17 comments/ 29614 views/ 26 favorites Never Cry Werewolf Ch. 01 By: SmartyBluPants The base sounds vibrated against the walls echoing in the small bedroom. Mariana rolled in her sleep just having lain down after running around all morning. The music was ear-splitting and pounding, yanking Mariana from her deep satisfying slumber. "Please not now," she grumbled. Ever since getting her new job as a barmaid at Dragon Slayer, the new bar in what was considered the slums of Manchester, and taking up the extra class on Auto-Mechanics so she could work on her old dilapidated 1971 Volkswagen Beetle. The only time Mariana had to sleep was in the afternoons, between her morning classes and her night shift at the bar. It didn't help that the new manager was a total ass demanding absolute perfection and nothing less. While she could respect that, his leers at her whenever she bent over wasn't helping matters much. Mariana turned reaching for her soft feathered pillow and pulling it over her head, but it didn't seem like things were going in her favor that day because the music was turned up until her actual walls were shaking. She knew that some guy was supposed to be moving into the empty apartment next door but she didn't think so soon, and by the sounds of cursing and things moving around in the hallway she could guess that the guy was still moving in. As one would expect, he made sure that his stereo was the first thing to be unpacked, Mariana grumbled to herself. She slowly dragged out of bed and the warmth of the duvet letting the cool air in her apartment hit her bare legs and arms. She cursed her landlord as she felt the cold not long after hearing another string of curses. "Shit...! Fuck...! What the hell are you doing?" The man's annoyed voice in other cases would have had made Mariana laugh but in this case she needed her sleep and the voice doing the cursing was deep and smooth sending tingles that she didn't want to be feeling down her spine and goose bumps on her arms that had nothing to do with the cold apartment. She shook the feeling away and dragged herself to the bathroom looking in the mirror. Her hair which usually was long and down her back in soft curls was laying all over her head in some kind of misshapen puff. Her hazel eyes squinted as she turned on the bright light; she stretched her long legs until she was standing on tippy toes her dark mocha skin showing the flex of her ankles and legs. Once finishing her usual morning stretching Mariana looked at the clock hanging over the towels in her bathroom. Its only 3p.m I could still be friggin' sleeping, she thought with a frown. Great I already have to deal with that ass at work now I have to deal with the one here at home! She pulled her hair up in a ponytail with her brush wincing as they ran through some naps, after dealing with the puff Mariana brushed her teeth quickly deciding to run down and take care of some business she had been saving to do on the weekend. She walked into her room pulling on a pair of pink sweats and a matching hoodie; she quickly pulled on some socks and her white Nikes grabbing her keys and purse heading out the door. As she got closer to the door the music seemed to resonate to her body and she actually recognized the song Sweet Child of Mine by Guns N' Roses. Well at least he has good taste in music, Mariana opened the door and almost fell over as a guy came up the steps with two boxes, obviously he couldn't see as he pushed her over with one. But before she could fall a set of strong fingers gripped her wrist and easily pulled her up straight, Mariana felt a shock of electricity shoot up her arm from the touch, straight to parts that hadn't been activated in quite some time she felt like melting in that grip, and as her eyes rose to see the brawny muscular arm connected to the strong grip she almost swooned. There on his forearm was one of the sexiest tattoos she had ever seen, it was a black dragon that wrapped and moved around his muscled arm. "You should watch were your going." Before Mariana could acknowledge his discourtesy she acknowledged that this was that sexy voice she heard earlier that made her spine tingle. She looked up to his face almost in a daze and almost gasped. He's a friggin' Greek god, she thought excitedly, sure he's a little darker and moodier. He had a powerful jaw line that lead to high defined cheek bones and slanted eyes that were a deep hard blue his hair was black and a little on the long side needing a cut but it gave him that bad boy edge that made girls turn weak in the knees. A light sprinkling of the same black hair covered his chin and above his full lips that Mariana just wanted to lean over a suck. I'm in trouble was the only thought that could cross her mind as she stared up in his deep eyes. Mariana's staring was interrupted as he abruptly let her wrist go and snapped his fingers in front of her face the cool air touching were his warm fingers had been "Hey little girl, you in there?" Mariana blinked out of her daze at his impudent words. "Oh...uh sorry." She cursed herself for getting so flustered. "You sure, I didn't think that Bale hit you that hard." Mariana finally registered how rude he had been talking to her. "No he didn't I was just