Meeting Jenna
Eric's POV
I needed advice. I called Mike, my best friend and pack member.
"Mike, I've got a problem," I said, explaining the situation.
"Dude, you can't bring a human to the dinner," Mike warned. "The pack won't understand."
"I know," I replied. "But there's something about Jenna...I think she could be the one."
Mike sighed. "You need to tell her the truth, Eric. Before things go any further."
I rubbed my temples. How could I explain our world to Jenna without scaring her off?
The pack's needs weighed heavily on me, but so did my feelings for Jenna. Was I ready to risk everything for a chance at love?
As the moon reached its peak, I made a decision.
I'd take Jenna to the dinner, consequences be damned.
But would she accept me for who I truly was? Only time would tell.
The night of our date arrived, and I picked Jenna up from her apartment, trying to shake off my nerves. We headed to a quaint Italian restaurant, where conversation flowed easily.
As we sipped wine and shared laughter, I realized my connection with Jenna went beyond mere convenience.
She was intelligent, witty, and captivating.
But the weight of my secret loomed over me. How would she react when she discovered the truth?
After dinner, we strolled through the quiet streets, the moon casting a silver glow.
"Jenna, can I ask you something?" I said, my voice low.
"Of course," she replied, her eyes sparkling.
"What do you know about my family?" I ventured.
Jenna's brow furrowed. "Just that your mom seems...enthusiastic about you settling down."
I chuckled. "That's one way to put it." We stopped beneath a streetlamp, its light casting eerie shadows.
"Jenna, my family's...different," I began, searching for the right words. "We have certain...traditions."
Her expression turned curious. "What kind of traditions?" She asked.
I took a deep breath. "We're not like other people. We have...abilities."
Jenna's eyes narrowed. "Abilities?"
This was it. The moment of truth. "I'm a werewolf, Jenna," I said, the words tumbling out. Silence.
Jenna's face went pale, her eyes wide.
"Eric, I...I don't know what to say," she stammered.
My heart sank. I'd gambled and lost.
But then, something unexpected happened.
Jenna took a step closer, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Show me."
My eyes locked onto hers, searching for fear or revulsion.
Instead, I saw curiosity.
And maybe, just maybe...acceptance.
Would you like me to continue the story?
I hesitated, unsure if I'd misread Jenna's reaction. But her eyes sparkled with genuine curiosity.
"Show me," she repeated, her voice firm.
I nodded, leading her to a secluded spot outside the city. The moon was full, and my body began to stir.
"Jenna, this might scare you," I warned, trying to prepare her.
"I want to see," she insisted.
I took a deep breath, letting the transformation take over. My body shifted, muscles lengthening, senses heightening.
Jenna gasped, but to my surprise, she didn't back away. "You're...beautiful," she whispered, eyes wide with wonder. In wolf form, I padded closer, my heart racing. Jenna reached out a trembling hand, touching my fur.
A jolt of electricity ran through me. No human had ever touched me like that before. "Eric," she said, her voice filled with awe. "You're still you." I shifted back into human form, standing before her, vulnerable.
"Jenna, I—"
She silenced me with a kiss, her lips soft and gentle.
"I'm not scared," she whispered. "I want to understand."
My heart soared. Maybe, just maybe, I'd found my true mate.
The night of the family dinner loomed ahead, but now I felt a sense of hope.
Would my pack accept Jenna?
And what secrets lay hidden in her own past?
As we walked hand in hand under the moonlight, I knew our journey was just beginning.
The next evening, I picked Jenna up for the family dinner, my stomach twisted with nerves.
"Ready?" I asked, trying to reassure her.
Jenna smiled, her eyes sparkling. "Born ready."
We arrived at my family's estate, the pack gathered in the grand dining hall.
My mother's eyes widened as Jenna entered beside me.
"Eric, who—"
"This is Jenna," I announced, my voice firm.
The pack's alpha, my father, stood, his gaze piercing.
"Welcome, Jenna," he said, his tone measured.
As we took our seats, Jenna's hand found mine under the table.
I squeezed it, grateful for her courage.
The dinner began, a flurry of questions and introductions.
Jenna charmed the pack with her wit and kindness.
But one person remained unimpressed.
My pack's beta, Victor, his eyes narrowed.
"Jenna," Victor said, his voice dripping with disdain. "You're human." Jenna met his gaze, unfazed.
"I am."
Victor sneered. "You'll never be one of us."
My hackles rose, but Jenna's grip on my hand tightened.
"I don't need to be," she said, her voice steady. "I accept Eric for who he is."
The room fell silent.
My father spoke, his voice commanding.
"Victor, enough."
The beta's gaze dropped, but his animosity lingered.
Jenna had passed the first test.
But the night was far from over.
My mother's words caught me off guard as we stepped outside for some fresh air.
"Eric, I need to ask you something," she said, her voice low and urgent.
"What is it, Mom?" I replied, sensing her unease.
"Keep your Alpha's identity hidden from Jenna," she whispered, glancing around cautiously.
I frowned. "Why? Jenna's accepted me for who I am."
My mother's expression turned grave. "Not everyone in the pack shares your father's...open-mindedness."
I understood her concern. Victor's hostility toward Jenna still lingered.
"But Jenna's proven herself," I argued.
"Eric, trust me," my mother pressed.
"There are those who would use your Alpha's identity against you, against Jenna."
I hesitated, unsure.
"Your father's position is precarious," she continued. "Revealing his identity could put him, and our entire pack, at risk."