Their Broken Hybrid Mate

CHAPTER 2 - THE FIRE IN ME

*EMILY'S POV*

After about an hour of washing, I was finally done. I heaved a sigh of relief as I stared at the bucket filled with his clothes. I could still hear the sound of the music in the background and I figured that if I was quick enough, I could make it to the party before it closed. I hung the clothes on the line quickly and when I spun around prepared to leave, I saw Ethan standing behind me with a basket filled with more dirty clothes.

"Oh sorry, I didn't see this before," He said and dumped it on the floor before me.

As he made his way back to the house, I heard the annoying sound of his laughter. I knew that he had done it on purpose but what could I do? I was a girl without a mother, and with a father who barely knew I existed.

The memories came flooding through my memory all at once and I wished my mother had somehow survived that night. I was just a child then, unaware of what I was capable of. I remembered very clearly how I had been playing with a candle, fascinated by the flickering flame. I didn’t know my powers were real, that I could create fire with just a thought. I was innocent, just a girl curious about the world around her.

But then, in an instant, everything went wrong. The flame grew larger, consuming everything in its path. I watched in horror as the fire spread, engulfing the room. My mother’s screams echoed in my ears, and I felt helpless. I remembered Alpha Maverick bursting through the door. He was strong and brave, putting out the flames and pulling me to safety. But it was too late for my mother.

In the aftermath of her death, the whispers began. “The witch who burned her mother.” “The freak with fire in her veins.” It didn’t take long for the rumors to spread, and they followed me like shadows. The triplets never missed a chance to remind me of my past. They relished in my pain, using it as a weapon to keep me in line.

As I stood there, I felt the weight of it all. I could still hear their taunts, the way they laughed at me, the way they made me feel like a monster. I gritted my teeth, trying to push the memories away.

Suddenly, I heard a voice cut through my thoughts. “Emily!”

I looked up to see Helen, Ethan’s girlfriend, standing in the doorway, arms crossed and a smirk on her face. She was just as cruel as the triplets, if not worse.

“What are you doing?” she sneered. “Playing maid again? You really are pathetic.”

I clenched my jaw, and continued washing the clothes. I wasn't going to allow her get to me.

“Can’t handle the truth, huh?” Helen continued, her voice dripping with venom. “You know, everyone’s talking about you. The freak who killed her mother. You’ll never escape that.”

I took a deep breath, trying to ignore her. I didn’t want to give her the satisfaction of a reaction.

“Why don’t you just admit it?” she pushed. “You’re nothing without my boyfriend. Just a useless little witch.”

That word, “witch,” cut deep. It was a label that had been stuck to me since that day. I hated it. I hated the way it made me feel.

“Shut up, Helen,” I said through gritted teeth. “Just leave me alone.”

But she stepped closer, her eyes sparkling with malice. “You think you can just wish away your past? You’re a murderer, Emily! You’ll always be a murderer.”

Something inside me snapped. I spun around to face her, and before I could stop myself, I grabbed her wrist. My hand felt hot, almost alive, and in that moment, I lost control.

“Don’t you dare talk about my mother!” I screamed, anger flooding my veins.

In an instant, flames flickered to life around my hand. I hadn’t meant to do it, but the fire burned bright, and I felt the heat radiating from my palm.

Helen’s eyes widened in horror as she yanked her hand away, but it was too late. The flames caught the edge of her shirt, and she screamed in pain.

“Emily!” she shrieked, clutching her arm where the fire had burned her skin.

I froze, shock coursing through me. I hadn’t meant to hurt her. I never wanted to hurt anyone. But the look on her face—the fear, the rage—made my heart race. I was as good as dead.

At that moment, I heard heavy footsteps approaching. Ethan. I knew he’d come to see what was happening, and I felt a wave of panic wash over me. I was done for.

“Emily! What the hell is going on?” Ethan’s voice boomed as he came out.

I turned to him, my heart pounding in my chest. I could see the anger in his eyes, the way he looked at me as if I was a monster. “I didn’t mean to!” I cried, my voice breaking.

Helen was still screaming, her hand pressed against her burnt skin. “She did this to me, Ethan! She’s dangerous!”

Ethan turned to me and before I could move, he slapped me hard across my cheek.

“Get out!” he boomed. “You’re nothing but trouble, Emily! You’re just a freak!”

I wanted to fight back, to tell him I wasn’t a monster, but all I could manage was a choked sob. I felt trapped by my own powers and the hatred that surrounded me.

“Please, Ethan, I didn’t mean it!” I pleaded, tears streaming down my face.

But he was already looking at Helen, with concern etched on his features. “We need to get you to the hospital,” he said, his voice now softer but still laced with anger.

As they turned to leave, I stood frozen in place, my heart racing. I had just crossed a line and there was no going back now. I felt the heat of the flames lingering on my skin, a reminder of what had just happened.

“Ethan!” I called out, desperation clawing at my throat. “I’m sorry! Please!”

But he didn’t look back. They disappeared down the hallway, leaving me alone.

I sank to the floor, my heart heavy with regret. I had let my anger take over, and now I was more alone than ever. I was a witch, a freak, and I had just proven them right. As I sat there, I felt a pange of fear ignite inside me. What would happen now? Would they finally get rid of me? The thought of what Ethan could do to me, sent chills down my spine.

If I could survive the remaining days I had with them, I was going to be so grateful to the moon goddess.

And after I turned eighteen, I was going to run away, far away from the pack that brought me so much suffering and pain.