a little surprised by how rude you are." She replied quickly in a sarcastic voice trying to save face. He laughed and the sound was even better than his voice if that were possible. He leaned in a little too close to her causing her to step back quickly. "You sure you weren't just checking me out." Her shock registered clearly on her face and he stepped back laughing that incredible laugh again. "Hey Achilleo leave my new neighbor alone or I won't have any friends in this godforsaken place." A guy she presumed to be Bale stepped out of the apartment; he was almost a match to Achilleo except more soft and kind where Achilleo was hard and rough. He had green eyes and hair so blond it could pass for white, he smiled brightly and her breath caught at the sight, but for some reason she couldn't help but think how Achilleo would look if he was to smile at her like that instead of the mean laugh he gave her. The blond god reached his hand out "Hey! I'm Bale, and this less handsome and rude guy here is Achilleo." She smiled at Bale and offered him her hand he brought it to his lips, which were full but not as full as Achilleo's. "And you must be my gorgeous new neighbor." Achilleo snorted and Mariana turned to glare at him. "Can we hurry up and finish loading your crap I do have things to do." Bale just smiled and nodded "Yea, but not before I ask this beauty out to dinner tonight." He kept his eyes on her, grinning. Mariana would have blushed if she were a shade lighter "I would love to, but I have to work tonight, sorry." The frown on his face was genuine and he nodded "Well, maybe another time then?" He said. The hope in his voice made her giggle "Sure." She could feel Achilleo eyes on her and it made her nervous and truthfully a little hot she bit her lip and pulled her hand from Bale's suddenly feeling embarrassed for holding his hand in front of Achilleo. She couldn't help but wander why, it wasn't like he was her man. "You ready now?" Achilleo grumbled his voice coming off bored and annoyed. "Yea, yea," Bale said "I will see you another time then...." Mariana smiled again "Mariana, my name's Mariana." "Beautiful." Is all Bale says as he walked to his door locking it, he and Achilleo start to head down the steps "The beautiful Mariana." He said, the same smile on his face. Mariana giggled at Bales silliness but couldn't stop her thoughts and eyes from running back to Achilleo as his strong legs carried him down the steps, the simple jeans, t-shirt, and sneakers looking amazing on his well formed body. She looked down at her watch and realized that her chores had to be put on hold, it was already time for her to head to work.. She hurriedly walked back into her apartment her thoughts still on Achilleo and piercing blue eyes. ******* Achilleo was pissed, which wasn't much of a surprise since he was him, but today he was a little more pissed than usual. First his stupid cousin decides at the last minute that he can't move into his apartment by himself than that idiot Justice, decides to challenge him for his alpha slot. Today was just not the day for Achilleo; he sat behind his desk running through papers that his assistant Malcolm just laid on his desk. "Meeting, meeting, bills..." He paused at one letter in a stiff envelope with no writing on it he swiftly let one of his nails grow and swiped in across the envelop cleanly cutting the top. He pulled the letter out and read it over quickly, than again in shock. The letter was from the Council Of The Mystical and Supernatural, and just like his father, grandfather and those before him, that letter was a request for him to find a mate and soon. Except when it comes to them. There is no such thing as a request, it was more like an order. Achilleo ran his hands through his hair. Just more reason for Achilleo to be in a crappy mood. The council's job was to make sure that all stayed in order in the supernatural world that included the rogues causing issues, to who the alphas of certain packs mate with and when. Achilleo's thoughts suddenly turned to long brown limbs, a soft ample bosom and an even softer looking round ass. His mouth got watery at the idea of taking a bite out of that ass, sucking on those soft breasts that he bet had dark large nipples. His manhood jumped up quickly straining against his jeans as thoughts of bending that ass over crossed his mind wrapping his hand around those soft looking long curls, looking into those hazel eyes as he pounded into her. "Marianna." Her name escaped his lips before he knew what he was saying, and the door was suddenly banged open. "Hey cuz, I got more papers for you from Malcolm." Achilleo sent his cousin a baleful glare and adjusted himself in his seat to hide his arousal. Bale dropped the papers on his desk and sat in the seat across from it "So, what do you think?" Achilleo looked at Bale under his papers. "What the hell are you talking about now?" His cousin grinned, "Mariana was hot wasn't she. I mean man, did you see that ass. Oh, what I wouldn't give..." Achilleo interrupted him with a hard dry laugh "You think you would have a chance with her?" Achilleo knew his words stemmed more from jealousy than anything, he saw the way Mariana looked at him. "You can't keep your dick in