The Hybrid War

Chapter 2

As I pulled up to the house my cars GPS had been leading me towards I admired its simplicity. Some Alpha families felt it necessary to flaunt their wealth, showing off what they have by keeping those in their pack more in need of their protection, while others believe in building a strong community and giving those relying on them the means to be strong and thrive. Thankfully the Red River Pack fell in to the latter category, believing their strength came from a thriving community over hoarding their wealth. The town had been beautiful on my way through, with new looking schools, modern shops and a business district that seemed to be thriving. It also had a variety of species living closely together it seemed, showing their welcomed the idea that we did not need to segregate ourselves off from the world. It didn't mean the secret of our race was out, but that we didn't believe that others were below us either.

As I stop the car I notice 2 senses being heightened, my sense of smell is picking up something familiar as well as something new. The familiar smell is my uncle, but the new one is interesting to me; I shouldn't be able to pick up one scent over everything in this town, but I can. There are only a few reasons to be able to focus in on a scent in a sea of new ones; specifically tracking a scent or a mate. This concerns me; as I had no interest in meeting a mate at this time. I still had so much to understand about my abilities and who destroyed my life 19 years ago; a mate would want to change my focus . Breathing deeply I centered myself and focused on the other sense that was heightened; I could hear a commotion coming from 2 sides of me. From the sound of the feet on the ground and what was being moved to make it happen I was about to be surrounded. Instead of allowing that I pulled myself up on the SUV and crouched down just in time to see two of the biggest oafs I know stop in time not to crash in to each other.

Laughing from my spot on top of the vehicle they look to me with big grins on their faces and I can't help but shake my head as I relax to sitting on the roof with my feet hanging down. I have known Finan and Ronin since the day I turned 16 and started training; 2 years older than me they were my first contacts that summer when I started training.

"I completely forgot you two would be here." I say as I ruffle Finan's hair, he always kept it a bit longer. "I really thought after all this time you two would have gotten better at sneaking up on your target."

Finan huffs pushing my hand away but leaving it there so I can use it to get down from my perch. "We can sneak up on anyone except you it seems." He states as he nods his head toward his brother, who I notice also has his hand out for me. As I take their hands and hop down from the roof I can't help but giggle at the memories of us doing this year after year when they would come every summer for their opportunity to train at the Councils centre. Every year they would try to best me and every year it would end the same, them on their backs and me standing over them.

"If I let you two win now you would never learn how to overcome a hybrid set on beating you. One day I know -" I'm cut off by Ronin taking the opportunity of me gloating to swipe my legs out from under me landing me firmly on my backside. The impact surprised me as the twins erupted in to cheers and laughter.

"I did it!! 5 years and I finally got you on the ground!" Ronin yelled between laughs and hugs from his brother. I couldn't help but laugh as I got up and his excitement, it really was a perfect opportunity and I had left myself open for it. It was no surprise to me that the commotion in front of the house drew the attention of others. Before too long we were joined by my Uncle, the Alpha and Luna and that scent that had captivated me before. I had yet to see him but I knew that everything was about to change.

"What is happening out here? It sounds like an attack taken over by an elephant." The Alpha commented as he looked at the twins jumping around and me dusting off my pants.

"Sorry Alpha, Uncle;" I say as I nod to Jack with a smile, "for the first time in 5 years of training one of these two lugs took me down." I finish as I motion to the two of them still looking very proud of themselves. "I'm sure it will be a one time thing, so I am allowing them to savour the moment."

As I turn to the people that have come out to greet me. My uncle comes to stand beside me and be guides me to each person to meet and be introduced to.

"Alpha Cillian Cain, Luna Eva; may I introduce my niece and my replacement, Adelaide Devereaux." I nod to them both as I take their hand in a quick handshake. I am doing what I can to control my emotions, breathing and body language but I can feel eyes burning in to me as I turn to the man beside the Luna. He is roughly the same age as me, perhaps closer to the age of the twins; tall and built in a way that resembles a cross between a rock climber and a lumberjack. He is clearly strong, with defined muscles, but lean enough to be quick and light on his feet. His hair is longer on the top with the sides kept short, but the top shows off his caramel colored curls as they topple to one side. What is the most noticeable though are his eyes, a light hazel color with a hint of a golden honey centre.

"Adelaide, this is the soon to be Alpha, Lochlan Cain." I hear my uncle say though it sounds like he is in a tunnel. I am so focused on controlling my breathing and not shaking as I take his hand and feel the knowing sparks of the mate pull run from my hand he is holding to my heart like I have been jolted by a defibrillator. As I take my hand back I notice he too is trying to control his emotions, perhaps we both feel the same about not wanting a mate now? Why doesn't that idea bring me any comfort? I notice as he brings his hand to his side he makes a fist and let's it go trying to shake the feeling. I hold my hands together and roll my shoulders to compose myself.

"It is lovely to meet you all, I am eager to learn about your pack." I say to the group and then we turn to return to the house. As we enter I still feel Lochlan's eyes on me from behind me, while the Alpha and his Luna are in front. As they lead us through to a meeting room I hear voices, making me realize the other Alphas have been waiting for us. When we enter the room I am introduced to 2 more Alphas, the two closest neighboring packs; Alpha Damian of the Blue Mountain Pack and Alpha Edward of the Grand Falls Pack. As I settle in to listen to them drone on about land agreements and other matters in exchange I am not overly concerned. I only snap in to the conversation when I hear a mention of a marriage agreement in exchange for the land wanted by Red River.

"I'm sorry, what was that? An arranged marriage in exchange for land?" I ask, trying to sound as calm as possible. Internally I could feel every primal urge in my body trying to take over.

"Yes, a union between Alpha Lochlan and my daughter Annabelle." Answers Alpha Damian, looking at me defiantly. "Neither has found their mates and would be a strong union, is there any reason why that wouldn't make sense?" Questioning why I have all of a sudden joined the conversation. As I try and think of something to say that wouldn't give away what I have been trying to hide I hear that hypnotic voice from Lochlan.

"It wouldn't make sense because I have found my mate, isn't that right Adelaide?"