Aaron Hotchner wasn't paying attention, as he hurriedly slammed open the door of the office building where he had been meeting the Board of Directors. He owned a large company, but right now he didn't care about that, as all his thoughts were about getting home. He let out a sigh of frustration, as soon as he was outside. He really detested board meetings and with good reason in his opinion. While he let the Board of Directors run things on a day-to-day basis, he still kept his eye on them. He knew very well how greedy some humans in general could be and how to many powerful men could begin to feel entitled to some of the money that was supposed to go elsewhere and start skimming off some profits, from various projects. Aaron expected honesty, integrity in anybody that worked for him and that especially included those in high positions. The Board of Directors were the highest hierarchy except for himself, which was why he kept a close eye on them to make sure they didn't stray.

All the board members could do was argue with him today. He wasn't sure if it was because the full moon that was really close that he had no patience or if he was just in a bad mood. Of course, Aaron knew the fault wasn't entirely with him but his Board of Directors. They were lucky that he hadn't gone postal on them, because today his temper was extremely short.

He would think they would know better than to argue with him near the full moon but they never seemed to learn. Those that had been with him for years knew how short his temper was three or four days before. They didn't know why his temper was so short around then of course, as they were completely human and not part wolf and part human. To the humans, creatures such as him did not exist. No more meetings near the full moon, he decided, as he had been close to changing in front of them and at least using his claws to to leave deep scratches in the wood of the conference room table. Really, he had wanted to rip their intestines out to their ears. He had nearly allowed his thoughts to become reality and leave those scratches in the the conference room table. Bad idea, Aaron thought warily shaking his head.

Really, he wasn't entirely sure why his temper had been shorter than normal lately. Normally, he had more patience, even near the full moon.

He had everything a man could want more wealth then he would've ever dreamed was possible back in the time he had grown up in, possessions, immortality so long as he wasn't killed and as many women as he wanted. What else could a man possibly want? He never got sick, which was something most people could not say. What else was there really?

Aaron didn't want to admit it but he was lonely. He wanted a companion, someone he could come home to, someone he could have children with, someone that shared his immortality. He'd had mate a very long time ago, centuries actually and he still missed her every day. Unfortunately, she had been killed...murdered.

One of the men who had been obsessed with her had murdered her out of jealousy right after they had married. He had caught her alone when he had been elsewhere. They had only been married about a year. He had tortured him and afterwards killed that man in revenge. He was a shapeshifter, though some people called them werewolves instead just because they didn't know the difference.

Aaron sighed letting out a lot of his frustration as he walked briskly to where he had parked his car.

Aaron looked up as he bumped into someone. He had been so distracted that he hadn't smelled, seen or heard her coming.

"Excuse me," said the gorgeous female immediately. "I'm sorry for bumping into you. I was distracted."

Alexi could immediately tell that the man she had bumped into was an alpha wolf, as his scent was very strong and just screamed alpha as did the way he walked. Alexi was well aware that Alphas could be very touchy and a lot of them were easily offended. There was something about his scent though, something she couldn't identify, something that was driving her crazy. She was very attracted to this handsome man with his dark soulful eyes. Alexi tried to clear her nose of the scent, even as she dipped her head slightly in deference to the stronger wolf showing him respect for his status.

"No, I'm sorry I was distracted as well and wasn't watching where I was going," Aaron offered with a half smile, accepting the slight head bow. "I'm Aaron Hotchner and you are?"

"I'm Alexandria Woodhall, but you can call me Alexi," Alexi answered with a smile relaxing now that she knew that the Alpha hadn't taken offense.

"It's nice meeting you Alexi. Perhaps you will consider going out to dinner with me?" Aaron offered having recognized his mate...well, her reincarnation anyway. The wolf within him perked up in interest. He was practically panting. It took all his willpower not just to attack her and have sex with her right in the parking lot. He had missed Adrianne so much and here she was even if her name was Alexi now.

It was rather obvious that Alexi, had no idea that she was his mate. He wasn't surprised because he doubted that his mate had regained any of her memories. She probably would now that they had met, but it would likely be a slow process, at least at first.

His Adrianne had finally come back to him and this time he wasn't about to let her be murdered. On the other hand, she should be basically immortal just like him and while this century had its dangers women knew how to protect themselves now. Most of them weren't totally innocent of the dangers and knew some form of martial arts or carried pepper spray or mace. Some even had a license for a low level stunner that would knock out someone, but not kill.

"Oh, there is no need for that I'm sure your girlfriend would be displeased if you took another woman out to eat, one that wasn't at least related to you. It was my fault entirely for bumping into you, so there's no need to treat me to dinner out. I just wasn't paying attention," Alexi demurred.

"This is a serious offer Alexi," Aaron told her with a slight firmness in his tone. "I'm not just doing it out of pity or to apologize. And no, I don't have a girlfriend and haven't in sometime."

"Well, okay then," Alexi said demurely, even while blushing madly her eyes focused downwards out of respect and she was glad of it at the moment as it would hide her blushing. She hoped. "It would be my pleasure Mr. Hotchner."

