HYBRID

CHAPTER 7

Tiffany and her friends were in her car and they were laughing loudly. "Hey Tiff, you really did that?! How did you do it?" Sharon asked.

"Do you really want to know? You'll be my accomplice then? Well.. its simple.. I just used my charm and brain a little bit." She said, smiling proudly.

She is the one who staged the whole fire. 'Let's see if she can come out injured or alive or maybe not,' Tiffany told herself, smiling evilly.

BEFORE THE FIRE INCIDENT

As Tyler and Eli entered the venue, a pair of eyes were looking at them with so much rage!.. It's Tiffany, who is so pissed right now, she feels like she wanted to dig her nails into Eli's heart and take them out so she would be gone for good.

If only that annoying wolf didn't show up at school yesterday. She would have succeeded in her plan. And doesn't need to come up with a new one.

Everyone was looking at those two like they were some kind of royalty. She hates Eli so much! She should be the one with Tyler right now!

And she also noticed that all the boys were staring at Eli! The way they look at her, as if she was some kind of a goddess! Tiffany used to be the queen!

The boys are always around her! 'But now what?! Because of this girl, I'm losing all the attention that was supposed to be mine!' She told herself.

During the whole party, she attempts so many times to get near to Tyler, but the latter always stands around Eli and never leaves her side. "Hey Tiff, are you seeing this? Look at those two, it looks like they have their own world," Sharon said, one of her friends.

Tiffany looked at Sharon wickedly and said, "Do you think I don't see that? Just wait and see how I will snatch Tyler from that girl!" she said, then smirked.

Tiffany stood up from her chair and walked towards Tyler and Eli's direction. She asked Tyler to dance with her, but to her surprise, he rejected her!

And what's worse is that he didn't even look at her! She feels so humiliated! "You'll pay for this, Eli! This is all your fault!" She mumbled, she was so mad!

After what Tyler did to Tiffany, the latter watched Eli's every move. So when she's finally alone, she follows her. She saw Eli go inside a powder room.

Then, "Excuse me, do you have a spare key for that door over there?" she asked the waiter. "It's open Ma' m," he said, "No it's not," she insisted. "Allow me to check," said the waiter.

Then she quickly grabbed his hand and leaned closer to him. "You know.. I really need to use that room. I checked it, it's locked. So can you please get the spare key for me?" then she gave him a peck on his cheek.

The waiter nodded and walked away while blushing. After getting the key, she checked the area and when it was confirmed that no one was around she locked the door from outside, and threw a lighter into the other room next to it.

After a few seconds she already saw smoke, then she left, waiting for the fire to spread. "Can you smell that?" one guest asked another, "Yeah, it's like something is burning." the other guests started noticing the smoke.

Then, after, someone shouted, "Fire! Fire!". It only took a second before the people panicked.Tiffany told her friends, " Let's go, I saw an exit there," she said calmly.

When they were already out, she turned around and watched the place being ravaged by the fire and smirked.

PRESENT TIME

Tyler is back at the party venue again. Once he arrived, he looked for Cherry. He wanted to check if she was alright. The officers in charge of the incident told him that most of the guests had left already, but some were still at the club house getting some treatment.

He rushed to the place, to see if Cherry might still be there. Luckily, Cherry saw him, "Tyler! Where is Eli? I can't find her anywhere!" she asked, looking so worried.

"Don't worry about her, she's at the hospital and she's fine now." he said, "Hospital? Did she get injured?", "No she's not, but she was trapped in a room. So she had some trouble breathing earlier, but she's fine now." Tyler explained to her.

"I'm sorry, because of me..." Cherry started crying, " No, don't blame yourself, it's an accident." He pat Cherry's back trying to console her. "Do you have any news about how the fire started?" Tyler asked, "No, not yet they're still investigating. " she said while sobbing.

After Cherry calmed down, Tyler went back to the police officers hoping that they already had the lead on the incident.

"Officer, may I ask how the fire started?", asked Tyler.

"According to the investigation, the fire started from a lighter that was left open in the room beside the restroom on the left wing of this building.

So at the moment, we can't say if this is intentional or just a pure accident. We are still waiting for the CCTV footage report." The officer explained. 'Left wing building? That's the place where Eli was!' Tyler told himself.

On the other hand, Tyler wanted to do his own investigation, so he called Sam, "How is she?" he asked, talking about Eli. "Still asleep Sir," "Sam, I need a report from the fire incident, I want to know if someone intentionally left Eli there," he said.

"Why would you think that?" Sam asked him, "The door where Eli was trapped is locked." Tyler said, trying to be calm. "Alright, I'll work on it," he said. He was hoping that this was just an accident, because if not, he didn't know what he would do to that person.

Tyler is back in the hospital, he's now beside Eli's bed. Watching her sleep, when suddenly Eli moved and opened her eyes. Eli kept turning her head, as if looking for something, so Tyler asked. "Eli, is something the matter?"

