Hybrid

I'm Joey

“Why are you telling me this?” Rachel questioned. “Why wouldn’t I?” Joey retorted. “I would never ask you to terminate this child, just as I would never ask you to forgive those who turned their backs on her.” He paused, looking around. “It’s dangerous to go away alone, especially at this hour. I’ll accompany you,” he said, extending his right hand to the girl. Rachel hesitated for a moment, but upon hearing howls not far away, she took the boy’s hand, and he began to walk with her toward the exit.

Rachel felt her life was hanging by a thread; the idea of giving birth to a hybrid could trigger anger and revenge, leading the purebloods to come after her or the child, whether it was still a baby or older. She felt danger whispering in her ear, telling her to run away, to kneel and beg Joey to speak with the pack members to prevent something bad from happening to her and her child. But she couldn't do that; she couldn't put another person in danger, nor could she ask Joey to confront his own family, as that had been Lenny's role until now.

The girl was breathing heavily, her thoughts screaming and her intuition clouded. Joey noticed her concern as they continued walking towards the road. He looked at her, his expression showing compassion, then he stopped, allowing Rachel to walk ahead for a few seconds before realizing he could no longer hear her footsteps. She turned around, looking at him with confusion and fear for her own life. Even though Joey posed no threat to her, she feared it might just be a trap.

“Maybe I should explain better about the history of our lineage and the emergence of the hybrid,” Joey broke the silence, starting to walk slowly again, still looking at Rachel, hoping she would follow. “You need to understand the dangers your child might represent. A pure Lycan is strong, loyal, and has a sense of community. But hybrids... they don’t have the same ties. Their instincts are heightened, and their physical strength is immense. A single hybrid can defeat five or more of us in battle. They are not just half human; they carry the strength of Lycans and the cunning of humans. They are a mix of brute force and intelligence, a perfect balance of predator and strategist. Hybrids possess tremendous power, but that power comes with uncontrollable instincts. They can be more aggressive, more difficult to control.” Joey kept his eyes fixed on the moon as he walked and explained to Rachel, who listened attentively while stroking her belly.

“But that doesn’t mean he will be like that,” Rachel insisted, feeling a slight cramp in her abdomen. “He is part of me. I can guide him.”

“Yes, you can,” Joey said, “But you can’t ignore what he could become. Hybrids often struggle with the duality of their natures. Without proper understanding and discipline, he could lose his way. That is the greatest fear of the Lycans: the hybrid’s strength could decimate the pureblood lineage.”

Rachel bit her lip, absorbing his words. “What do you suggest I do?”

“Prepare for war, in case you don’t educate him properly,” Joey replied. “Teach your son about both cultures—the strength of the Lycans, but also the fragility of being human. He needs to know he is not an abomination, but a powerful being who must respect his own abilities.”

Rachel looked at Joey, a mix of fear and hope in her eyes. “What if he can’t handle it?” the girl asked.

“Then we need to be ready to guide him, Rachel, and in the worst-case scenario, fight against him. Love and protection are essential, but we also need vigilance. A hybrid can become a powerful weapon or a force for good. The choice will be his, but you must help him find the right path.”

Silence settled between them. Rachel finally nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation, but concern was still visible in her eyes. “I’ll do what it takes, Joey. I want him to know who he is and how to be strong, but also kind.”

Joey smiled, admiring her determination. “That’s all we can do. Prepare him for the world that awaits. Together, we’ll make sure he finds his place, no matter how difficult it may be.”

Rachel returned the smile, but her brow furrowed with curiosity. “Joey… why are you telling me this? Saying that together we can teach my son?”

Joey chuckled softly, looking at her afterward. “Isn’t it obvious?” he asked with a charming laugh. “Ever since Lenny told me about you, I’ve been trying to find out who the girl my brother decided to bring into the family was. But the more I got to know you, the more I was drawn to you. You’re always so good, and he’s so harsh. It’s a disappointment.”