your trousers for longer than 5 minutes I don't think that's the kind of girl you can have one of your one night stands with." Bale put on his typical fake pout "Is that really how you think of me cousin" Achilleo sent him a level look and Bale laughed "Yeah I guess you're right...but it's about time I settle down don't you think, the sexy Mariana could be just the girl for me." Achilleo scoffed "Yea sure, you know it's illegal to mate with humans." Bale just smirked "Now cousin when have I ever been one to the follow rules?" Achilleo couldn't help but smile at his cousin. "Yea but if you broke the rules don't forget cousin or not you would have to face my consequences." Bale stood up walking out of the room. "Yea, yea, I hear you. Don't worry, I won't do anything stupid." Achilleo shook his head and looked down at his paper trying hard, yet failing all attempts to get thoughts of a certain brown skinned beauty out of his mind. ******* Mariana walked to her car gradually her eyes drooping, she was tired, incredibly tired. Her boss had decided last week that she should work another shift plus close the bar at night, and unless she wanted to be trekking around New Hampshire for a new job she better suck it up and put a smiley face on. Well maybe he didn't say that way exactly but that was precisely how it came off to Mariana. She slumped against her car door and looked up at the night sky, it was way to late and she knew at this rate she would be sleeping all day and working all night. She rummaged through her purse for the keys her bleary eyes making her it hard for her to focus what she was doing. That night she was practically throwing drinks together ready to get her shift over with, while she usually loved working there and hanging with the other employees tonight was too much for her. She needed to find a new job and soon, Mariana finally comes across her keys and she opens her door sliding into the seat of her Beetle. She lays her head on the steering wheel breathing deeply, giving herself a little pep talk. "Okay Mariana you can do this, just put the key into the little hole press the gas pedal and it's a what, 20 minute ride tops." She can't help but giggle at how silly she sounds; she sits up and starts her car pulling out of the deserted parking lot slowly rubbing her dazed eyes. She drives down the road gingerly, but couldn't help but think it would be just her luck if she ran over something. Thankfully no one else seems to be on the road as Mariana slogs slowly down the winding turns. She comes to a stop sign and sees a small ruffle in the trees on the dark road. At first she pushed it off as sleepiness but the ruffle turns into a small shape and then gets larger as it gets closer to her car. Mariana peers through squinted eyes rubbing them to try and clear her sleepy eyes. It was a wolf, or at least it looked like one, fear strikes her as she see's definite features of a wolf, she's seen them enough living in New Hampshire, but they usually run away, not walk up to her yellow Beetle, and they were never that big. She wasn't sure whether to honk her horn at it or keep driving. Mariana gently presses on her gas moving as slowly as she can, the wolf doesn't move but trains its golden eyes on her as she gets closer, she sees that it is much larger than any normal wolf and its golden eyes turn a sharp icy blue under her high beams. She quickly turns them off getting a weird feeling of Déjà vu, the wolf is a shiny sleek silver color with long streaks of ebony. It was beautiful, Marianna stares in wonder but its beauty doesn't stop the fear from creeping up her spine as she finally passes it. She quickly drives the rest of the way home, the mystifying wolf in her mind until she falls asleep, dead to the world ******* He couldn't believe that he saw her, Achilleo dashes through the woods his strong powerful animal legs carrying him quickly and easily. More importantly he couldn't believe that he let her see him, his mind mulls over her stunning face set in a mix of marvel and terror. He laughs to himself, or at least the best laugh he can manage out of this form, a harsh snort, that was the usual reaction he got before the guns were pulled out. He had kept his mind occupied for weeks, trying to get Mariana out of his head, and not to mention that damned letter from the council. Of course fate as usual wasn't working in his favor and he got weekly threats, as he liked to call them, from the council, reminding him of his duty. Than to make matter worse it seemed that Mariana had took Bale up on that date, and according to Bale the date was very satisfying, which could mean a number of things coming from him. Now he was not only angry he was aggravated that he was angry, that he was getting caught up in some human girl that he knew zilch about. Yeah she was beautiful, and feisty, intelligent, funny and a little quirky, based on Bales brags about their date. He shook his large wolf head and slowed to a standstill, he needed to get thoughts of her out of his head. He let out another snort of laughter, he knew that was damned near impossible. He wanted her, there was no denying that, but it was something even deeper than the physical want, something he could yet to explain. He