The Hybrid King's Hidden Mate

Chapter 11: Attacked

-Ronan-

While waiting to hear more about the little hybrid, I found myself constantly distracted by thoughts of her. Unable to focus on anything else but her, I tried to learn more about her history, but so far, nothing. No records of secret hybrid females, at least none who were still alive. Whoever this little hybrid was, she had appeared out of nowhere.

When my research no longer served as a way to keep me busy, I tried exercising. But even while running, the mystery surrounding the little hybrid only made me more intrigued, and I felt desperate to see her again.

“Just go get her! It’s been two days!” Enzo demanded.

Stopping, I turned to see him catching up with me, looking a bit out of breath.

“No,” I replied.

“You’re clearly not yourself right now,” he said, shaking his head, while I took a step back, finding a tree to lean against.

“You don’t think I know?” I questioned.

“So why not go get her? She isn’t safe out there.”

“She needs to want to come back,” I explained.

“F*ck that,” he said, but I shook my head.

“Enzo, she was locked up just so she couldn’t run away. If that is not proof that she doesn’t want to be here, I don’t know what is.” I pushed away from the tree and started to walk back toward our home. Enzo followed me.

“But what if something happens to her?” he asked.

“Seth is keeping an eye on her,” I reminded him.

“And when did you last hear from him?”

“He will let me know if she is in danger,” I remarked.

He groaned, looking frustrated. “But why not go find her yourself? Just to check on her.”

I shook my head. “No, it is best I leave her alone for now.”

“Isn’t it driving you insane?”

“It is, but if I force her back, she will run again,” I said.

“But at least we can bring her back again and again.”

“Until she finds a way to run far enough and get herself into trouble without us knowing,” I countered. “I would rather have her come to terms with the fact she will be safer here.”

Enzo sighed, clearly seeing my point, but I also understood his concerns. Being the last hybrid female and my mate, my warriors felt a duty toward her as well.

“When she comes back, what do you plan to do with her?” he inquired.

I knew he hoped for the same thing as everyone else. “No,” I replied, answering the real question he wanted to ask me.

“She is the last female hybrid,” he pointed out.

“I know.”

“It could save your race.”

“Don’t you think if hybrids were meant to continue to rule, we would be?”

“Are you really putting this up to fate or are you merely looking for an excuse not to f*ck her?” he questioned.

“It won’t happen, Enzo.”

“You’re mates,” he reminded me.

“I’m aware,” I replied, sounding disinterested.

“And how long do you think you can keep away from her?” he challenged.

I took a moment to contemplate my reply. I knew lying wasn’t going to help. Enzo would see right through me. “I can’t be so naïve and say forever, but I won’t ever be able to love her, and when it comes to creating a child with her, there are ways to stop that.”

Enzo shook his head.

“There are ways,” I insisted.

“I’m not denying that.”

“Then what are you denying?”

“That you will be able to do it.”

-Amber-

“Your turn,” Ruth said, making me pick up a card, just as someone passed by the living room. I looked up, meeting Cedric’s gaze, seeing the smug smile on his lips. Despite coexisting in the same house whenever he was home, I hadn’t yet figured out exactly what irked me about him, other than his constant lingering stares.

He thinks he can have us, my wolf pointed out.

Her words didn’t soothe me, and I quickly turned away from him, focusing on his mother instead. She still seemed perfectly normal, nothing about her set off any alarms, not even her scent.

“So, Amber, how old are you?” she asked as we continued the game.

I couldn’t say I was ninety-two years old.

“Twenty-five,” I replied.

“Oh, so young you are!” she exclaimed with a happy smile.

A small chuckle escaped me as I reached for the water beside me on the table where we had our cards laid out.

“I was already married and pregnant by then,” she mentioned.

I choked on my water, causing Ruth to look concerned. She reached out, patting my back gently.

“Are you okay, dear?” she inquired.

I nodded, still coughing a little. “Just fine,” I replied in a hoarse voice.

“Don’t worry. I know you young kids want to have fun and not think about children yet.”

She winked at me, and I tried to force a smile. Young kids? Perhaps I was young, at least by hybrid standards.

“So, do you have a boyfriend?” she queried.

“No,” I responded, shaking my head.

“Why not? You are so beautiful.”

I wasn’t sure if I agreed, so I shook my head.

“You don’t think you’re beautiful?”

“I look too much like my dad,” I whispered, then realized what I had said. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be. Was he not a nice man?”

“Not from what I’ve heard,” I replied.

“Heard? Then how do you know you resemble him if you didn’t know him?” she asked.

“I’ve seen pictures. We share a lot of the same features, like our dark hair. Mine’s a little lighter, but it feels like staring at a male version of myself.”

“Or maybe that’s just what you think because you’re afraid of looking like him,” she suggested.

