His Dominant Human Mate

“Don't be late,” Ethan yelled for his father's benefit, rushing down the stairs, referring to the parent-teacher conference his school had scheduled. He was specifically insisting on time because his father, Anthony, was very late the last time, and met his favorite teacher had already left. In Anthony's defense, he got held up in an important corporate meeting, but that didn't stop his nine-year-old son from getting really mad at him. He had to bribe the boy with a new game console, despite his better judgment. “Good morning, Grace,” Anthony greeted his housekeeper when he entered the kitchen. “Mr. Anthony,” Grace acknowledged warmly, “sleep well?” “Better than I deserved,” Anthony shot back with a smile, serving himself a glass of lemon and ginger water. He drowned it at a go and took a seat by the counter and watched his housekeeper prepare his choice of breakfast amidst light chat. He ate his breakfast in a rush since he was already running late. On his way out, Grace called, “Ethan will kill you if you are late today.” “I won't,” He promised with a chuckle and headed out where he met his chauffeur Joshua leaning against the SUV. “Sir,” Joshua greeted respectfully, opening back left for his boss. Anthony climbed in and after shutting the door, Joshua went around and got behind the wheel. As they pulled out of the driveway, Joshua glanced at Anthony through the rearview mirror. “Should I remind you later about Ethan's school thing?” he asked casually, but Anthony didn't miss the mischievous glint in Joshua's older eyes. “You too?” Anthony asked with a feigned exasperation, making Joshua chuckle. He has known the man since he was in college. His father had hired Joshua as a bodyguard for Anthony, and since then, the two have always been close. Almost a father-son bond. “I have permission to drag you out of any meeting,” he declared, and it was Anthony's turn to laugh. That was so Ethan, he had to get everyone to remind his father so that he wouldn't have an excuse. Anthony wouldn't be surprised if Kara, his assistant, has the same memo. For the rest of the drive, they mainly talked about Joshua's upcoming wedding. Joshua voiced his uncertainties to Anthony, and he was quick to reassure the older man. ***** Ever since Joshua's and Anthony's wives died in a grisly accident eight years ago, Joshua has never looked at another woman. He was sure he would spend the rest of his life alone until he met Grace's widowed sister. It was an instant connection. At first, he tried fighting off his undeniable feelings for her, mainly because of guilt, but eventually, he succumbed. Joshua's guilt was because he was the driver that fateful night. A drunk truck driver hit their car from behind, and since his wife and Anthony's were in the back seat, they died on the spot. When the ambulance got to Joshua, he was almost a goner. He spent nine long months in the hospital. And though he recovered remarkably, a part of him never left that accident site. For long, he loathed himself. Taking the blame for something he had no control of. If not for Ethan, he would have surely drowned in grief. The young boy was only a year and a half by then. Joshua devoted himself to helping Anthony take care of him, and somewhere along the way, he learned to live and to love again. And also to deal with his guilt better. **** Joshua pulled into the basement parking to Anthony's reserved spot. “Thank you,” Anthony offered after Joshua held the door open for him. They fell into step, heading for the private elevators. Once they were inside, Anthony turned to Joshua, “did you hire Cairo's replacement?” “I have two guys coming in today,” Cairo was one of Anthony's security guys who relocated with his family. And since Joshua is also the head of security, Anthony leaves such matters in his capable hands. “Good morning sir,” Kara greeted Anthony immediately he stepped out of the elevator. “Remind him…” Joshua began, but Kara cut him off, “He will be on time,” Anthony shook his head in amusement. Ethan really did loop everyone in. Joshua descended back with the elevator and left Anthony to begin his day. Kara and Anthony went through his day's schedule and canceled three appointments in favor of his son's meeting. **** Hours flew by quickly, and before he knew it, Kara was charging into his office urging me to get going. Anthony hastily rounded up his work and in no time, Joshua was driving them to Greenhill junior school. From the gate, Anthony could see that not many parents had arrived, and he couldn't be happier. At least Ethan would have nothing to complain about. Joshua navigated around the parking lot trying to get an easy pull-out spot. Ethan hurried gleefully towards them the moment he spotted the car. He bumped fists with Joshua, thanking him for getting his father around on time. He then proceeded to drag Anthony across the large playground and towards their classes. “I want you to meet Mr. Stark first,” he informed with pumped anticipation. The said teacher was his favorite and a mathematics guru, according to Ethan. “I hope he is worthy of the hype,” Anthony grumbled as Ethan skipped faster down the hallways leading to his class. “He is the best, pops.” The boy gushed with anticipation. “If…” Anthony had barely got a response out when Ethan exclaimed, “There he is.” Anthony raised his head and his eyes fell on a medium built and strangely beautiful man. Anthony grimaced at his train of thoughts. Since when did he regard another man as beautiful? As if on cue, the said man's eyes found Anthony's and their gaze locked and held. For a second, Anthony forgot about everything and everyone and just stared. And stared he did, without blinking. The man also seemed to be frozen on the spot, swallowing nervously. Anthony's eyes dropped to the man's lips. They were full, firm-looking and pink, standing out on his tanned face. The air between them thickened, and Anthony found himself wanting to caress that face. To have a feel of that skin. He hoped it was as soft as it looked. “Dad, this is Mr. Stark.” Ethan introduced, dragging his father's thoughts from whatever fantasy he was drowning in. Anthony gulped, clearing his throat awkwardly. “So nice to meet you, Mr. Stark,” he stretched his hand and the said Mr. Stark, took it for a handshake. Mr. Stark's breath hitched at the skin contact. He started in shock as the irresistible scent from the man assaulted his nostrils, confirming the undeniable. Unknown to father and son, Mr. Julian Stark was, indeed, a werewolf. And he had scented Anthony way before he appeared in his line of vision. He had followed the scent all the way from the office because he was scenting his mate. His other half. The one he has been waiting for since he turned eighteen, nine years ago. To say the werewolf was surprised would be an understatement. Not only was his mate a human with zero knowledge about the supernatural world, but he was also a man. And Julian can confidently say he doesn't swing that way. Schooling his features, Julian plastered a professional smile. “The pleasure is all mine, Mr. McCain.” And indeed it was a pleasure meeting his mate. “Ethan is one of my best students,” Ethan smiled discreetly. He knew Mr. Stark would sing his praises since he did so well in his class. That's when a thought hit Julian, his mate was a married man with a child. A stabbing physical pain arose in his chest at the bitter thought. His wolf howled in distress wanting to come out and take matters into their own hands. Julian struggled to stomach the hurt. “This way,” he gestured towards the classroom with a hoarse voice. Anthony didn't miss the slight tremor in Julian's voice. With calm civility, Anthony asked, “everything alright, Mr. Stark?” It took all the restraint in Julian's body not to grab his mate and pin him to the nearest wall and show him how not okay he was. “I will be with you in a minute,” he rasped, turning to Ethan, “show your father to my desk.” And then he hightailed out of there, like hounds of hell were after him. He needed a minute to gather his scattered emotions before facing his oblivious mate again.