tried to tell himself it was no use anyway she was human, but he could do everything else but mate with her. That was always the flaw in the council's laws, it said no mating with humans but there was nothing about having sex, and man did Achilleo want to. He just needed to get away from her, Bale, and the stupid council. Achilleo knows that's impossible he has a pack to run and getting away just wasn't happening anytime soon. Achilleo starts up his run again speeding up with each thought of Mariana in his mind, under him, moaning his name, as his mate. The thought shocks him, he doesn't know how he could be thinking thoughts so soon. Achilleo battles against his body as he tries to think of all the reasons why he and Marianna won't work out. Besides her being human he has nothing, the connection he feels with her is confusing and Achilleo has never felt this way before. Of course there have been women prior to meeting Mariana, some he even thought where mate worthy, but it never went farther than there. Bale used to tease him, saying he had commitment issues, and though Achilleo laughed it off it was true. He was scared shitless; he was so used to being closed off and alone he knew if anything was to happen with him and any woman he would have to open up. He just wasn't sure if he was ready for that, so he always ended up ruining every relationship, giving the females in his life reason to want to leave. Achilleo knew, werewolf or man that was just fucked up, but he couldn't stop it, he would never admit it to anyone but, as strong, powerful and intimidating he was, when it came to committing he ran away with his tail between his legs. That made him feel like a coward and that was not a feeling Achilleo was used to, he knew that all of this was coming out now for the reason of Mariana. ******* Mariana wakes confused, and drained, she remembers locking up the bar driving home, and... the wolf. Her mind runs over her memory of last night, she knows she wasn't drunk and she's sure it wasn't a dream. She shudders as she recalls those icy blue ices, and that intimidating stature. She shakes out a cramp in her foot and stretches her arms over her head; slowly slipping from her warm sheets she goes to the kitchen starting a pot of coffee. Coffee isn't her usual drink but considering the morning she pours herself a copious amount of the stuff. She sips the hot coffee when it's finished, relishing the feeling of the liquid running down her parched throat. Mariana puts the cup in the sink and take a quick shower she had a lot to do today but at the top of the list was look for a job. She wraps a towel around her wet skin after she leaves the warm water sifting through her closet for something to slip on. She pulls out her favorite pair of seven dark jeans and a black v neck sweater; she pulls on a pair of her black knee high boots. Her thoughts go back to Achilleo wandering what he would think if he saw her strutting her stuff in those boots. She quickly berates herself, reminding herself that she just had a date with Bale. Grabbing her keys she rushes out the door ready to get this day over with. ******* Mariana walks down the streets of the shopping area in her town, it was crowded today so she parked her car on the corner instead of driving slowly through traffic all day. She stands in front of a beautiful old fashion looking building, it looks out of place on the busy modern street, and people rush up and down the sidewalk, pass it, but a good number stop and go inside or just to admire it. Her friend Leann had told her that a restaurant in town was looking for some help and that it had amazing food and was beautiful and sophisticated, much unlike the bar she works at. Salutary Den runs across the top in an expensive looking script the red brick tones of the front has Mariana entranced and she quickly walks inside eager to see the rest. As soon as you walk inside you are in a warm looking room a dark wood covers the walls and floors and black leather furniture covers the spacious room with a booming fireplace in the middle of the room. The fire place is an amazing marble with two large wolves sitting next to each other. People sit in the chairs talking quietly as they are served glasses of wine, the Maitre d' comes a few times escorting people through a large wooden door obviously to the restaurant area. Never Cry Werewolf Ch. 01 "This is amazing." Marianna whispers not wanting to ruin the peaceful environment of the room. "It is isn't it?" A deep voice booms behind her. Marianna jumps and turns surprise lighting her eyes as she sees who it is. "Bale, what are you doing here?" He looks pleased at her surprise, "My cousin works here, Achilleo the big brutish guy that helped me move." He chuckles. "He owns this place?" "Yea I know you wouldn't think he could create something so nice with how moody he is." He smirks and reaches his arm out. "May I escort you Madam?" He dramatically bows making her laugh. "Of course fine sir." She replies in her snootiest accent. Bale walks past the Maitre d' nodding at him in greeting leading Mariana into the restaurant the dark beautiful reds and dark browns entrance her and a smile lights her face easily. He leads her to a back room with a wrap around