Hybrid Book One: Becoming

Home Sweet Home

        This place was a maze and I was so grateful that I wasn't alone trying to navigate through it. It was a castle, I had realized, and I couldn't help but wonder where a castle could possibly be in Texas.

    "We are in Texas aren't we?" I asked August. I still wasn't ready to call him father, I still wasn't completely convinced he was telling the truth. 

    "Yes, we are. Owen said he had mentioned that to you before the wolfsbane sedative took effect." He answered as he gracefully walked down the hallway slightly in front of me. 

    "That's what that was? I was wondering what kind of smoke that was. It smelled odd and didn't seem to do anything to him." I glanced at Owen, walking behind me. He grinned and I noticed sharp canines peeking through his lips. "So, you're a vampire then?" I asked him. He nodded and opened his mouth wide to display his fangs.         

    "Yes ma'am." He told me as I turned back around. 

    "Tonight will be a good opportunity for you to work on your sense of smell. You can tell the species apart simply from scent if you know what to look for." August slowed his steps to walk next to me. "What do we smell like to you?" He asked.

    I tried to focus on his scent next to me. Sweet but bitter all at once. It almost burned my nose, underneath August's scent there was something familiar though. Probably a mix from my own scent. I know that animals and people all produce certain pheromones' and that you smelled like a mix between your parents. My obsession with science TV shows, was definitely an asset right now. 

    "It's almost overpowering." I said fighting the urge to cover my nose. 

    "That's because you're used to a less sensitive sense of smell. You will adjust. Owen, come closer so she may test herself." Owen obediently quickened his pace to walk just next to me. I turned to look at him as we walked, focusing on his scent. It wasn't as powerful as August's though.     

    "His scent is weaker than yours is. Why?" I looked ahead of me and saw August give me a strange look from my peripheral. 

    "That's quite interesting. Some older vampires, like myself, are able to smell power levels in scent. It's like an extra sense, it's curious that you're able to do it naturally." We continued walking and the sounds of many voices began to become clearer. "There has never been a werewolf and vampire hybrid. It was the one hybrid we have no idea what to expect from. Vampires and werewolves have always been at opposing sides and your mother and I were an anomaly in both of our species." He clapped his hands together. "I am excited to see what you are capable of." We rounded a corner and I saw a large corridor, filled with people. 

    As we entered everyone became exceptionally quiet. All eyes were on us and people began to whisper. I realized that if I focused, I could hear what they were saying. A group of girls in the back corner were glaring at me and three of them were furiously whispering to the fourth.

    "She's not even that pretty." One said.

    "What is she even wearing? Pathetic." Said another. 

    "I wouldn't worry about her. You're way better." The third said. 

    The girl they were speaking to was very attractive. Tall and statuesque, with a perfect hourglass figure. She stared at me from beneath full lashes and had her perfect lips turned into a scowl. She watched me like, no pun intended, a wolf watches their prey. I could already tell they would be trouble.     

    We walked to the center of the room and the others formed a ring around us. August waited until the whispers died down before he began to speak. 

    "Lykos pack! I would like to introduce you to your true Alpha, Katherine Michon. I expect you to all help her learn pack laws and what her duties will be. Since she is newly awakened, no challenges may be brought forth for two moons. I know you will respect her time of transition and that you will make your Alpha feel like she is truly home." He swung his arms over to me and bowed, giving me the floor. 

    Crap. I hadn't thought about the fact that I may need to address all of these people. I just stood there, staring wildly around as the panic set in. I was ready to turn and run from the room when a very handsome man stepped forward. 

    "Katherine Michon, I welcome you home to the Lykos pack!" He shouted this and the others all shouted welcome's at his prompt. "As we all know, every Alpha is stronger than the last and gains wisdom from those who came before them. I pledge myself to the most powerful Alpha our pack has ever seen." He dropped to a knee and bowed his head before me. Many others followed suit but some remained standing with unhappy expressions. I noticed August taking careful notice of all those who stood. 

    "Thank you, sir." I said, not knowing how to respond or who he was. I had gathered he was important though. 

    "The honor is mine, Katherine." He said as he stood. He smiled and reached out a hand for a normal handshake. "I'm Austin. Acting Alpha of the Lykos. Welcome home."