Hybrid: Between Alphas and Secrets

Blood Ties

POV Sâmia

I wake up being shaken violently by my brother. My mind is still clouded by sleep, and my body reacts instinctively, trying to push him away.

- What's all this John? - I exclaim, pushing his hands away. - Get your hands off me, damn it!

- What the hell do you think you're doing Samia, have you lost your mind? - John growls, his voice laced with irritation. - You're not answering any of my calls! The world is crashing down on our heads, and you don't even care! You're irresponsible!

Blinking a few times to dispel the numbness of sleep, I let out an exasperated sigh.

- What have I done now, for God's sake? I told you I was going for a girls' weekend. There's no mystery here, just fun! - I retort, trying to stay calm.

- Dad doesn't think so. He doesn't care about this girls' weekend nonsense. You have to go home. Now. - His eyes shine with frustration, and his hands clench into fists at his sides.

My pulse quickens, we're not doing anything wrong or inappropriate here, not that he knows.

- He can't do this! He can't do that! I mean, it's a weekend! There's no event, no obligation! He doesn't need me to show up! - My voice rises an octave, bordering on despair.

John lets out a dry, totally humorless laugh.

- You know our father can do whatever he wants, don't you? He's even extremely nervous about this whole situation you've caused.

I swallow, but what was he talking about?

- What situation did I cause? - My mind is already starting to make assumptions, none of which I like: what if some waiter saw us at the macabre barbecue?

If Dad already knows everything that's going on, what Alina and i are involved in? I'm surprised he hasn't come in person to finish us off.

I startle when John shakes me again.

- Wake up! You couldn't have brought Alina here! You know Dad doesn't like you two together! He despises any hybrid, even ordinary humans who fill his pockets with money!

My heart leaps, I feel like it's going to come out of my mouth.

- Oh my God, is that what this is about? - I put my hand to my chest and let out a sigh of relief.

John looks at me suspiciously.

- What else would it be about, Samia? What are you up to? You know that Dad doesn't like not knowing where you are or who you're with. And especially... the fact that you're still a single wolf.

- Aaahh, my God! - I exclaim, rolling my eyes. - This conversation again? I'm not up to anything! You know very well that I'm still waiting for my partner! I went to all the parties, balls, gala events, dinners, blind dates! I did everything you told me to! But no one can take that away from me! I want my partner!

John sighs, running his hand through his hair.

- I know... But maybe that's not something you're going to achieve. - His voice falters for a moment, then he hesitates before continuing: - About three weeks ago, I overheard a conversation Dad had on the phone. From what it sounds like, this was his last chance to set himself up with someone, and since Alpha Marco hasn't gotten back to him... He could be arranging a marriage for you.

My blood runs cold, she's got to be kidding me.

- What? - I scream, feeling the anger bubble up inside me. - When were you going to tell me? When I was already at the f*****g altar?

John shrugs his shoulders, his expression grim.

- You're a 24-year-old unmarried she-wolf, it doesn't sit well with our family that you still don't have a partner, that should have happened six years ago. Dad has already given you time, freedom, invested in your education and the career you've chosen. It's time to honor your family.

I'm completely baffled by what he's saying, but just when I think it couldn't get any worse...

- You know that I'm in a bind when it comes to certain things. Not least because... your arranged marriage is still uncertain. Mine isn't.

I put my hand up to my mouth in shock. What do you mean?

- You're getting married? What do you mean? To who?

He lets out a sarcastic laugh.

- That's right... I didn't even know. Welcome to the club. - He sighs heavily before continuing: - Let's go in parts. Dad wants you and Alina out of here now.

My heart races even faster.

- Look, things at home might not be easy when we get back,” he adds, his expression tight.

- What do you mean? - I ask, my voice coming out lower than I'd like. - What did he say?

John looks at me seriously.

- The usual. We're going to pay for every step we take without his approval. And maybe... you should stay away from Alina for a while. Dad could hit her. Don't forget that.

- Hit her?! She's worked for him for years! How could he do anything against her? She's one of the best employees he has!

John crosses his arms and raises an eyebrow.

- You forget that Dad only found out that Alina is a hybrid because of you. After all, it was you, with your big tongue, who revealed this during an argument with him. So if he decides to take action against her... Indirectly, it's your fault.

I feel a lump in my throat. My relationship with my brother is complicated. A few seconds ago, I was feeling sorry for him. Now I just want to choke him. And what's worse? He's right. During one of my fights with Dad, I let the truth about Alina slip. It put her job - and her life - at risk. The only reason she hasn't suffered any consequences yet is because, by some miracle, Dad ignored the information and just told me to stay away from her. But what about now? If he knows how close we are, what will he be willing to do?

- Don't think about it too much,” John mumbles tiredly. - Just pack your things.

Snorting, I nod my head in approval.

- That's fine. But I need to wake Alina. She's in the next room.

- Hurry up,” he growls.

And I growl back.

My heart is racing as I walk to her room. I knock on the door and call out to her, but there's no answer. As I open it, I'm overcome by a strange aura. Something dense, suffocating. I've never felt anything like it, not even from an Alpha or a pure Lycan. What is it? How can it be emanating from her?

I notice Alina sitting on the bed, breathing heavily.

- Lina? We need to go,” I say, softening my voice.

She turns slowly to face me. Her eyes... Red. Bright. Is she crying? And, for a second, I feel as if she's reading me inside, studying and evaluating me. My body freezes.

Then she blinks. And her eyes go back to normal. As if nothing had happened.

- What's going on? - she asks, sleepily.

I sniffle, trying to disguise my nervousness.

- John's here. We have to go.

- But already? - She frowns. - We were going to spend the weekend here. And that business?

- It's already burned to the ground. We're saved... At least from that part.

She nodded slowly.

- I'm going to pack my things. Give me five minutes, okay?

I nod and leave, closing the door behind me. I let out a long sigh. My goddess... I didn't even know I was holding my breath. What was that?

The red eyes, that strong aura, I feel like there's so much about Alina that I still don't know. And everything in me says that I need to be careful.

But how, if even my instinct doesn't give me answers? My only certainty is that the journey back will be long, and uncertainty weighs over us like a threatening shadow.