leather couch and glass table. "So what are you doing here beautiful?" He asks sending a waiter away after ordering something she can't understand. "Well, actually I'm looking for a new job." "Really, and you want to work for my cousin, he's the most difficult man ever." Mariana smiles, "Well I didn't know your cousin owned this place." "I could help you get the job, give in a good word." "Thanks but no thanks I've got this." Mariana says with confidence that is slowly dwindling. He nods in respect, "Ms. Independent huh?" The place was amazing and it immediately lowered her confidence she was unsure what they would want with a mediocre bartender.. She pushes the thoughts out of her heads and concentrates on Bale as he starts a conversation that has her laughing. As the food comes Mariana barely stops herself from melting, or letting her thoughts drift to Achilleo. The thought of Achilleo in the kitchen makes her shiver. She's snapped out of her thoughts as the thick curtain to the private room is yanked open. "Bale who the hell do you have in my restaurant..." His icy eyes glance at Mariana and he looks as if he's shocked and a bit pissed, but that lasts only a second before his eyes go stony. He smirks, but it's not amused at all, "Well it's the latest arm candy, you work pretty fast Bale." Mariana's eyes blaze and she jumps up "Actually asshole I was coming here for a job and I happened to see Bale!" His standoffish expression angers her even more, "Hey calm down bunny you have nothing to prove to me." Mariana almost explodes in anger as she stalks up to him, Bale looks between the two in confusion. "That was way out of hand Achilleo." He says standing up walking behind Mariana to hold her back; she looks like she's ready to punch Achilleo. Mariana huffs in frustration, "I don't know what's your problem, but you need to fix it and fast!" She glances at the clock on the wall, "I'm leaving." Bale tries to grab her arm but she pulls away, "I have to go to work." She grates out through gritted teeth. "I'll take you." He follows Mariana and looks back at his cousin in question. Achilleo ignores him and slumps in the soft leather sofa, "I need a drink." ******* Mariana couldn't believe this was happening, she was sure that her day was going to be horrible. She had finally got Bale to leave subsequent to proving that she was fine. Than after being late for work, because she spent an hour dissecting her and Achilleo's encounter with Leann, she gets yelled at by the creepy manager yet again; Mariana was ready to get this day over quickly. Until he showed up, he was bent over a glass of gin, and his face seemed dour, he was flipping through what seemed to be a letter. Mariana couldn't believed her eyes and thought the best thing to do was try to sneak past him, but those crystal blue eyes never seemed to miss a thing a thing, as they caught her slipping past his table. "Well look who's here." She tries to smile as she says this but her face is stuck in shock. Achilleo throws back his head, his beautiful black hair falling down his shoulders and his bright white teeth on display. His blue eyes twinkle in amusement and Mariana is sure she won't be able to stand any longer. His laughter is enchanting and she can't help but smile also, he finally straightens and looks her straight on, those blue eyes never loosing that amused twinkle. "I do believe that you're stalking me Ms. Mariana." He looks down at her and Mariana shifts around underneath his pleased gaze. "So... what are you doing here?" He laughs again, this time softer and in a husky way that makes Mariana feel vulnerable. "I should be asking you that, I was sure my cousin would have you in bed by now." He says this with a smile but the way he stares at her so intensely says otherwise. Mariana smiles softly "Well he is a charmer, but like I said I have to work and this happens to be the place I work." He nods, looking at her until she gets nervous and anxious. "Well, I've got stuff to do so..." His lips create a devastating grin, those full lips forming perfectly over beautiful teeth. Mariana never thought she would be a teeth person but everything about Achilleo seemed to tempt her. "Yea I understand I have to go soon anyway...hey how about you come over to the restaurant when you get off?" Mariana breaths in deeply, she's sure she's in trouble now. "We can talk about that job." He adds looking down at his shoes, his face taking on a boyish quality. Marianna smiles, "Well I don't know, you were a bit of an ass." Her kindness confuses her when just a little while ago he was calling her arm candy. Yet as soon as she looks into those icy blues she forgets it all. "Yea I was one, I'm just not having the best of days, and I really shouldn't have took it out on you, you'll get free food." He beams at her his eyes staying steady on hers. She can't help the grin that spreads across her face and Achilleo looks at her in amazement. Mariana pretends to think for a second tapping her chin "Well...I don't know." He laughs and reaches out his arms as if begging "Please, pretty please." He pouts his full pink lips and she almost swoons. "Well okay, sure why not" He almost jumps in joy and picks up his briefcase that Mariana didn't even notice