Their Broken Hybrid Mate

CHAPTER 8 - THE CONFRONTATION

EMILY'S POV

It was the soft morning light filtering through my window that woke me up the next morning. I blinked, rubbing the sleep from my eyes, when something caught my attention on the nightstand beside my bed.

A folded note.

I sat up, heart pounding as I reached for it. My fingers trembled slightly as I unfolded the paper. It was Lucas’s handwriting—I’d recognize it anywhere.

"Good morning, Emily. I know I’ve been trying too hard lately, but it’s only because you mean so much to me. I can’t get you out of my head, and I don’t think I ever want to. I just want to see you happy. Have a great day. Yours, Lucas."

My breath hitched. My cheeks flushed, warmth spreading across my face. I read the note again, and again, until I could almost hear his voice in my head.

But then reality came crashing back.

Ethan.The deal.

My heart sank as the memory hit me like a cold slap. Ethan’s voice echoed in my head, his mocking tone a constant reminder of what I’d agreed to. I couldn’t let Lucas get close to me—not when Ethan had the power to ruin me completely.

The guilt churned in my stomach as I folded the note and tucked it into the drawer of my nightstand. It was better this way. Better to hide it, to pretend it didn’t exist.

But the ache in my chest wouldn’t go away.

When I went downstairs, the smell of breakfast wafted through the air, warm and inviting. My stomach growled, but I froze when I saw the table.

It was set perfectly. Pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fresh orange juice sat waiting for me.

I glanced toward the kitchen, where Lucas stood, leaning against the counter with a soft smile on his face. He looked so relaxed.

“Good morning,” he said, his voice warm and easy.

I swallowed hard, forcing a smile. “Good morning.”

I didn’t know what to say. He had always been kind and attentive in ways that no one else had ever been. But now… now it felt different. It felt overwhelming.

“Your bathwater’s ready upstairs,” he added, nodding toward the staircase.

My heart clenched. He didn’t have to do all this. Why was he doing this?

“T-Thank you,” I stammered, avoiding his gaze.

He shrugged, like it was no big deal, but his eyes lingered on me for a moment before he turned back to the counter.

As I sat down to eat, I couldn’t shake the doubt creeping into my mind. Was this real? Or was he just trying to win me over?

I pushed the thought away and focused on the food, the sweetness of the pancakes doing little to mask the bitter taste of guilt.

After breakfast, Lucas offered to drive me to school in his brand-new Mustang.

“Come on,” he said, jingling the keys with a boyish grin. “You’ll love it.”

I hesitated. The car was sleek, shiny, and definitely an upgrade from my battered bike. But before I could answer, Ethan walked into the room, his eyes narrowing as they flicked between us.

“No thanks,” I said quickly, grabbing my bike helmet. “I’ll take my bike.”

Lucas’s smile faltered for a split second, but he nodded. “Okay. Be safe, alright?”

I nodded and hurried out the door, feeling Ethan’s cold stare burning into my back.

School was uneventful, but the aftermath of yesterday's drama at the cafateria hung over me like a storm cloud. Every glance, every whisper felt like it was about me. By the time the final bell rang, I was exhausted.

I hopped on my bike, eager to get home and escape the weight of it all. The streets were quiet as I pedaled down the familiar route, the cool breeze brushing against my skin.

But then I heard them. Laughter.

It started soft, distant, but grew louder as I turned onto a lonely pathway near the woods.

Helen and Sabrina stepped out from behind a cluster of trees, blocking my path.

My stomach dropped.

“Well, well,” Helen sneered, crossing her arms. Her fiery red hair glinted in the sunlight, and her expression was pure malice. “If it isn’t the little witch herself.”

Sabrina stood beside her, arms folded, her cold blue eyes locked on me.

“What do you want?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

“What do we want?” Sabrina repeated, her lips curving into a cruel smile. “How about you stop stealing what doesn’t belong to you?”

I frowned, my confusion mixing with fear. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Helen stepped closer, her eyes fixed on me. “Lucas and Ethan. You’re playing both of them, aren’t you?”

My blood ran cold.

“I’m not—”

“Save it,” Sabrina snapped, cutting me off. “We know exactly what you’re doing. You think you can just walk in and take what’s ours?"

“How the f**k would the moon goddess mate the pack's most eligible bachelors to a worthless slob like you?" Helen snorted.

My heart pounded as I stepped back, gripping my bike tightly. “I don't know. Leave me alone.”

They laughed, the sound sharp and mocking.

“Aw, is the little witch scared?” Helen taunted. “You should be.”

Before I could react, Helen lunged forward, grabbing a fistful of my hair. I cried out, pain shooting through my scalp as she yanked me off my bike.

“Let go of me!” I shouted, struggling against her grip.

But Sabrina joined in, shoving me against a tree.

“Pathetic,” she spat. “You think you’re special? You’re nothing.”

Their words stung, but the anger bubbling inside me was stronger. My hands clenched into fists, and I felt it—the heat, the power stirring beneath my skin.

“Let me go,” I warned, my voice trembling with fury.

They didn’t listen.

Helen smirked. “Or what?”

The red glow started in my palms, faint at first, but quickly growing brighter. Sabrina’s eyes widened as she stepped back.

“What the hell?” she whispered.

Helen released me, staring in shock at my glowing hands.

“She really is a witch,” she breathed.

“Smile for the camera,” Sabrina said and slipped her phone out of her pocket.

“No!” I shouted, reaching out to stop her, but it was too late. The flash went off, capturing the evidence they needed.

“Everyone’s going to see this,” Helen added, her voice filled with glee.

Tears stung my eyes as I backed away, my hands trembling. “Please don’t…”

The sound of screeching tires cut through the air and I turned to see Lucas’s Mustang skidding to a halt on the gravel path.

He jumped out, and his dark eyes glanced from Sabrina to me.

“What the f**k is going on here?” he snarled.

Helen and Sabrina froze, their confidence wavering under his glare.

Lucas’s eyes darted to me, his jaw tightening when he saw the tears streaming down my face.

“Emily,” he said softly, stepping closer. “Are you okay?”

I nodded weakly, unable to speak.

He turned back to the girls, his hands curling into fists. “You’ve got five seconds to get the hell out of here."

Sabrina opened her mouth to argue, but one look at Lucas’s face made her think twice. She grabbed Helen’s arm, and the two of them hurried away, throwing one last glare over their shoulders.

As soon as they were gone, Lucas turned back to me, his eyes filled with concern.

“Emily,” he said again, his voice softer now. “What happened?”

I shook my head, tears spilling down my cheeks. “I… I can’t…”

Without another word, he pulled me into his arms, holding me tightly as I cried into his chest.

I was safe in his arms, but my secret was about to be out.