Hunter's Attraction

Aftermath

Jean-Pierre sat rigid on the couch in Lily's brother's house, sneaking glances at Sirena every so often. I can’t believe I am in the presence of an omni-alpha. Over ninety-nine percent of werewolves lived their whole lives without ever meeting one—omni-alphas were secretive, solitary, and practically mythical. He could only think of three records of one in his entire culture. He’d never thought he’d get the chance…but here he was… and there she was. Small for a werewolf, short for a human, but she oozed power.

“Take a picture; it’ll last longer,” she said dryly, giving him a pointed look.

“Lo siento. I mean, sorry, I just…” JP paused, awestruck. “I never thought…in my culture, you’re practically a god.”

Sirena snorted. “I’m not a god. I’m a universal alpha.”

“We call you omni-alphas.”

She pursed her lips, thoughtful. “Huh. That’s actually better than ‘universal alpha.’ I like it.” She gave a shrug and walked away.

“Aiden,” Lily said as she limped to the couch and sat beside JP, “I don’t need to go to the hospital.”

“I wasn’t asking,” Aiden replied as Sirena returned with a bottle of water, handing it to JP. “You were attacked by a pack of werewolves,” Aiden growled, throwing a glare at JP.

“It wasn’t me,” JP protested, frowning.

“It happened near your territory,” Aiden said, folding his arms. “Your pack is responsible until the culprits are found.”

“Ease up, Aiden,” Lily snapped, glaring back. “JP saved me.”

“Funny, considering he doesn’t have a single scratch on him.”

“Maybe because he’s a werewolf, and he heals at supernatural speed,” Lily replied dryly.

Aiden stayed silent. Then Sirena spoke up. “Aiden, can I talk to you in private?” She turned on her heel without waiting for a response.

“Fine.” Aiden’s eyes narrowed, lingering on the closeness between his sister and JP. “And keep your hands to yourself,” he growled at JP.

“Aiden, go.” Lily pointed in the direction Sirena had gone.

He stormed away, leaving Lily and JP alone.

“Sorry about him,” Lily said, shaking her head.

“It’s fine,” JP replied. “Lily, did I just see Aiden’s eyes change color?”

“Oh, that.” She flushed a little. “It happens when he feels intense emotions.”

“But…”

“Our maternal grandfather was a werewolf. A lone wolf, or a rogue,” Lily explained.

“Wow.” JP let out a low whistle. “You and your family grow more interesting by the second. I’d love to study your family tree. And you know an omni-alpha? What’s the story behind that?”

“Omni-alpha?” Lily looked confused before understanding dawned. “Oh, you mean Sirena. Her story isn’t mine to tell.”

“Do Aiden and Sirena have a child together?”

Lily burst out laughing. “No! What makes you ask that?”

“There’s another scent in here,” he said, his eyes narrowing. “It’s…familiar. Faint, but…it has to be from a child.”

“Again,” Lily held her hands up, “not my story to tell.”

“Fair. So…what now?”

“Now, I convince my brother you had nothing to do with the attack. Then I have to convince Sirena that you’ll keep her…rank…to yourself.”

“Of course. Lily,” he faced her, looking deep into her eyes, “I had nothing to do with tonight’s attack.”

“I know.”

Jean-Pierre sighed, hesitating. “I know I haven’t been fair to you. I’ve judged you harshly. But I would never have sent—”

“JP, I believe you.”

“I’ll do whatever it takes to find out who’s responsible.”

“JP,” Lily placed a pale hand on top of his dark-tanned ones, “I don’t blame you. What happened was unfortunate, but as you can see, I’m very well trained.”

“I can’t argue with that,” he replied, smiling.

“Thank you for protecting me, though,” she said, giving him a timid smile.

“Me? Protect you?” JP scoffed, shaking his head. “Lily, you didn’t need my protection. You were incredible. I should be thanking you.”

“Agree to disagree.”

“No.” JP’s expression turned serious. “Don’t downplay what you did tonight. If anyone asks, I’ll tell them you kept me safe.”

“But—”

“No, Lily. You ran in heels. You sprinted through the woods. You took down more werewolves than I did. You knew where we were just by looking at the stars. Don’t undersell what you did, what you accomplished. You could have left me to fend for myself.”

“Well, you said it. They smelled like me. They were after me.”

Jean-Pierre caressed her hands with his, looking into her eyes. “Lily, you are amazing. Never let anyone tell you otherwise.”

***

“You failed!” the man shouted angrily.

“Don’t blame me!” Trixie shot back. “You didn’t expect her to turn into Robin Hood either! She didn’t miss a single shot—how is that my fault?”

“Fine! But now we’re going to have to rethink our strategy.” He paced, rubbing the top of his head in frustration. “Our audience will be here in less than a month,” he added, his tone tense.

“That’s not on me! I told you—”

“¡Cállate!” he shouted, cutting her off.

“I’m not doing this with you!” Trixie snapped, storming off. “Come find me when you’ve calmed down! Until then, don’t bother me.”