C13 The hybrid is your son

LAURA

Is it the tension, or did the heat just get turned up in the room? I feel stuffy and hot. I panic and push him away, aiming for the door. He holds my hand, turning me towards him, and wraps his right hand around my waist.

"Not so fast, gorgeous. It's not nice to take things that aren't yours. You give them back."

I can feel the warmth of his breath fanning against my skin. I shake, arching my back inwardly. He pats me slightly on my back, pressing down my shoulders into the normal position and fiddles around with the leather on my back.

"I like your taste. Too boyish if you ask me. You look good with them, but you'd look better without them."

The door opens ajar, and I see a striking resemblance for the umpteenth time between Goofy and his twin. The difference is hard to detect, but on close inspection, they talk and walk differently.

"I'm sorry, am I interrupting something? I came for Callie, but she's not in. Besides, what's with this position between you guys? Didn't William just make it public that you both are dating? And you, Arthur, come on out. We need to talk."

I watch Asher walk out, and I feel Goofy release his grip on my back.

"I'd be back, gorgeous, but try hard not to do anything lame. You are famous now. Don't go around soiling William's name, okay? Act posh until I get back."

He assesses me from head to toe.

"Forget posh. We have a lot to do. Just stay indoors until I'm back."

I watch him strut out of the room. Finally, someone has a grip on him. I zone out, thinking of the earlier events. I flush pink and touch my cheeks to feel they both seem warm.

"Am I burning up, or am I blushing?"

"Nope, girl. You are in love."

I look around the room. I swear I heard someone talk in Arthur's voice, but it's not possible. I walk to my bed, sitting obediently like a trained dog. I smile inwardly. The fact that I'm able to fool everyone makes me proud, but I feel empty. The urge isn't there. I can sense them as mystical beings, but the urge to kill them in sight seems missing.

"Why do I feel empty within? It's probably because I'm far from home. It can't be! I crash into the bed,

feeling totally screwed. I need to play along with the enemy for what exactly? Why do I have to obey Kaitlin? She might be higher in rank, but that wench is rude as fuck."

I walk to Callie's bed, taking a look at myself in the mirror, wondering where she got it in the first place.

"Do I look shabby?"

I check myself from the strands of my hair to my sneakers. I look good as a bit, totally hiding the girly part of me. Dressing like a guy has always been part of me. Unlike Snow, I smile recalling her dragon tattoo and her smooth skin, her blonde face, her beautiful long silky legs.

"What the fuck has gotten into me? Do I find Snow attractive? I can't. She saved my life, and she's way out of my league."

ASHER

I gaze at him intensely, knowing well he's up to no good.

"Whatever trick you are trying to pull, it won't work. Remember, I know you and William are lovers."

"I'm sorry. We were lovers. Always note the 'were.' It's in the past."

"You think I'm that dumb?"

"She's his mate, Asher. Stop playing detective and let go of me."

I stand looking dumbfounded for a while. There's no way.

"Why didn't the mate bond activate earlier before now?"

"I don't know the answer to that, but the moon goddess probably does."

"You mean William found his mate, and his mate is that thing?"

"What thing? She's human, so what?"

"You think that's what we have to worry about? I have new things to do now, but I'd be watching. One mistake, and it all goes off."

He places a wide smirk on his face.

"Did you say she's his mate? Invite her over for the moonlight festival. I'll tell Mum it'll be cool."

I watch his smirk change gradually to a horror-filled look, feeling achieved. I walk away from him. Who does he think he's kidding? Laura being William's mate isn't ever going to happen.

FLASHBACK

"Hello, I'm Asher, and I need your help."

She looks at me, confused for a while.

"How may I help you, Asher?"

I walk towards her, taking slow menacing steps.

"You see, Laura, I've known since you set foot into town that you aren't just an ordinary girl."

"What do you mean by that?"

I watch her quiver in fear.

"Stop acting innocent. It doesn't work with me. I came over to welcome you, not harm you, little hunter."

She takes two long steps away from me, shakily she asks.

"You know what I am, how?"

"Don't be scared, honey. You can't harm me even if you try. Let's say I have my sources. Like I said, I won't harm you if you don't harm my family."

"Why would I care about your family? Besides, I also don't feel comfortable killing. It happens. I can't control the urges."

"That has been taken care of. Don't go around trying something dumb like you did with Edna. It's my first and last warning. If be off, but trust me, I have eyes on you everywhere. One wrong move, and I'll snap your neck off your head. You seem to be really weak. It'd be the easiest way to end your life. Tell your mum I loved the coffee."

I shrug at the memory of my encounter with Laura.

"Who are those two fooling, themselves? And why is Laura acting cool, knowing well I can unveil her secret as a hunter? She must have something rolled up her sleeves.

"Are you sure you want to give up the alpha position? It suits you better than your brother."

I turn around, pulling her in for a hug.

"Does it? And how did you find me here?"

"I'm your mate, Arthur. I could sense you from the garden through the bond. You seemed to be bothered, and I'm sure it's the pack's safety."

I release my grip on her waist, nodding slowly.

"He doesn't deserve it, Arthur. You think if the pack always and have its safety come first and finally you get noticed by the moon goddess, she blessed you with the alpha position."

I watch, listening to her carefully.

"It's his birthright, Callie. If our parents strip him of his pride, I should be there for him. What kind of brother would I be if I don't riot for him?"

"It's your call. I'd be by your side no matter what happens."

She pulls me closer, placing a kiss on my gentle, soft, and plump lips, almost gasping out of breath.

"I'll be back soon. Meet you by the bus."

I watch her walk gracefully out of sight, still bothered by Laura. I sigh even louder. What could probably be in that tiny head of hers?

VINCENT

I tap the desk before me slowly. I have more tedious works to do than to sit around with her.

"You asked to meet up, and here I am, so speak up."

"There might be a breach soon."

I crease my eyebrows in confusion.

"Did you just say a breach?"

"Yes, I'm sure you know what I mean by that. Let's get to the point, shall we? Since you are alpha, you prepare for the worst. I'll try to handle things from my side, but the bond is breaking from the internal affairs."

"You lead the clan. Control it. We didn't agree on a breach of any kind while forming the alliance."

"Like I said, I'll try to handle things from my clan, but it's hard to handle things. The potion is wearing off."

I stand up, banging my fists on the desk, the alpha aura emitting from me.

"Get some more or mix up more. I didn't form an alliance with you to tell me this crap someday."

"Vincent, you seem to have forgotten how we got the potion. We killed to get it, and as much as I'd love to reel in the pleasure once more, it's hard finding a hybrid."

I swallow hard, diverting my eyes away from hers.

"Rumors have been spreading that you might have the source of a hybrid. Rumors have it that you have one in captivity."

I glare at her, hiding my fear.

"What do you mean by that? If anyone should be a suspect, it should be you. All of a sudden, the potion wears off? And I have a hybrid in captivity. Are you sure you want the hybrid for the potion or something else?"

She gives me an awfully cold smile.

"I could want it for more than just a potion, but what does it matter to you? The options dampen our powers. It awakens our hunters and dampens their powers, so to you, it shouldn't matter. But you should be a little worried. I heard the hybrid is your son, ARTHUR."