"Tyler? Is that you?", she asked, "Yes it's me, what's wrong tell me?" he said, "I can't.. see anything! Tyler I can't see!" Eli said, while breathing heavily.

Tyler was shocked to hear that, but then he quickly called a doctor to attend to Eli. After a few tests and questions, Eli became calm already.

So the doctor started explaining her condition. "You are experiencing a decreased vision because of so much exposure to the smoke.

It is the irritation of the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane that covers the front of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids, that causes blurriness.''

''But you don't have to worry, this is just temporary. It can be treated, your visions will be restored and you'll be able to see again after some treatment." he continued.

Tyler was relieved to hear that and thanked the doctor and went back to Eli. "You heard him, right? You'll be fine," he said, holding her hands. Eli nodded and asked, "What happened to the party? How's Cherry?"

"She's alright, she had some bruises but she's fine with no major injuries. She went home after getting treated, and as for the incident, the investigation is still going on." Tyler answered, then he asked afterwards.

"Tell me, what happened back there? Why is the door locked?" Tyler asked her. "I'm not sure, I was still inside when I heard a clicking sound. I didn't know it was from the lock." She explained,

"So someone did it from outside.?" Tyler asked, "Maybe they thought no one was there. That's why they locked it," she said. "They locked it, without even checking if someone was inside?" Tyler asked a suspicious question,

"What do you mean? Someone intentionally locked me up?" she asked, confused. "We'll find out,". Tyler sounds determined. Eli was still thinking about what Tyler said.

What if it's true, who would have the motive to do that to her? Then she thought of Tiffany.. but it's not good to accuse someone. Especially if there's no proof.

Tyler came back with a tray of food in his hand for Eli. He took the bed tray, placed it in front of her and started feeding her. "Thank you", she said after swallowing her first bite.

"You're welcome, anything for you." Tyler said, looking at her lovingly, even though Eli couldn't see him.

After having her lunch, Tyler took Eli outside to breathe some fresh air. He guided her towards the hospital's garden.

"Hmmm...that smells good, it's sweet. " she said, "Right? That's why I brought you here. These flowers will definitely give you the sweetest yet refreshing aroma that will make you relax." said Tyler proudly.

"No, I'm talking about the coffee, not the flowers.. sorry." Eli said, smiling, " Coffee?" Tyler mumbled. He looked in the direction where he saw one of the patients was having a latte, but he was at least 300 feet away from them!

He looked at Eli, he couldn't believe it. How can she... smell that far?! Is she also?.. Tyler stopped his thoughts and focused on Eli. He had better ask the doctor about her blood sample instead of just guessing.

Tyler took Eli back to her room. Good thing it's the weekend. She still has time to rest. Since she wanted to go to school despite her situation. He assigns body guards to the room to watch over for Eli, though it is safe since the security there is really tight.

When he was a child he didn't know why they only came to this hospital, but after his identity revelation, he found out that it's a hospital only for werewolves.

He is about to reach the lab where Eli's blood is being examined. When a call came, ''Hello, Sam? you've got some news for me?'' he asked.

"It's not confirmed, but I obtained the CCTV footage that the police weren't able to get, I thought you might want to have a look?'' Sam said, "Send it to my email, I'll look into it'' Tyler said.

Inside the lab.. Tyler was sitting in a chair still shocked about the truth that he had just found out. "According to the tests, she both had the genes of a vampire and a werewolf, which makes her... a HYBRID.. a powerful creature. But, also unfortunate.'' the doctor explained.

''Unfortunate? Why?'' Tyler asked. "I'm sorry sir, but it's better if you should be the one who did the research about her. I don't think I have the right to say it, since I've never seen one.'' he explained. Tyler didn't force the doctor and let him leave.

He went straight back to Eli's room, while still trying to absorb all the information. He looked at her, thinking if she had any clue about her true identity, since she just acts like any other human. "Tyler, you here?'' he heard her say,

''Yes'', he responded ''Is everything alright? I feel like you have something to say.'' she asked. ''I.. just want to know your parents' phone number, so I can inform them that you are here.'' he said, trying to make some excuses for staring at her.

''My parents... '' she stopped talking for a few moments and said, ''I haven't seen them for ten years now.'' she continued, with a cracked voice, then tears started flowing from her eyes, she wiped them and said. ''Sorry.. I just missed them so much''.

Tyler immediately hugged her, stroking her back, he just let her cry. After a couple of minutes, Eli stopped crying, so Tyler said to her, ''I'm sorry I shouldn't have asked,'' holding Eli's hand tightly. ''It's alright, I'm just so emotional these days.''

He didn't want to push it, but he just wanted to know if Eli was aware of her bloodline. So he asked, "Can you tell me what happened? Only if you're comfortable." There was a moment of long silence..

Tyler didn't say anything, he just waited for Eli to talk, then the latter said, "There was a group of men chasing after us, Me, my mom and my dad. We were able to escape, but my parents decided to leave me in an orphanage.'' she paused.