"You can call me Aaron, little one," Aaron said his tone gentle.

"Yes, Aaron, thank you." Alexi responded, eyes still downcast.

"Look at me Alexi," Aaron ordered. His tone however, was gentle and understanding.

Alexi did so slowly and looked up into the alpha's eyes for the first time. She was nearly afraid to do so, but all she saw was kindness and compassion once her eyes finally met his.

"You never have to be afraid of me Alexi, I promise you," Aaron told her in a gentle tone.

"Yes, Aaron," Alexi said quietly.

"I will never hurt you Alexi," Aaron told her his tone tender.

The wolf in Alexi relaxed, but was confused by the tender tone. What reason did this Aaron Hotchner, an Alpha, and likely leader of his own pack, have to be tender with her? They barely knew each other. A lot of alphas, at least the ones she had met were gruff and abrasive. They didn't do tenderness, compassion or kindness well, though she supposed it could be different with their own mates if they had them.

Still, a lot of alphas she had met ordered Omega's like her around like they were their personal servants, which was why she usually avoided them at all costs. If the alpha of a wolf pack was a good one he or she didn't allow any bullying on pack lands, but off pack lands it was a different story entirely.

There had been abusive alphas in the past at least from what she knew, which wasn't a lot, Alexi admitted. She was different from other werewolves that she could shift anytime and not just on the full moon, while most of the ones she had met could not. She wasn't sure why she was different, but it was one reason she wasn't part of the pack. She was afraid of them discovering her closely held secret. What she feared the most was some power mad Alpha trying to figure out how to get what she had if they found out. As far she knew you had to be born like her to be able to shift shape anytime you wanted other than the full moon. She had always feared that was something obvious was different about her when she was in her wolf form, which was one reason why she had never joined the pack in this area.

"I'll pick you up at your apartment or wherever you live," Aaron said.

"Okay," Alexi agreed.

The two exchanged phone numbers and Alexi gave Aaron her address.

"The place I'm taking you will be casual, so there's no need to get too dressed up," Aaron said.

"Good, because I really don't have that many fancy outfits and it's not like I have time to go shopping," Alexi blushed meeting and holding Aaron's gaze for the first time.

"I'll pick you up in a couple of hours," Aaron said.

"I'll be ready," Alexi promised.

"I'm looking forward to our dinner," Aaron said sincerely, with a slight smile that did something to Alexi's insides. Aaron turned away, but he heard her whisper, "So am I."

Aaron grinned from ear to ear, as soon as he was out of sight. His day had gone from totally wasted, since he had been stuck in that board meeting for most of the morning and half the afternoon, to brilliant all in the space of a few minutes.

~~~Aaron and Alexi~~~

Aaron had many preparations to make before dinner with his mate. He could hardly wait. His dear Adrianne had finally been reincarnated. It was about time! He had been alone for so long. It was clear though that Alexi had no memories of him, otherwise, she would not have reacted like she had. Aaron frowned a little, even as he made a reservation at a restaurant he was sure she would like. He seemed to remember her fondness for oysters and since they had lived near the ocean oysters had been readily available. He wasn't entirely sure that Alexi's tastes in food would be the same as Adrianne's, but there was no harm in testing the waters. Also, she should have a twin somewhere as single births when it came to shapeshifters or werewolves were uncommon, though it was possible. Actually, it was very possible that Alexi didn't have a twin or that he or she had died sometime during childhood, maybe even at birth. Adrianne had definitely had a very protective twin brother by the name of Adam. Both twins had shared the same general features, hair and eyes for example, but Adam had been much broader at the shoulders, though he shared his sister's slender shape from the waist down. Adam had also been taller by several inches, though that wasn't unusual back when they had met.

He would find out if she had a twin somewhere in the city, he was sure.

That was for later though. Right, now, he was eagerly anticipating his date, even though he had told Alexi that it was just dinner. He had no intention to stop seeing her and hopefully, she wouldn't protest too much thinking she was unworthy of him. She had been rather shy and tense at their first meeting, but he he also understood that some Alphas could be harsh to an omega and treated them like servants or worse, even those that didn't work for them. Basically, some alphas could treat someone like Alexi like a third class citizen, by bossing them around and issuing orders, some could even be physically abusive, even if that Omega was not attached to that Alpha. Being mated to him would protect her, from such incidents in the future.

Next Aaron called his favorite florist and ordered a dozen yellow roses to be delivered to her apartment tomorrow. Yellow roses meant friendship and while Aaron would love to order her some red ones that would probably be too much too soon.

All his preparations made Aaron rose and headed to his bedroom so he could get ready, as he knew that the night was going to be one to remember for the next few centuries. He had finally found his mate again and the wolf within him rejoiced.

He was looking forward to having some pups with her, but that was going to have to wait, until she trusted him completely and knew who he was. He and Adrianne had never had a chance to have any pups. In fact, she had been pregnant when she had been murdered and that had devastated him just as much as the death of his mate.

That wouldn't happen this time, Aaron swore. He brushed that thought away, but swore to protect his mate from whatever would harm her. He would slaughter anyone that dared to try and murder her. He couldn't wait to tell his brother about meeting his mate, but that could wait until he got to know Alexi better.

Aaron grabbed his keys and headed out to his car after having taken a quick shower and dressing in slacks and a nice collard shirt open at the neck. He couldn't be late to pick up his mate, as that would be a bad first impression. Besides, he was never late, especially if it was important and taking Alexi to dinner for the first time, which was definitely very important to him.