It was a nice thought, but once again, I shook my head.

“Even if you don’t think so, then that shouldn’t stop you from finding someone, should it?” she asked.

“Well, I like being on my own,” I explained.

“That is good too,” she said, sounding optimistic. “Everyone should take some time for themselves. Even though I loved my husband until he died, I have to admit, he could drive me crazy sometimes.”

Her words amused me, and I very much enjoyed her openness. It felt almost like having a mother again, or rather, like I actually had a mother.

“Okay, I need a small break so I can use the bathroom,” I informed her. “I will be right back.”

I put my cards down before heading for the smaller bathroom further away, down the hallway. I walked inside, locking the door, before stopping in front of the mirror for a moment. My red eyes were staring back at me, carrying the familiar sadness.

“Don’t grow attached. You are leaving again,” I reminded myself.

Turning away, I took care of business, then quickly washed my hands. After fixing my appearance a little to maintain the cheerful act in front of Ruth, I opened the door, only to be met with a confusing sight. Right in front of me, Cedric stood leaning up against the other wall. Had he been waiting?

I don’t like this, my wolf whispered.

I didn’t either. Trying to act calm, I slowly walked away when an arm suddenly ended up in my sight. I turned my head, seeing Cedric close to me.

“Who exactly are you, Amber?” he inquired.

“Sorry?” I responded.

“I said, who are you?”

“Your mother told you. I was in an accident. She found me.”

“And normal people would have gone to the hospital,” he remarked. “You decided to stay here. Do you not have any relatives looking for you? Friends? You can see why I’m a little concerned here.”

For someone who was a little concerned, he certainly liked to invade my personal space.

“I’m not staying forever,” I assured him and tried to move under his arm, but he lowered it, blocking my way.

“I’m not so sure I believe you,” he retorted.

I turned my whole body to him this time, crossing my arms and showing him that I was not afraid of him. “Get out of my way, Cedric. I don’t mean anyone harm here, and I’m only staying for a few days,” I reassured him.

He still didn’t look satisfied and leaned toward me. His strange mixed scent that confused my senses overpowered me, and before I knew it, I asked, “What are you?”

His eyes widened for a moment before he shot back, “No, what are you?”

We sized each other up, obviously confused by the other, when suddenly something clicked within me.

“You’re a half-blood.”

He drew back, then looked toward his mother, but she hadn’t heard me. As he turned to me again, I realized something.

“She doesn’t know.”

“And I will ensure she never does!” he snarled.

“Why? Was your sister one too?”

“Of course, and it cost her her life.”

“But your mother doesn’t know?” I asked.

“It’s best that way. She was our father’s mate. He couldn’t let her go.”

“So he lied to her,” I retorted.

“You wouldn’t f*****g get it. You damn highborn, aren’t you?” he snapped.

“How would you know?”

“Your scent, your power. I can sense it, and I despise it!”

“Well, I’m not very thrilled about you either, so it’s a good thing we won’t have to spend much time together.”

Pushing him back, I saw the shock on his face. He hadn’t expected my strength. But I didn’t want to waste time with him now that I had solved the mystery. However, as soon as I took a single step away, he placed a hand on the side of my neck from behind and slammed my head into the wall, using his own supernatural strength to make sure I felt the blow. I collapsed to the ground before he rolled me over, and I watched as he climbed on top of me, covering my mouth with his hand, the world spinning.

“I told you, I hate your kind, and I’ll make sure you feel it,” he snarled, his hands going to his belt.

“Get... off...” I shouted into his hand, my body still paralyzed, struggling to recover.

“No, this will send a message to all you full-bloods,” he taunted.

I tried to twist away, but he pinned my arms with his legs. With everything still spinning, I could barely tell up from down. Cedric tore my shirt, and I let out a small scream.

“Shut up!” he snapped.

I fell silent, but not because of his command. Was it the concussion, or was I really seeing someone behind Cedric? Suddenly, the weight on top of me was lifted, and I saw Cedric dangling in the air while someone gripped him by the neck. Next, he was hurled into the wall beside me and knocked out cold. My rescuer turned to me. It was then I saw that it was one of King Ronan’s warriors. He grabbed my arm, helping me to my feet, but I could barely stand. Holding me steady, he looked me over, checking for serious injuries.

“How did you... find... me?” I asked.

“You really think the king wouldn’t send someone after you to keep you safe?” the vampire said.

I didn’t need to answer. I should have known.

“Come on.”

“No... Ruth... the lady...” I mumbled, shaking my head, barely making sense.

“Which is why we’re escaping out the back door,” he replied.

“But… she must have… heard.”

“I already made the woman forget.”

“And her son?”

“I think he got the message. Unless you want me to kill him?” he asked casually, as if offering me something to eat.

“No!” I exclaimed.

“Then let’s go!”