Page 24 of A Broody Mate for the Human

I also was able to sleep better last night, finally, so I’m all refreshed when I go to meet my mate. It still feels weird that I have one. I never expected it because why would a human like me be mated to a werewolf?

Matthew is already waiting for me at one of the coffee shops in the mall. “You and your coffee.” I chuckle when I approach him.

Matthew looks up at me in surprise before he smiles slightly. “Well, my brain isn’t functional without it.”

“Same,” I admit.

I allow my gaze to wander over him. He is so handsome, muscular, and tall, yet his face has almost soft features. He is hot. There is no denying that. And when he smiles, it makes me feel fuzzy. Maybe I can manage to make him smile more often. Maybe it’s me… I’m the one who doesn’t know a thing about mates. Maybe I’m doing something wrong, which is why he reacts so upset sometimes?

I know I’m freaking complicated. I’m a weak human, a vegetarian with a weird choice of hobbies and clothes.

Matthew probably doesn’t like complicated things… Time to work harder on me then!

“Do you want to have brunch first?” I offer.

Matthew blinks. “Yeah, that’s actually a good idea.”

“I can grab us something,” I say, gesturing towards the counter. It’s a self-service coffee shop. “Just tell me what you want.”

Matthew nods and wants something with eggs. He doesn’t seem to like to eat too fancy. I noticed that already, but I don’t mind. I like any kitchen, so I’m not too picky. At the counter I order ham & eggs for Matthew, and a cheese omelet for me, plus two slices of apple pie, hoping Matthew will like them, and an additional black coffee for him, and one with whipped cream for me.

When I return with our food, Matthew looks at me, surprised. “You got me another coffee?”

“Yes, black. You said you only drink it black.” I hand him his food and coffee, and offer him one of the slices of apple pie. “I’m not so sure if you like it, but I took two pieces just in case.”

“Oh, I like apple pie,” he says, taking the plate with a nod towards me. “It’s not too sweet.”

“I figured you don’t have a sweet tooth,” I muse, feeling happy that I got something right. He also doesn’t comment on my meatless food choice, which fills me with relief.

We chat a bit about last week, and Matthew tells me he is training harder. “I want to be able to support the twins,” he says.

“The twins?”

“Henry and Anthony,” he points out and for the first time, I can see actual warmth in his eyes. “They are my friends, and the heirs of the alpha. I’m a gamma’s heir, so I’m working hard to prove I’m worthy of that rank. I need to be strong.”

I nod my understanding. He is probably facing a lot of pressure, I realize. “Alpha Jace is the name of your alpha, right?”

Matthew looks at me skeptically. “Who told you that?” he demands to know.

“I saw him at the inauguration ceremony of Annie and Liam,” I explain. “Annie is one of my best friends,” I explain. “She introduced some people to me.”

Matthew looks at me, stunned. “You were allowed to attend the inauguration ceremony of Prince Liam?” he seems to be shocked.

“I don’t know much about your politics,” I admit. “I just know that Annie—”

“Luna Annalise?” Matthew wants to know.

I nod. “Yeah, her friends call her Annie, though. Annie and her beta, Ella, are two of my oldest and best friends.” I feel a twinge of guilt when I say that. Annie wanted to meet me today, but I canceled because of Matthew. She and Ella always try to have time for me, although they are really busy with leading a pack and with Annie being a mom now, but never once did they give me the feeling that they wouldn’t be there for me if needed, and they always make sure to have time to meet me and hang out with me.

They are my oldest friends, and our bond is really special.

And I just canceled on them for a guy, I think. Damn it, I need to apologize to them later.

Yet another person who I need to apologize to.

First Ye-Joon, then Jun, Luca… and now Ella and Annie.

“It’s cool that you could see the ceremony,” Matthew says, fortunately oblivious to my thoughts. It’s not his fault that I’m a shitty friend. “Alpha Liam is going to be crown prince once his father takes over the throne. He is very important.”