Fate Of A Hybrid

Chapter 4

"So, I wonder why I haven't seen or heard about you before," I said, trying to steady my voice even as it betrayed a faint quiver.

His chuckle was soft but rich, almost teasing. "Is it possible to know everyone living their day-to-day lives in Arrow Brooke, young explorer?"

I blinked in surprise. Young explorer? Was that meant to be a joke? The air between us already felt charged and awkward—or was it just me feeling that way?

"You haven't answered my question," I pressed, though the pout forming on my lips made me sound less like a stern interrogator and more like a child denied a candy. Even I was startled by the unexpected shift in my demeanor. What is happening to me? Am I possessed or something?

Clearing his throat, he straightened slightly, the corners of his mouth tugging into a faint, almost apologetic smile. "Apologies for my manners. My friends and I just moved to Arrow Brooke Town, so we’re still unfamiliar with the people and the lay of the land."

His answer carried a charm that reminded me of the gentlemen from fairy tales, though I’d long since dismissed such characters as fictional nonsense. I wouldn't believe people really were like that.

"Oh, I see. That explains why I’ve never heard of you," I replied, turning on my heel and heading back into the pub. I needed to get away from him—away from this tension, this unsettling pull I couldn’t understand.

"How come you feel you know everyone in this town?" he called after me, his voice tinged with curiosity and amusement.

I paused mid-step, glancing back over my shoulder to meet his gaze. "Because... I’m Amoura."

The words left my lips with a composure I didn’t realize I’d regained. Without waiting for his reaction, I walked into the pub, shutting him and the strange interaction behind me.

Returning to my station, I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. My mind was a mess, and my emotions were worse. Since I couldn’t enjoy a smoke in peace, perhaps throwing myself into work would help sort out the chaos in my head.

"I need three bottles of your best wine," a voice requested.

Something about the tone was familiar, tugging at the edges of my memory. Looking up, my gaze landed on the man from outside—the one who’d sent the panther shifters running with a single word.

"Oh, it’s you," I said, startled. The words escaped before I could filter them.

"Sorry, I forgot to thank you for your help with those morons earlier," I added, feeling a faint wave of embarrassment.

He chuckled, the sound warm yet bemused. "What help? I didn’t even lift a finger."

There it was again—that laugh, at odds with his stoic, sharp features. It was disarming.

"Don’t mind my manners," he said after a moment. "You told me your name earlier, and I never gave you mine. I’m Stanley."

Stanley’s gaze was steady as he continued, his tone casual yet probing. "Still, it’s not every day you see such a mix of people gathered in one place. This town has an unusual... charm."

His words made me frown slightly. "What’s it to you?"

For a moment, he studied me, his amber eyes searching. Then, with a faint shrug, he replied, "Let’s just say I’m curious. Getting to know the town and its people is part of settling in, right?"

His explanation was plausible enough to ease my wariness. My expression softened as I responded, "Welcome to Arrow Brooke, then. It’s a lively place, especially here at the pub. People come for drinks, gossip, and trouble—sometimes all three. I hope you enjoy your stay."

"Take it easy," he said gently, his tone firm yet unthreatening. "I’m not prying into anything serious. Just passing curiosity."

With a small nod, I mustered a polite smile. "Well, welcome again. Now, what can I get you?"

Wanting to shake him off as soon as possible so I could return back to work, I definitely wouldn't be able to do anything meaningful if this "Stanley" kept staring at me.

Thank goodness he didn't really bother me so much, he requested for some drinks and I had his request taken over to his table by one of our staffs.

Arrow Brooke was no place for trust. Betrayal and survival were the town's currency, and everyone played the game—packs, loners, and even families. Trusting anyone here was a fool’s gamble, and I’d learned that lesson long ago.

Even the Black Stone Pack, the town's most powerful pack, rarely involved themselves in the chaos. They only intervened if their rations were threatened, or they were directly attached. Otherwise, they let the town's darker tendencies run unchecked.

It was a town ruled by one law: the survival of the fittest.

As I watched his solid back inching further away towards his table, with the staff I hooked with him, I recalled the earlier experience of me standing behind that firm back like a shield.

I felt an odd, prickling unease. My skin tingled as though warning me of something unseen. Rubbing my arms, I tried to dismiss it and refocus on my tasks.

But I didn't know whether I developed a seventh sense or my mind was just toying with me, I felt like I was being stared at.

But the feeling wouldn’t fade.

Unable to resist, I glanced up—and immediately regretted it. Stanley was staring at me again.

His amber eyes held mine for a heartbeat too long, and heat rushed to my face. I quickly dropped my gaze, pretending to adjust something behind the counter. Only then did I notice the people seated with him.

Recognition struck me like a blow.

Fury flared in my chest, hot and uncontainable. My fists clenched so tightly my nails bit into my palms, threatening to draw blood.

I knew who they were.