sitting next to his chair, he begins to head out looking back at her. "So I will see you tonight?" "You'll see me tonight." She giggles. He nods excitedly, "Okay tonight." Heading out of the door Mariana takes time to admire his tight butt in the perfectly fitting jeans, she was absolutely positive that she was in trouble. Never Cry Werewolf Ch. 02 Mariana walked to her car gradually her eyes drooping, she was tired, incredibly tired. Her boss had decided last week that she should work another shift plus close the bar at night, and unless she wanted to be trekking around New Hampshire for a new job she better suck it up and put a smiley face on. Well maybe he didn't say that way exactly but that was precisely how it came off to Mariana. She slumped against her car door and looked up at the night sky, it is way too late I'm going to be sleeping all day and working all night at this rate. She rummaged through her purse for the keys her bleary eyes making her it hard for her to focus what she was doing. That night she was practically throwing drinks together ready to get her shift over with, while she usually loved working there and hanging with the other employees tonight was too much for her. I need to find a new job and soon, Mariana finally comes across her keys and she opens her door sliding into the seat of her Beetle. She lays her head on the steering wheel breathing deeply, giving herself a little pep talk. "Okay Mariana you can do this, just put the key into the little hole press the gas pedal and it's a what, 20 minute ride tops." She can't help but giggle at how silly she sounds; she sits up and starts her car pulling out of the deserted parking lot slowly rubbing her dazed eyes. She drives down the road gingerly; it would be just my luck if I ran over some poor animal...or person. Thankfully no one else seems to be on the road as Mariana slogs slowly down the winding turns. She comes to a stop sign and sees a small ruffle in the trees on the dark road. Great now I'm seeing things, the ruffle turns into a small shape and then gets larger as it gets closer to her car. Mariana peers through squinted eyes rubbing them to try and clear her sleepy eyes. What the hell it looks like a wolf, fear strikes her as she see's definite features of a wolf, she's seen them enough living in New Hampshire, but they usually run away, not walk up to her yellow Beetle, and their never that big. Should I honk the horn at it, maybe it will run away than...or try to attack my car. Mariana gently presses on her gas moving as slowly as she can, the wolf doesn't move but trains its golden eyes on her as she gets closer, she sees that it is much larger than any normal wolf and its golden eyes turn a sharp icy blue under her high beams. She quickly turns them off getting a weird feeling of Déjà vu, the wolf is a shiny sleek silver color with long streaks of ebony. It's beautiful, Marianna stares in wonder but its beauty doesn't stop the fear from creeping up her spine as she finally passes it. She quickly drives the rest of the way home, the mystifying wolf in her mind until she falls asleep, dead to the world I can't believe I saw her, Achilleo dashes through the woods his strong powerful animal legs carrying him quickly and easily. More importantly I can't believe I let her see me, his mind mulls over her stunning face set in a mix of marvel and terror. He laughs to himself, or at least the best laugh he can manage out of this form, a harsh snort, that's the usual reaction I get before the guns are pulled out. He had kept his mind occupied for weeks, trying to get Mariana out of his head, and not to mention that damned letter from the council. Of course fate as usual wasn't working in his favor and he got weekly threats, as he liked to call them, from the council, reminding him of his duty. Than to make matter worse it seemed that Mariana had took Bale up on that date, and according to Bale the date was very satisfying, which could mean a number of things coming from him. Now he was not only angry he was aggravated that he was angry, that he was getting caught up in some human girl that he knew zilch about. Yeah she was beautiful, and feisty, intelligent, funny and a little quirky, based on Bales brags about their date. He shook his large wolf head and slowed to a standstill, I need to stop thinking about her I will just find a nice were female get mated and forget all thoughts of Mariana. He let out another snort of laughter, like I could ever do that. He wanted her, there was no denying that, but it was something even deeper than the physical want, something he could yet to explain. It's no use anyway, she's human and God knows what Bale and she have done already. That was always the flaw in the council's laws, it said no mating with humans but there was nothing about having sex, and man did Achilleo want to. I just need to get away and forget about her, Bale, and the council's stupid letters. Achilleo knows that's impossible he has a pack to run and getting away just wasn't happening anytime soon. Achilleo starts up his run again speeding up with each thought of Mariana in his mind, under him, moaning his name, as his mate. Mate where did that come from, Achilleo thinks to himself in shock, I