A Simply Unlikable Mate

Ethel Haynes did not ever think she would move to a city surrounded by forests. She had always hated the woods. They were full of dangerous creatures and killers. She never went camping because she was afraid of bugs and nobody could convince her otherwise. When her friend June convinced her to move out to Midrand City in Oregon she was doubtful but after crunching the potential economic growth of her business in Midrand she said yes. All she had to do was avoid the woods and any strange looking men. Besides, she was going to live in the city so what could she possibly be doing in the woods. That's how she found herself renting a building online and moving all her equipment in without meeting the realtor. "I must be the most unlucky or stupid woman on earth. Look at this June, what are we going to do?" Ethel anxiously asked her friend. One hour ago, a man had shown up claiming to be the owner of the building Ethel and June had rented. He had no contract or knowledge of their presence in his building or so he claimed. The realtor Mr.Julian Sharpe had vanished into thin air and none of them could reach him on phone. Ethel knew she been scammed and all her life savings were gone. She had around ten thousand dollars left to her name, no home and no business. The owner of the building gave her one week to move her equipment out. "I shouldn't have come to this place June." She said. " I am always unlucky when I go near the woods." "Really Eth, that's your response to our situation. " "I have lost my money too you know." "I know June. You have a house in this city with your husband at least. I on the other hand have nowhere to go." "You can always move in with us. Justin won't mind and Mia is away at boarding school. " "Only until I figure out what to do. Right now I think I need a drink. something really strong because my future is officially over." Ethel stood up and looked at June. "There is a bar at the LeMidrand Hotel. We can head over there if you want." June said. "Lead the way." Ethel said and followed June. Moving slowly and sighing every five minutes. The LeMidrand Hotel was one of the most exquisite hotels in the world. They have over 40 branches in almost every city of the world. The entrance to the hotel almost looked like a runway for a fashion show. It was clean and spotless. Ethel had certainly never slept in a hotel like this. She saved up most of her salary when she started working to buy a house. After buying a house she saved up to start her own business. She drove a modest car and did not eat at expensive hotels or restaurants. She avoided expensive vacations and lived a smart but frugal life. Quite honestly, Ethel Haynes was boring. She didn't dress to draw attention to her looks which was sad because she was a very pretty woman. She had black hair and green eyes which reminded her of the trees in the woods she hated so much. Like today for example she was wearing a slightly big light blue suit. The skirt could have been of knee length but she chose one that moved beyond her ankles. It's only saving grace was the little slit at the back and the heels she wore to appear as a responsible business owner. "Don't just stand there June called to her. Let's go in." "Sorry, she apologised. " You know I don't often go to hotels like this. Everything is expensive. I am sure a glass of wine her costs one hundred dollars." "Can we go in before you judge." June replied while rolling her eyes. "The problem with being an independent woman is that you must count every coin that comes out of your purse. You should let a man pay for you when it comes to some things Eth." "Is this about me always insisting on paying for dinner when I go on dates?" "Yes it is Eth. You always want to be in charge of everything including your relationships." "Oh come on June, I am just trying to look out for myself. " "No Eth. For crying out loud you made a s*x schedule for your last boyfriend. If he missed the timing even by one minute you refused to sleep with him. It didn't matter what excuses he made you never budged. You refuse to be spontaneous you have never had s*x anywhere where there wasn't a bed. it's ridiculous. " Someone laughed right behind them. It was a man's voice. They both turned around to look at the man who had overheard their conversation. Ethel noticed him first. He was tall and definitely drop dead gorgeous. He had a smile that could charm the devil. For the first time in her life Ethel felt a fluttering in her tummy. But she also didn't forget the fact that he had just laughed at her. Her face turned red and she pointed at him saying "It's rude to listen to other people's private conversations. " "Well it's not private if you have it right in the lobby of a public hotel. Anybody could have overheard you." "I don't care." Ethel replied. " You should have said something the moment you stepped behind us." "Is there a law that says I must inform anyone about my arrival in a public place?" he asked with an arrogant smirk on his face. Clearly he could see her anger and he was enjoying it. "I would love to look at that schedule." he said and walked to the elevator while continuing to laugh. I would love to wipe that smug look off of his his face Ethel thought to herself. "What a jerk." She said out loud. She looked at June. Her friend had not said anything ever since