The hybrid in the cell (Complete)

A single touch

*Emily*

Standing in front of the mirror one morning, I adjust my uniform and take a deep breath. Finally, after five years in my department, the Lycan law enforcement at their High Security jail facility. and having recently turned twenty-six, I have gotten my break. I think to myself. And I badly want to prove myself worthy.

As I brush my hair and apply my makeup, I reflect on how I have always felt stuck behind a desk. I have been craving the chance to get out in the field and make a real difference. I know people, especially men, often underestimate me because of my youthful and innocent appearance.

I give myself a reassuring smile in the mirror. While I may just be a normal omega wolf, and not a seasoned enforcer like some of my colleagues, I know that I can definitely hold my own against most of them. Today, I am ready to seize this opportunity and prove my worth.

I was called in by the head of Lycan law enforcement and asked to be part of the team overseeing a new prisoner named Loki, who is held in our maximum-security cell. Admittedly, the thought of Loki scares me… he is an unknown Lycan hybrid, possesses strong magical abilities and he is known for his immense evilness.

But I know this opportunity could lead to more options, maybe even a chance to escape the confines of my desk forever. So, I swallow my fear and accept the assignment. I'm told the cell contains Loki's powers, rendering him no more dangerous than a human. Still, I can't help but question whether that is the truth. After all, they know very little of his powers.

When I first saw Loki, I'm surprised that he looked like a normal guy, except for his mesmerizing green eyes. I was expecting some otherworldly being, like some of the other hybrids working in the department, which I have seen from a distance a couple of times.

As I arrive at work, walking into the easy lobby and still pondering upon the sight of Loki, I suddenly spot Judith, my former work neighbor, approaching me. Judith represents everything I fear becoming… She has been working for the Lycan law enforcement for almost fifteen years, still stuck behind a desk, but seemingly content with her situation.

"Isn't he terrifying? I saw him on TV, and he looks so evil," Judith asks curiously, trying to get some information from me.

I shrug, still halfway lost in thought. "Not really. He usually just sits in the corner or reads a book. He is not scary at all, actually."

"Does he talk to you?" Judith was always nosy and quick to gossip, clearly searching for something juicy to share back at the office.

I shake my head. "Nope, he mostly ignores me. He hasn't asked for anything yet, either. My job is basically to bring him his food and wait around. It's not as exciting as I thought it would be."

"So, not everything you expected, I see," Judith says, now glancing around, probably for an excuse to end the conversation.

"Sorry, but it's lunchtime, so I have to go," I say with an apologetic smile and hurry down the hallway, eager to leave the subject of Loki behind me, even if it means to go face him in person.

I pick up the food tray and take the elevator down to the cell, a trip I have become quite familiar with over the past three weeks. Loki has only ever said ‘thank you’ and ‘you can leave now’ to me during that time. Initially, it was a relief, making my job easy, but it's beginning to bother me.

As I walk to Loki's cell, I can't shake the feeling that people are watching me, as if I'm about to step into a room with a hungry lion. The long hallway leading to the cell always feels suffocating, likely due to the tons of earth and concrete above me.

I enter Loki's cell to find him sitting at the table, engrossed in a book. He doesn't even look up as I walk in, merely turning another page. "Hello," I greet, secretly observing him. It's still hard to believe that this seemingly normal man is an evil magical being.

As I place the tray on the table, my hand accidentally brushes against his. It's the first time we have any physical contact, and I feel a shock run up my arm. I can't tell what he feels, but my touch makes him jump to his feet, dropping the book and knocking over the chair. He stares at me, his eyes wide with genuine surprise.

"Oh, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to startle you," I apologize, taken aback by his reaction. Was he so lost in his book that he hadn't heard me enter? I bend down to pick up the book for him.

Loki closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, as if to compose himself. Brushing his hair back from his face, he looks at me again with his usual measured gaze. He takes the book from me, careful not to touch me again, and his voice sounds deliberate as he says, "It's quite alright."

Feeling awkward, I don't know what to do next. Loki glances at me, then at the door, his voice flat as he says, "Thanks. You can leave now."

I hurry out of the cell, confused by his reaction and bewildered by the softness and warmth of his skin. For some reason, I had expected it to be cold.