like her, hell I'm going crazy over this woman...but mate? Achilleo battles against his body as he tries to think of all the reasons why he and Marianna won't work out. Besides her being human he has nothing, the connection he feels with her is confusing and Achilleo has never felt this way before. Of course there have been women prior to meeting Mariana, some he even thought where mate worthy, but it never went farther than there. Bale used to tease him, saying he had commitment issues, and though Achilleo laughed it off it was true. He was scared shitless; he was so used to being closed off and alone he knew if anything was to happen with him and any woman he would have to open up. He just wasn't sure if he was ready for that, so he always ended up ruining every relationship, giving the females in his life reason to want to leave. Achilleo knew, werewolf or man that was just fucked up, but he couldn't stop it, he would never admit it to anyone but, as strong, powerful and intimidating he was, when it came to committing he ran away with his tail between his legs. That made him feel like a coward and that was not a feeling Achilleo was used to, he knew that all of this was coming out now for the reason of Mariana. Maybe she would be that woman that wipes away my fears. Mariana wakes confused, and drained, she remembers locking up the bar driving home, and... the wolf. Her mind runs over her memory of last night, I wasn't drunk, I'm sure it wasn't a dream. She shudders as she recalls those icy blue ices, and that intimidating stature. It was quite a wolf, she sighs getting out of the bed, and I really need to find a new job. She shakes out a cramp in her foot and stretches her arms over her head; slowly slipping from her warm sheets she goes to the kitchen starting a pot of coffee. I don't usually drink this but if there was ever a time to this morning is. She sips the hot coffee when it's finished, relishing the feeling of the liquid running down her parched throat. Mariana puts the cup in the sink and take a quick shower, I have so much crap to do today, top of the list find a job. She wraps a towel around her wet skin after she leaves the warm water sifting through her closet for something to slip on. She pulls out her favorite pair of seven dark jeans and a black v neck sweater; she pulls on a pair of her black knee high boots. I minus well look cute, who know who I might see, she giggles to herself. Immediately Achilleo pops into her head, why am I thinking about him, Bales told me enough about him to know he's not interested much in anything but his job. She still thinks about him though, those eyes, Mariana berates herself, you went on a date with Bale and now you're daydreaming about his cousin. She sighs and grabs her keys and purse, why can't anything ever be simple? Mariana walks down the streets of the shopping area in her town, it was crowded today so she parked her car on the corner instead of driving slowly through traffic all day. Her it is, she stands in front of a beautiful old fashion looking building, it looks out of place on the busy modern street, and people rush up and down the sidewalk, pass it, but a good number stop and go inside or just to admire it. Her friend Leann had told her that a restaurant in town was looking for some help and that it had amazing food and was beautiful and sophisticated, much unlike the bar she works at. Salutary Den runs across the top in an expensive looking script the red brick tones of the front has Mariana entranced and she quickly walks inside eager to see the rest. As soon as you walk inside you are in a warm looking room a dark wood covers the walls and floors and black leather furniture covers the spacious room with a booming fireplace in the middle of the room. The fire place is an amazing marble with two large wolves sitting next to each other. People sit in the chairs talking quietly as they are served glasses of wine, the Maitre d' comes a few times escorting people through a large wooden door obviously to the restaurant area. "This is amazing." Marianna whispers not wanting to ruin the peaceful environment of the room. "It is isn't it?" A deep voice booms behind her. Marianna jumps and turns surprise lighting her eyes as she sees who it is. "Bale, what are you doing here?" He looks pleased at her surprise, "My cousin works here, Achilleo the big brutish guy that helped me move." He chuckles. "He owns this place?" "Yea I know you wouldn't think he could create something so nice with how moody he is." He smirks and reaches his arm out. "May I escort you Madam?" He dramatically bows making her laugh. "Of course fine sir." She replies in her snootiest accent. Bale walks past the Maitre d' nodding at him in greeting leading Mariana into the restaurant the dark beautiful reds and dark browns entrance her and a smile lights her face easily. He leads her to a back room with a wrap around leather couch and glass table. "So what are you doing here beautiful?" He asks sending a waiter away after ordering something she can't understand. "Well, actually I'm looking for a new job." "Really, and you want to work for my cousin, he's the most difficult man ever." Mariana smiles, "Well I didn't know your cousin owned this