the man came by. In fact she looked fluttered. It was almost like she knew him. "Earth to June." Ethel called. "Do you know that rude asshole?" She asked. "Forget all that. Let's just head to the bar and grab some drinks while we think of what to do next. " Two glasses of wine and Ethel was mostly intoxicated. She was one of those girls who couldn't drink. A light weight is what most of her friends back home referred to her as. "I should have kissed that jerk in the lobby." she said "Did you see his lips. And his arms. He was wearing a suit but I could see the shape of his arms. I bet he could lift me like a drum bell in the gym." "Shut up Ethel. People can hear us you know." June laughed "I don't care, I just lost everythingI own and the police can't help.What I need is a way to make a lot of money real fast. And some good s*x. s*x calms my nerves faster than anything. You saw him too, he could definitely calm my nerves." "Oh really,"June said. "He is right behind us again. Over there with his friend. I bet he just heard everything you said." "What!" Ethel jumped up and crouched under the table. "Quick let's hide before he laughs at me again. " "He is not here Eth I am joking. But I have been recording this on my phone and you will regret this after you sober up. " June convinced to laugh. "You suck and I am heading to the bathroom." Ethel got up and moved as confidently as she could knowing her bestfriend was still laughing at her expense. Even the bathrooms in this place scream money Ethel said to herself. Look at all this marbling and the super shiny white tiles. I could sleep in here and wake up happy. Her thoughts went back to the man she had met in the lobby. "Stop it Ethel. " She said to herself and moved to the sink to freshen up. On her way out of the bathroom she saw the man from the lobby. "Oh, it's the handsome jerk." She said. He was talking to someone and it looked like the conversation was not a happy one. Ethel didn't know what possessed her but she went over there to eavesdrop. Maybe a part of her thought she was getting revenge for what he had done to her or perhaps she wanted another look at his face. He was really good looking. She had not met many men that oozed s*x appeal like he did. The things he could do to her. Ethel smiled and moved closer. "They have brought another one Alpha. what should I tell them?" the man asked the handsome jerk. "Tell them I am busy. I will find a wife on my own. Tell them in fact that I already have one picked." " Yes Alpha." the man said and walked away. He sniffed the air and said in a soft voice " Come out, come out. I can smell you little miss schedule. " Ethel wanted to stay hidden but blurted out "don't call me that." shocking herself, she put her palm over her mouth. He laughed, took 3 steps and pulled her out from behind the tall plant where she was hiding into his arms. "Well well well, what do we have ourselves here. A drunk scared little bunny." "I am not a bunny." Ethel replied while struggling to get herself out of his arms. It took her a while to realise just how close he was holding her. She looked up at his face again and remembered the nasty little thoughts she had about him while in the bathroom. She felt a little heat pool in between her legs. Her face turned red and she blushed out of embarrassment. He sniffed around her again and said "I can smell your arousal little bunny. Do you know that wolves like to eat bunnies." he chuckled. " Perhaps we should find time and have you fix me into your little schedule. I promise, after I am done with you. You won't want schedule's anymore." All he did was talk but Ethel's legs were shaking. She was excited and scared. No man had ever held her like this and said such words to her. He was in control and she wanted him to be. The rational part of her brain was still active however. Come to your senses Ethel. He is a stranger and you don't know him. "Ethellllll." a voice called out. He let go of her but slipped a card into her hands. " think about it." he said. "My name is Adriel. Don't forget. He walked away. Ethel moved next to the wall and leaned against it. Her legs were shaking. She looked at his card, crumpled it and shoved it into her purse. " Does he think I am that easy to get?" She walked to the bathroom to look for June who was still calling her name . "I am here She said." "where have you been June asked. I have been looking for you for over thirty minutes. Who goes to the bathroom for thirty minutes to freshen up. I thought you had drowned in here." "June you are shouting. Speak softly as we slowly move towards the table because I am still tipsy." "Yeah well next time don't drink because as we both know, you can't actually drink." "I am having a bad day June. I lost my savings, I have no home and I keep thinking about that arrogant jerk. Can we just get back to your place. I am tired and I need to sleep for a bit. " "Come on sweetie, don't worry everything is going to be alright. We will find a way out of this mess."June supported her and they left the hotel. She called for a taxi and gave the driver her address. Ethel's eyes were already closed. "You must have been really tired." As June said this she cuddled Ethel's head and sniffed her hair. She sat up quickly and checked the parts of Jules body that she could access. "Why does she smell like him?" she asked herself.