a rough and rocky road. My camera hung on my shoulder, ready to capture the beautiful scenery that awaited me.

As I approached the village where I would be staying, my thoughts wandered to how I had chosen this place. A last-minute change in the rental agency led me to discover a small cabin available for rent.

Had I not decided to go on vacation, I would have never known about a village named Grevis Town. However, as I studied the map, it felt as though something was pulling me toward this location.

My muscles ached from the stiffness induced by the long travel, but as the road flattened out, I could finally relax against the worn leather seat. The driver remained focused on the road, and my eyes shifted to the weathered skin on his hands, wrapped around the splintered steering wheel. Returning my gaze to the window, I observed the dense row of trees passing by.

Suddenly, my phone vibrated. Retrieving it from my coat, I noted the registered name on the screen.

“Jai!” echoed my older sister’s enthusiastic voice.

I chuckled in response to her exaggerated greeting. “Just landed, and I’m fine.”

“Thank goodness. Where are you right now?”

“Inside the car.”

“Alright, phone me when you arrive there, and if possible, gather the courage to inform Mom and Dad about this misadventure and the situation with that jerk as soon as you can.”

I nodded, even though she couldn’t see me. “Noted.”

A moment of stillness stretched, and I pulled my phone away from my ear, ensuring I was still connected. I was.

“Hello, Jane, are you still there?”

I noted her serious tone when she finally replied. “You didn’t, uh… feel anything about the place, right?”

I frowned. “Okay, now you’re scaring me. What should I feel, Jane?”

“Nothing. I just don’t want you to want to live there,” she teased, but knowing her from head to toe, I sensed there was more beneath the surface. Still, I chose to ignore it.

Perhaps she was simply tired. After all, she was pregnant with her first baby.

“Then I will live with you,” I said, giggling.

“And I would love that.” Then, her tone grew softer. “You’ll be fine.”

I understood the unspoken sentiment. I smiled sadly and took a deep breath. “I will be, I need to be.”

“Okay, then I will hang up. Love you, sis.”

After ending the call, I glanced at my phone for a moment, appreciating my luck in having such a supportive sister. I stowed the phone in my coat pocket. My gaze then shifted to the distant forest, sending a chill through me at the thought of wild animals lurking in the shadows. Choosing to redirect my focus back in front, I attempted to dismiss the swarm of unpleasant thoughts in my head.

Shortly after, a small town revealed itself, marked by a prominent sign announcing GREVIS TOWN. I inhaled, savoring the charm of the community nestled in a cluster of trees. It seemed small yet bewitching.

As the compact car chugged along, I gripped the door handles. The driver eventually decelerated. Trying to calm my nerves, I observed the houses and shops lining both sides of the road, with people leisurely walking along the sidewalks. In just ten minutes, the car came to a halt beside the cabin, resembling a model for a storybook castle in the heart of a magical woodland.

Stepping out of the vehicle, I settled the fare with the driver and expressed my gratitude. Standing before the cabin, backpack slung over one shoulder and a duffel bag in hand, I surveyed the surroundings, debating whether to reach out to the contact my sister had provided. Before I could delve into the decision, a young man emerged from a house slightly farther from the one I had rented.

Noticing me, the young man cautiously inquired, “Uhm….Jaidyn, right?”

“Yes,” I replied hesitantly.

Perhaps, this was the man my sister had mentioned.

With a warm smile, he inclined his head, approaching me with a thick accent. “I’m Cayden, the one I assumed Jane talked to you about.”

Relief flooded my heart at the mention of my sister’s name. I extended my hand, saying, “Hi.”

We shook hands, and he casually remarked, “I was lucky; Jane gave me your picture,” while taking my bag from me, a gesture I reluctantly allowed. “How was the trip?”

“Tiring. I feel like my bones are so stiff,” I chuckled.

“Well, now you have a chance to loosen,” he said, motioning toward the cabin. “The cottage’s owner, with whom you spoke, confirmed that the home was ready for occupancy, even though she’s currently out of town.”

I nodded, gazing at the cabin. “Should we enter and have a look around?” Cayden inquired.

“I would love to,” I replied, following him inside.

Once in the cabin, Cayden gave me a tour of the charming, surprisingly modest space. The living area and kitchen were combined, adorned with vibrant