place." "I could help you get the job, give in a good word." "Thanks but no thanks I've got this." Mariana says with confidence that is slowly dwindling. He nods in respect, "Ms. Independent huh?" This place is amazing what are they going to want with a bartender with such little experience. She pushes the thoughts out of her heads and concentrates on Bale as he starts a conversation that has her laughing. As the food comes Mariana barely stops herself from melting, or letting her thoughts drift to Achilleo. I wonder if he made this, the thought of him in a kitchen slicing and dicing makes her shiver, he would look so out of place but unbelievable sexy. She's snapped out of her thoughts as the thick curtain to the private room is yanked open. "Bale who the hell do you have in my restaurant..." His icy eyes glance at Mariana and he looks as if he's shocked and a bit pissed, but that lasts only a second before his eyes go stony. He smirks, but it's not amused at all, "Well it's the latest arm candy, you work pretty fast Bale." Mariana's eyes blaze and she jumps up "Actually asshole I was coming here for a job and I happened to see Bale!" His standoffish expression angers her even more, "Hey calm down bunny you have nothing to prove to me." Mariana almost explodes in anger as she stalks up to him, Bale looks between the two in confusion. "That was way out of hand Achilleo." He says standing up walking behind Mariana to hold her back; she looks like she's ready to punch Achilleo. Mariana huffs in frustration, "I don't know what's your problem, but you need to fix it and fast!" She glances at the clock on the wall, "I'm leaving." Bale tries to grab her arm but she pulls away, "I have to go to work." She grates out through gritted teeth. "I'll take you." He follows Mariana and looks back at his cousin in question. Achilleo ignores him and slumps in the soft leather sofa, "I need a drink." Mariana couldn't believe this was happening, she was sure that her day was going to be horrible. She had finally got Bale to leave subsequent to proving that she was fine. Than after being late for work, because she spent an hour dissecting her and Achilleo's encounter with Leann, she gets yelled at by the creepy manager yet again; Mariana was ready to get this day over quickly. Until he showed up, he was bent over a glass of gin, and his face seemed dour, he was flipping through what seemed to be a letter. Mariana couldn't believed her eyes and thought the best thing to do was try to sneak past him, but those crystal blue eyes never seemed to miss a thing a thing, as they caught her slipping past his table. "Well look who's here." She tries to smile as she says this but her face is stuck in shock. Achilleo throws back his head, his beautiful black hair falling down his shoulders and his bright white teeth on display. His blue eyes twinkle in amusement and Mariana is sure she won't be able to stand any longer. His laughter is enchanting and she can't help but smile also, he finally straightens and looks her straight on, those blue eyes never loosing that amused twinkle. "I do believe that you're stalking me Ms. Mariana." And now he's looking down at me, Mariana shifts around underneath his pleased gaze. "So... what are you doing here?" He laughs again, this time softer and in a husky way that makes Mariana feel vulnerable. "I should be asking you that, I was sure my cousin would have you in bed by now." He says this with a smile but the way he stares at her so intensely says otherwise. Mariana smiles softly "Well he is a charmer, but like I said I have to work and this happens to be the place I work." He nods, looking at her until she gets nervous and anxious. "Well, I've got stuff to do so..." His lips create a devastating grin, those full lips forming perfectly over beautiful teeth. Mariana never thought she would be a teeth person but everything about Achilleo seemed to tempt her. "Yea I understand I have to go soon anyway...hey how about you come over to the restaurant when you get off?" Mariana breaths in deeply, I'm in trouble now. "We can talk about that job." He adds looking down at his shoes, his face taking on a boyish quality. Marianna smiles, "Well I don't know, you were a bit of an ass." Why am I being so nice, she scolds herself, he called me arm candy! Yet as soon as she looks into those icy blues she forgets it all. "Yea I was one, I'm just not having the best of days, and I really shouldn't have took it out on you, you'll get free food." He beams at her his eyes staying steady on hers. She can't help the grin that spreads across her face and Achilleo looks at her in amazement, she's beautiful. Mariana pretends to think for a second tapping her chin "Well...I don't know." He laughs and reaches out his arms as if begging "Please, pretty please." He pouts his full pink lips and she almost swoons. "Well okay, sure why not" He almost jumps in joy and picks up his briefcase that Mariana didn't even notice sitting next to his chair, he begins to head out looking back at her. "So I will see you tonight?" "You'll see me tonight." She giggles. He nods excitedly, "Okay tonight." Heading out of the door Mariana takes time to admire his tight butt in the perfectly fitting jeans, yep I'm in trouble.