Chapter 1: Night out

(Tessa's POV)

I tossed my hair over my shoulder as Ellie and I headed into the bar. She squealed excitedly as she held my pinky in her own, pulling me along through the entrance. I could feel the beat of the music as it assaulted my senses. El led us to the bar as I scanned the mass of people. She pushed a very fruity, delicious looking drink into my hand.

"Cheers!" she said, her curly, blonde hair bouncing as she grinned. Our glasses clinked together. "This place is packed tonight! It's been awhile since you've let me drag you out!"

I shook my head as I sipped the too-sweet drink my best friend had ordered me. Ellie had always been more bold and adventurous than me, which is why we made such a good team. Ellie pushed me out of my comfort zone, while I reeled her back to safety.

"Gonna come dance ?" she asked, her Hazel eyes scanning the crowd of bodies.

"Maybe after I finish my drink," I replied, fiddling with my straw.

"Tess, seriously....you need this. You work too much," El replied, leaning her back against the bar.

"I know," I said before going back to my drink.

I felt her eye roll. I didn't need to glance at her.

"I will. I promise. I'll be adventurous, but we can't just leave our drinks here," I tried to convince her as I finally raised my eyes to hers. I should've known she wouldn't let it go. She pivoted back around and sucked down the rest of her drink in a few big gulps before watching me expectantly.

With a deep breath I finished off my drink before nodding to her. She flashed her eager grin and hooked her arm in mine, leading me into the throng of people. Ellie radiated with confidence as she moved her body to the music. Soon, I too was lost in the beat.

Before long, Ellie caught the attention of a cute guy, his hands reaching her hips as he whispered something in her ear. She looked at me, that question in her eyes. I smiled and nodded, motioning to her that I needed to go to the bathroom anyways.

I grinned and shook my head as I maneuvered through the crowd. It was so easy for El. She could let go, not get stuck in her head like me and overthink, well.... everything.

I let my mind wander as I waited in line for the ladies room. It's not like I hadn't dated, I had. I was just still stuck on the hope that the one was out there somewhere. Clearly not in my own pack since 18 had come and gone. At 23 I had seen so many find their mates and gritted out the congratulations while swallowing my own utter disappointment.

As I exited the bathroom, I was on autopilot, still caught up in my own thoughts when I collided with someone. My breath caught in my throat as he gently steadied me, his hand on my arm.

"So sorry, " said the man who was responsible for the touch.

I felt my heart skip a beat when I heard his voice. Something deep inside me stirred. My wolf, my trusted other half, rose just below the surface of my conscience.

"It's ok," I answered, tucking a stray

piece of my auburn hair behind my ear. My eyes trailed up to his face until the most gorgeous blue-grey eyes met mine. An adorable half grin pulled up his lips, revealing a dimple.

"You wanna dance?" he suggested, extending his hand to me.

I made sure my jaw was back up and there was no evidence of drooling as I nodded with a giddy smile on my face.

He leaned close to my ear and said, "I'm Rowan."

I felt goosebumps as his breath touched my skin. My wolf echoed his name in my head with a pur. The music was pumping, which usually overwhelmed my senses but at this moment all my senses were on the man before me.

"Tessa," I replied to him, feeling as if I was yelling due to the music. I allowed my hips to sway, brushing against him.

"Have we met before?" Rowan asked, as his hands caressed my hips. "You seem familiar to me."

I was tingling with every touch of his hands. "I don't think so," I responded. "I would remember meeting someone as handsome as you," I blurted, immediately blushing. My wolf was hyper focused on everything about this man in front of me. My fingers tingled, I wanted to put my hands all over him, touch every piece of him.

I gently touched Rowan's face. His breath hitched when my fingers caressed him.

His lips parted slightly. I fought the overwhelming urge to kiss him. This wasn't like me. I had never been so eager to taste a man in my life.

You ok? Ellie's mind link entered my head.

More than ok, I answered her. You?

Green eyes is buying me a drink. He's adorable, she answered. I'm proud of you girl! Have fun!

I blushed at her words before returning my full attention to the man who had my core twisting by just his presence.

Everyone around us faded into the background. I had never felt this way. I felt.... complete.

Rowan's head dipped down. I lifted my head up and met his lips expectantly. His tongue teased, seeking entrance and I immediately allowed him in. The sensations were like firecrackers all over my body. Every nerve firing in euphoria.

When we broke away for air, both our chests were heaving, "Can I buy you a drink Tessa?"

Every part of me warmed hearing my name off his lips, "Sure," I answered, unable to prevent the goofy grin off my face. Our hands fit perfectly as he led us back to the bar. Sparks erupted upon his every touch.

We got our drinks and found a more secluded spot in the club. I squirmed as my arousal continued to build. The longer I stayed in Rowan's presence the greater my need grew. I felt starved and he was the only source of nourishment that would do.

Green eyes wants to take me home. You good? El mind linked. We always checked in on each other. She always told me if her plans had changed. This time it wasn't only her who had gotten lucky.

Oh I'm good. See you at home.