They told me they would come back for me, but after all these years, they never showed up, even once." her eyes became teary again.

Tyler continued to ask, "You said you were being chased, why?" "Even I don't know, I didn't ask... my parents told me I'd be safe in the orphanage.'' she paused.

''That's why I agreed to stay there. Even though I didn't understand what was happening that time, I trusted my parents so much, and also that time I thought, if I was safe, they would also be safe from whomever was chasing us."

After asking for more information about her parents, and how they were when they were still together, Tyler knew Eli was not aware of anything. So these changes that are happening are also new to her.

So he decided he would also teach her how to improve all her abilities. Though he's not a master himself, he will ask Sam to make arrangements for her training. But he also needs to research more about her being a hybrid, since the doctor kept him hanging.

***

Meanwhile, in the dungeon where Mila is being captive. "Just be patient.. I'll take you out of here." the guy said, talking to her through a mind-link

"And do you think you can do that? Can't you see how tight my security is?" she said, feeling hopeless. She was still recovering from the wound she got. It's not easy for her strength to regain, since she is not getting a proper meal.

That was one of her punishments, so she is just waiting for the trial to be over. Though she still wants to escape, she has no idea how she will do that. Because waiting for the trial means waiting for her death.

She got furious, thinking that this was all happening because of that person. "Make sure to plan this whole thing smoothly," she said. "I will, you just focus on getting your strength back." Then the guy left.

In the library room of the Golden Pack, Nate was blankly staring out the window when the Chief came in. "What are you thinking?" his father asked, looking at his son's serious face. He was sure it was about Eli.

"Nothing dad, just.. weighing what is right from wrong." Nate said, looking exhausted, then let out a sigh. It had only been a day since she talked to Eli on the phone but she missed her already.

"Why don't you go out and see her if you missed her that badly?" His father looked at him smiling. "It's not that easy dad, you know I can't still manage to control my emotions, I might shift anytime. And worse, I might shift in front of her." Nate explained.

"You know, son, I'm not against YOU loving her, BUT when the day comes that she finds her mate, you should let her go." His father said, looking at his son with so much concern.

Nate knew that, he even knew who Eli's mate is, but he just wanted to give it a shot. Miracles happen, Eli might still choose him in the end.

The Golden Pack held a meeting over Mila's trial. Only a few were opposed to sentencing her to be evicted from the pack, mainly her close friends.

But most of the Elders agreed, "Just because of that girl, who does not even belong to our pack. She has to face the life of being a rogue?!" It was Mila's uncle, who was very angry at the moment.

"She is not JUST a girl, Alfred, and you know that!" David said. He's the Chief's younger brother. Nate wanted to talk but his father stopped him.

"Alfred, we have rules that we need to follow, and your niece Mila, she broke the law." the Chief told him in a calm voice. Alfred can't talk back, since it's the Alpha.

The meeting ended, but Mila's case is still not finalized. Because her relatives keep on objecting. Nate receives a call from Cherry saying that Eli is in a hospital.

He got so nervous thinking what could possibly happen to her. She asked Cherry in which hospital Eli was in, but she said Tyler didn't give her the details.

He wanted to see Eli now right at that moment, but he was also afraid that he might be unable to control himself and transform in front of her.

But also, thinking that Eli was with that guy, Nate couldn't suppress his emotions. He shifted and ran into the woods raging with anger.

When he came back, his father told him that they had already found where Eli was. So his father asked him, "Are you ready to see her?" "Can you send Adam and Chris with me? Just in case." Nate said. "Go ahead, bring them with you."

Nate, Chris and Adam arrive at the hospital. They asked the lady for information about Eli's room, and she showed them the way. Outside Eli's room, where two bodyguards were assigned by Tyler, the three of them were blocked from entering.

"Eli is my friend, and I needed to see her," Nate said. "We're just following orders," the guy said. Chris saw Nate was starting to lose it again, so he gave him a tap on his shoulder and said,

"Alright boys, we want to talk to the person in charge," then they heard Eli talk, "You can let him in," she said a little bit louder. "I'm sorry Miss, but I'm afraid we can't, we have orders," the guy said to Eli, still with the doors closed.

Nate couldn't stay still, and was about to punch the guards, but Chris and Adam held onto him. When suddenly Tyler came out from another room, "Let him in, just him.." he said. Because he's not comfortable seeing Eli surrounded by other guys.

Nate is a little bit fine, since he's her best friend, just.. a little bit. "Nate!" Eli said, smiling, "Yeah it's me." Then Nate rushed to her and hugged her tight. Tyler looked away, he didn't want to see Eli being intimate with him.

"What's wrong with your eyes? Why aren't you looking at me?" Nate asked. ''She has a decreased vision," said Tyler, "And what's that supposed to mean?" asked Nate, scowling at him.

"It means she won't be able to see temporarily," Tyler continued. "What?!" he exclaimed.

"I found her," the man said talking on the phone. "Alright, send me the location," said the guy on the other line.