The hybrid in the cell (Complete)

A solution

*Emily*

Feeling the adrenaline still pump through my veins, I hastily pull on my clothes, not bothering to check the time. It's too early for the hustle and bustle of the precinct, but I know where I need to be. My shoes echo against the cold, sterile floors as I make a beeline for Furby's office.

The secretary's desk is deserted, a sure sign of the early hour. My fist hovers over the door, and before I can knock, Furby's voice rings out, "Come on in."

Taking a deep, steadying breath, I push the door open and step inside. My eyes immediately land on a sight I wasn't prepared for. Furby isn't alone. Next to him stands a man who could only be the legendary Alpha Tony Strong, a werewolf law enforcer, his reputation as formidable as his aura.

"Emily," Furby's voice breaks my trance, his gaze softening with concern. "Didn't I tell you to take a couple of days off? Is something wrong?"

Ignoring Furby, the Alpha strides past him, extending his hand to me. His presence is magnetic, almost overwhelming. "So, this is the infamous Emily," he drawls, "The one who so passionately defends the perceived sociopath in the basement."

I meet his gaze unflinchingly, accepting his handshake with a firm grip. "Loki," I correct him, "is no more a sociopath than certain others present here." The retort slips out before I can stop it, but I don't regret a single word.

Tony's lips curl into a crooked grin, his attention swiveling to Furby. "I have to admit, I like her. She has got some guts."

Furby turns his gaze to me, effectively ignoring Tony's comment. "Emily, was there something you wanted to discuss?"

I take a moment to compose myself. "This is going to sound odd, but I have been having dreams. They are not normal dreams though. Somehow, they are linked to Loki. It's like his dreams or thoughts are being projected onto me."

Furby just nods, encouraging me to continue.

"He was under torture, and something horrible was taking over him. He wasn't himself when he attacked in New York. It was as if he was under a spell." I bite my lip, directing my focus at Furby.

Tony c***s his head, studying me intently. "And you're convinced he isn't manipulating these dreams? You expect us to accept that Loki is an innocent victim? Perhaps he's just got you under his thumb?"

"Enough, Strong. Your opinion wasn't solicited. I'm not some naïve girl, I'm fully aware he might be attempting some deceit. He doesn't have me ensnared, I just believe we should consider this," I retort heatedly.

Alpha Strong chuckles and moves to pour himself a whisky. "Gotta say, Furby, I really like her. Maybe I should offer her a job?"

"Actually, Emily, we were contemplating something along those lines. We have had indications that something major and very dangerous is about to transpire, and we believe Loki might have information that could aid us," Furby chimes in.

I am taken aback. They do not consider me delusional, they actually believe there is more to this. I might be able to assist Loki after all. "What's your plan?"

"Would you mind giving us a bit of time to process your information and work out some details?" Furby asks, receiving a nod from Tony.

"Indeed, you can wait in the basement, keep an eye on him. We'll locate you once we've reached a consensus," Tony adds with a wink.

I exit the office, making my way to the elevator. I pause briefly at the guard room, greeting the occupants before nonchalantly mentioning, "I'm heading to the cell, Furby and Strong requested I wait for them there."

With that, I venture towards the elevator that descends to the cell, traipsing along the familiar hallways. What will Loki's reaction be once I arrive? Will he be sleeping?

Upon entering the cell, I find everything in order, no signs of the destruction from her dream. Loki stands at the center of the room, his gaze fixed on her. "What do you want Emily?"

His omission of 'Lady' before my name doesn’t go unnoticed. I scan the room once again, it is too pristine, too perfect. "How about you drop the act, Loki? I'm not falling for it."

"Quite perceptive of you," comes his voice, now emanating from the bed. The room flickers momentarily, and I am back in the chaotic room from my dream, the bed being the sole piece of furniture that remains intact.

I glance over at Loki who is sprawled across his bed, dressed in jeans and an unbuttoned white shirt, his dark hair in disarray. His bare feet dangle off the edge of the bed.

Propping himself up on his elbows, he turns his gaze towards me. "What brings you here, Emily? Aren't you afraid of me?"

"Actually, Loki, I'm not afraid of you," I respond, my tone steady. "I know that the person who did the attack i New York wasn't you. It was something else."

Standing up, he stares at me, his expression inscrutable. "So, suddenly we know everything about my intentions, do we?"

Fed up with his sarcasm, I lash out. "Enough, Loki! I'm trying to help you. Do you see anyone else doing that? Without me, they would probably have left you to rot here or in some other hellhole. So, if you ever want to see daylight again, you should probably stop with the attitude."

As much as I try to hide it, I can taste the fear in my mouth, bitter like bile. But I swallow it down, refusing to let him see it, to let him have the upper hand.

With a sigh, he drops back down onto the bed. "And what exactly do you want me to do? And what do you think you can do?"

"We are waiting for Furby and Alpha Strong," I tell him, praying they show up soon. "They are aware that something bad is about to happen. They are working on a solution."