Hunter's Attraction

What's Happening?

Sirena almost tore the doors off their hinges as she entered the school. She was storming past the front office when an administrator's growl stopped her. "Can I help you, ma'am?"

Sirena turned, her eyes flashing white as she faced the woman glaring from behind the desk. Before she could issue a command, another voice cut through the tension.

"It's okay, Clara. I'll take care of this." Sirena pivoted to see a teacher approaching with Lena at her side.

"Lena," Sirena breathed. Without hesitation, she leaped over the waist-high barricade separating the office from the school as Lena ran to her.

"Sirena, I'm sorry; I'm so sorry," Lena sobbed into Sirena's stomach. Sirena kneeled to Lena's level, her voice gentle. "Monte is in the car." She pressed her keys into Lena's hand. "Why don't you keep him company?" With a hiccup, Lena nodded and ran out the door. Once Lena was gone, Sirena straightened, her demeanor shifting as she assessed the teacher.

"I'm Trixie," the teacher offered her hand. Sirena didn't take it, instead studying her with predatory focus. "I would like to inquire about Lena's birth. Who are her biological parents?” Sirena simply tilted her head, expression unreadable. "I ask because I watched Lena compel a classmate. She's a very special wolf. I wonder who else knows about her. The words had just left Trixie's mouth when Sirena had her pinned to the wall, hand at her throat.

"Hey!" Clara exclaimed from behind the desk.

"It's fine, Clara!" Trixie croaked out.

"If you ever—" Sirena began, her voice deadly quiet.

"Omigosh!" Trixie gasped, eyes widening. "You're one, too."

Sirena released her grip and stumbled back as if burned, horror dawning on her face.

"I'm sorry," Trixie rubbed her throat. "It wasn't meant to be a threat. It's just..."

"You can't tell anyone," Sirena's voice held an edge of desperation, "about her or me."

"You have my word," Trixie promised smoothly – too smoothly. "A boy was making fun of Lena and her new friends. Lena ordered him to stop. She then got scared and ran out of the lunchroom. I found her hiding in the bathroom, but I guess she called you first. Sirena nodded rigidly. "I'm sure it was an accident—"

"I'll talk to her, first thing. I'm signing her out."

"Of course," Trixie nodded.

"And I apologize for almost choking you."

"It's fine." Trixie touched her neck. "You have quite a grip."

"Thank you," Sirena replied icily. "I'm going to go."

Trixie gave a small smile that didn't reach her eyes. "It was nice meeting you."

Sirena only nodded before striding out.

Once back in her classroom, Trixie pulled out her phone and dialed. "Bro, we need to talk." (…). "No, I don't need money," she rolled her eyes. "I got a new student today." (…)"Yeah. Wait, you knew?" She frowned. "Whatever. I'm calling because—don't freak out—I think she's Elena."

***

Sirena climbed into the driver's seat, her movements mechanical, as she was still lost in a fog. She stared at the steering wheel, not quite seeing it.

"Sirena, are you okay?" Lena's small voice came from the back seat, where she was pressed against Monte's reassuring warmth. "Are you mad at me?"

"No, no. No, I'm just..." Sirena caught Lena's worried eyes in the rearview mirror. "I'm not feeling well today."

"It really was an accident," Lena whispered, fingers curling into Monte's fur.

"I know. I believe you," Sirena managed a shaky smile, trying to ground herself in the present moment. "You can tell me all about it when we get home. Okay?"

***

Jean-Pierre breathed deeply, finally calm. "Well, the strange attacks are starting to make sense," Lily said from her place beside him.

"What do you mean?" JP asked.

"It can't be a coincidence that a wolf on silver bullet appears the same week an ex-dealer shows up. And he came to the shelter with this weird aura. Does your aunt know?"

"I don't think so," JP shook his head.

"Are you sure?"

"I'm pretty sure. My memories from those years are spotty, but from what I remember, she was furious when she found out what Roderick had been doing to me, what he made me do. There's no way she'd take him back." Lily nodded. "I don't like that he showed up at the shelter."

"He made me and Sirena really uncomfortable. Said he wanted to adopt a dog." Jean-Pierre scowled. "Sirena didn't give him one, though. None of the dogs liked him," Lily added quickly.

"Well, dogs are good judges of character. By the way, I think I lost your book on the way here."

"Under the circumstances, I'd say it's fine. Don't worry." Lily paused, biting her lip as she studied his profile. His earlier panic had left a slight flush on his cheeks, making him look younger, more vulnerable. "Are you feeling better?"

"I am. Thank you." JP's expression grew serious as he turned to face her, their knees brushing. "Lily, promise me you'll be careful. Roderick is not to be played with."

"I understand, JP," Lily placed a gentle hand over his own, trying to ignore how warm his skin felt against hers.

"Okay," he sighed, covering her hand with his, his thumb absently tracing circles on her wrist. "I just want you to be safe."

"I think I've more than proven I can take care of myself."

"You have. I'm sorry for disturbing your morning. Again." His voice had dropped lower, making her heartbeat quicken.

"Twice in one day," Lily smirked playfully, not pulling her hand away, "if I didn't know any better, I'd say you were behind everything, using it as an excuse to see me."

"Oh," JP blushed, much to his and Lily's surprise, his hand tightening slightly on hers. "I... no... that's not – I just wanted to warn you." The stumbled words made him seem more endearing, if possible.

"Thank you," Lily smiled.

They sat in comfortable silence, the air between them thick with unspoken words. "One day I'm going to hang out with you, and it will have nothing to do with homework or werewolf business," JP said.

"Mmm, if you say so," Lily smiled at him.

Silence fell again as they stared into each other's eyes. JP leaned forward, drawn to her like a magnet, and Lily felt her breath catch. Don't do it, Lily, she thought desperately. Don't do it. He may be sweet on the outside, but remember, so was Justin. She cleared her throat, looking away from those honey-brown eyes before she did something stupid. "Umm... not to be rude, but you should probably—"

"I should probably go," JP stood quickly, though his movements seemed reluctant. "Wouldn't want your brother to catch me in his clothes, again." The memory of their earlier encounter made both of them flush.

"Yeah," Lily rose to her feet, too aware of how close they were standing. "Who knows how he'll react?"

As if summoned by her words, the front door flew open, and Aiden strolled in. "Sirena!" they heard him call out. "Sirena, where are – what is going on?" Aiden appeared in front of them, red-faced, out of breath, and confused. All three froze. "Oh, come on!" Aiden threw his hands in the air. "He's in my clothes again? What happened this time?"

Just then, Sirena, Lena, and Monte walked in, adding to the confusion.

"What? Sirena, why isn't Lena in school?" Aiden demanded. "Why weren't you at the shelter?"

"At the – why are you here?" Sirena countered. "I thought you had a patio to work on. And why is JP here?"

"Okay, everyone stop." Aiden turned to JP and Lily. "What's going on? Why is JP here, wearing my clothes?"

"Uh..." Lily glanced at JP before facing her brother. "It's Roderick. He was here."

The room went dead silent.