Page 31 of A Broody Mate for the Human

I’m still recovering from the shock. How often did I visit Moon Blood? Plenty of times, as my luna is best friends with the alpha here, and because their lune is my alpha’s brother. Besides, Moon Blood is an allied pack.

And in the few months I haven’t been there, suddenly my mate started living here. Talk about coincidence!

I’ve been so occupied with everything going down in my friends’ lives that I completely forgot I had a mate out there waiting for me.

Look how cute he is.Akio sounds pleased.He is such a pure soul. I can feel it.

We can’t put too much pressure on him though,I tell Akio.We need to go slow. Can you do that?

To keep mate safe and sane, I can do anything!he promises.

The first thing I noticed about Luca were his hazelnut-colored hair and deep brown eyes. They have a haunted look in them, something I’m all too familiar with, and my heart aches for my sweet mate. He seems to be shy and a bit insecure, but also really kind.

Now that I walk next to him, his hand holding mine firmly, my gaze travels down his neck until I see the scar there, burnt deeply into his skin, probably from a silver collar. Who the fuck did that? Who hurt my mate!?

Can you reach out to his wolf?

Akio tilts his head.There is something I can connect to, but his wolf is still in hibernation. He only knows pain, terror, and torture.Akio looks upset and angry but soon regains his composure.But we’ll get there. He already accepted us. He knows what a mate is.

Lunch at Moon Blood is simple but good. They have mashed potatoes and a meatloaf with tons of vegetables and salads. I grab a massive portion, noticing how Luca only puts a bit on his plate. He seems to be flustered when I look at him. “I know I need my strength,” he says while I lead him towards a small table. “I don’t have much appetite, but I’m trying.”

Note to myself: Invite him out to dinner every time. Make sure he eats.

“One step after another,” I tell him. “You’re trying to eat, and that’s an important step.”

“I’m also training now,” he says proudly, his eyes beaming slightly. “And Alpha Celine is convinced my wolf will return to me.”

Goddess, he is so adorable.

“Your wolf is there already,” I tell him. At least one thing I can reassure him of. “My wolf can feel his presence. He is already with you. He just needs to get a bit more confident.”

“You think he is just shy?” Luca asks carefully, his eyes looking at me happily when I told him I can feel his wolf.

“I think he was hurt so deeply that he hid away somewhere in your mind, but he is part of you,” I tell him softly. “He will get stronger, and his presence will be more persistent.”

“I feel him more when I’m with you,” he admits.

“That’s the mate bond.” I smile.

“And your wolf?” he asks shyly. “He must be disappointed.”

I decide Akio can answer that for himself. Putting my knife and fork aside, I retreat shortly to allow my wolf to take over. Without further ado, he grabs Luca’s hand into his. “Mate,” he growls. “Cute, mate, I’ve waited for you so long.”

Way to be dramatic, I think with a grin. He acts as if he has searched for his mate for many centuries, while it’s only been a year.

Luca looks at us in fascination and awe. “But you have no wolf to connect with…”

“I have,” Akio says with conviction. “He is there, and I felt him. I’ll make sure our connection grows.”

Luca nods, showing Akio a gentle smile. “Thank you.” He looks almost a bit flustered. “I forgot to ask your name.”

“Akio.”

“That’s a beautiful name,” Luca muses innocently. “Jun and Akio.”

My wolf is basically swooning because of so much cuteness.

He retreats again, allowing me to come forward. “Did he manage to reassure you?” I ask with a grin. “He never wastes many words. I think this was the longest conversation he ever held.”