~~~Aaron and Alexi~~~

Aaron knocked on Alexi's apartment door precisely at seven and it was opened only a minute later. Aaron looked at Alexi appreciatively. He had always thought that his mate was beautiful, but tonight, she was gorgeous. He could smell that she had taken a shower just like he had before getting dressed and done her makeup and hair, as she smelled of shampoo and soap. Alexi was wearing a pair of nice slacks and a blouse. She had a light coat slung over her arm. She had done her hair to where it hung down her back with a pretty butterfly clip in it. She wore what looked like pearl earrings though they probably weren't real unless they had been a gift from her parents or a past boyfriend or possibly they could've been passed down by a member of her family that had passed.

"You're right on time," Alexi said smiling, looking much more relaxed then when they had met just a few hours ago.

"I'd never been late to take a beautiful woman to dinner," Aaron said with a smile of his own. "That wouldn't exactly make a very good first impression now, would it?"

Aaron's teasing smile caused Alexi to blush again. She also felt very hot suddenly as if she had a fever, but her kind rarely got sick or at least her and her sisters never had. She had never been so attracted to any man, much less an alpha wolf and it didn't help that he was a gorgeous specimen of a man. He had black hair, cut short with dark brown eyes and a chiseled jaw. He was also tall with broad shoulders and a perfect six pack. From what she could tell his legs were likely long and muscular, as he was definitely in shape. Alexi couldn't wait to see what Aaron looked like in his wolf form, but that was going to have to wait until they knew each other better.

For some reason she felt as if they had met before, almost like they had known each other intimately, but she would surely remember if they had. There was no way she would have been able to forget Aaron Hotchner if they had met in the past, as she was sure she would have had a lot of sexual dreams about him. The kind that made her awake up panting and in need of a shower, because she was covered in sweat her bodily fluids soaking the sheets.

"You look gorgeous," Aaron complimented his mate.

"Thank you," Alexi blushed prettily. "It was just something I threw on."

"Here, I brought you this," Aaron offered bringing a single lily from behind his back.

"Oh, thank you, Aaron, it's lovely," Alexi said. "How did you know that lilies are my favorite flower?"

"Lucky guess," Aaron suggested with a slight smirk. Lilies had been her favorite flower of his Adrianne and had been easy to obtain back when they had been together before, as there had been a meadow close by that had had plenty of them. There had been no flower shops back then, especially not in the small town they had grown up in.

Of course, Alexi wasn't aware that she was his former mate Adrianne, that had finally come back to him after many, many centuries.

"Well, it's perfect. Thank you for the lovely flower," Alexi said blushing at the alpha's heated regard. "I will go put it in a vase of water and then we can depart. You can wait in the living area if you like."

The living area was a decent size with a decent sized television and DVD player. There was a couch that looked comfortable in front of it and end tables on either side. There was also what looked like a comfortable recliner and a lamp that that sat on the floor on one end of the couch. There were several photographs on the wall as well as some cheap paintings. All in all, it was a nicely decorated space, though to large or one person, as Aaron saw several doors down a short hall and while one would be the bathroom the others would be bedrooms, so that probably meant that her sibling lived with her.

"We can go now," Alex said, coming back to where Aaron was standing looking around the room.

"Yes, we had better get going or we are going to be late for our reservation," Aaron said gently taking Alexi's arm and escorting her towards the door.

Alexi tried not to blush at Aaron's attention, as she just wasn't used to it. Aaron was so far very gentle and careful not to hurt her. She knew that a lot of Alphas could be rough and didn't watch their strength like they should, but Aaron seemed to be the exact opposite at least so far. She had a strong feeling that he was always nice, polite and gentle unless the situation called for him to be otherwise.

She didn't know how she was so sure of that, as she had just met him, but she knew it as well as she knew her name.

"Here we go my lady," Aaron said opening the car door for her like a gentleman.

"Thank you Aaron," Alexi said, as she slid inside. "By the way, thank you for the yellow roses. They are lovely."

"Yes, I saw them on the kitchen counter," Aaron said. "I'm glad you liked them so much."

"I've never had any man give me flowers," Alexi said blushing at that admission.

"You're quite welcome little one," Aaron said in that same tender tone before he closed the door gently.

Alexa wondered why Aaron called her that, as that was at least the third time. It seemed like an unusual choice for a pet name. Still, she had to admit she rather liked it. For some reason, it made her feel all warm inside.

Aaron started the car once he was in the driver's seat and they headed to the restaurant he had made a reservation at chatting all the way about general subjects.

~~~Aaron and Alexi~~~