the Hybrid's Prophecy

Chapter 3

The bass pulsed through the club, sending vibrations up Lia’s legs as she moved to the rhythm of the music. Under the flashing neon lights, bodies swayed together, lost in the beat. Steph twirled beside her, her sequined dress catching every flicker of light as she threw her hands up, singing along to the song. Lia laughed, mirroring the movement. For the first time in a long while, she let herself relax.

The group had migrated from their booth to the dance floor after a couple of rounds of drinks. Lia hadn’t drunk much, just enough to feel pleasantly warm. The music, the crowd, the flashing colors… it was intoxicating in itself.

Somewhere in the haze of lights and sound, something nagged at her. A presence. No, multiple. They pressed against the edges of her senses, fleeting but undeniable. But the club was too packed, the air too thick with mingling scents and energy for her to pinpoint exactly who or where they were.

She tried to focus, but the realization slipped like water through her fingers. A dull fog had settled over her mind. Had she really drunk that much?

Before she could dwell on it further, Steph’s voice cut through the music. “Lia, come meet these guys! They’re thinking of transferring to UBC.”

Turning, Lia found herself face to face with two men she didn’t recognize. One was broad-shouldered, his dark blond hair tousled like he’d just run a hand through it. The other, slightly leaner and with a mop of unruly curls, had a sharp gaze that flicked over her quickly before settling into something more casual.

“Hey, I’m Ben,” the taller blond one introduced, offering a hand. “This is Kellan.”

Lia took it slowly, glancing between them. Something about them tickled her instincts, but her thoughts were too muddled to figure out why.

Kellan grinned. “Steph says you know the best spots in town. Think you’d be down to show a couple of newbies around?”

Lia forced a smile, nodding.

As they started walking back toward the booth, the club lights strobing overhead, Ben and Kellan matched her pace silently, exchanging a look that Lia almost missed.

Steph, never one to miss an opportunity, leaned in with a playful grin. “So, what are you guys studying?”

Ben shrugged, almost too casually. “Business. Kinda. I’ve been thinkin’ about switching to something... I dunno, more hands-on.”

Kellan smirked. “Psych. I like figuring people out. It makes things... interesting.”

Bri, who had been quiet until now, raised a brow. “Why UBC? You guys must’ve had other options.”

Kellan exchanged a quick glance with Ben, then said, “Just needed a change of pace. Vancouver’s got... vibes, y’know?”

Steph gave Lia a knowing look before turning back to them. “And are you two single? Or are we getting the runaround?”

Ben laughed, scratching the back of his neck. “No secret girlfriend. Just us.”

Kellan tilted his head with a grin. “Not tied down, if that’s what you mean.”

Steph’s grin widened. “Good to know.”

Lia sipped her drink, watching the exchange with mild amusement. Steph always found new people to talk to. It was one of her talents. Within five minutes, she’d know their life story and have plans to meet up again.

Despite the easy conversation, that nagging sense of unease hadn’t left her. Something about them still didn’t sit right, but for now, she pushed the feeling aside.

Emma, who had been scrolling through her phone, suddenly perked up. “Hell of a night to visit. This place has just opened.”

Jason nodded, taking a sip from his drink. “Yeah, it’s not usually this crazy at other clubs.”

He turned to Ben and Kellan. “What do you guys do for fun? Besides clubbing, obviously.”

Ben leaned back slightly. “Hiking. City’s got nice trails.”

Kellan smirked. “And we get into a little trouble now and then.”

Emma arched a brow. “Trouble, huh? What kind of trouble?”

Ben laughed. “Nothing illegal. Just... exploring.”

Lia listened, still feeling a slight haze clouding her thoughts and a buzzing that got louder by the minute. The conversation was light, but something still felt off. She just couldn’t quite put her finger on it.

She blinked, trying to shake the sluggish feeling settling over her. Had she really drunk that much? She counted back. Two cocktails, half a shot with Bri, and a sip of Steph’s drink. That wasn’t nearly enough to make her feel this foggy.

Her gaze swept over the group, taking in the way Steph leaned closer to Kellan, Bri laughing at something Ben had said. Everyone seemed normal, buzzing with alcohol-induced excitement, but Lia felt… wrong. Her limbs were heavier, her thoughts slower.

No, something was definitely off.

She needed water.

“I’ll be right back,” she said, pushing away from the group before anyone could protest, they all continued the conversation as if she had never left. The air shifted as she made her way through the crowd, her steps less steady than she liked. The flashing lights didn’t help, disorienting her further, but she focused on one goal. Getting a glass of water and clearing her head. The buzzing had gotten a bit lighter.

As she neared the bar, a glint of movement caught her eye in the mirror behind the bottles. She paused, staring. Someone stood just behind her, a pale face, dark eyes locked on her.

She turned.

No one.

The space behind her was crowded but ordinary. Just club goers dancing, laughing, moving. The reflection was gone.

She shook her head. The haze in her mind made it hard to tell what was real. With her left hand, she gently touched her pendant, focusing. Trying to ease her mind.

Before she could signal to a bartender, a familiar voice pierced through the fog.

“Lia!” Jeremy shouted over the music, practically bouncing on his heels and grinning widely with his usual overzealous energy. “I didn’t know you’d be here tonight! Steph told me you were out, and I thought, well, why not join the fun?”

Lia forced a smile, already feeling the familiar sense of unease. She had told him before she wasn’t interested, but he never seemed to catch on.

“Hey, Jeremy,” Lia said, her voice strained as she tried to keep the conversation light. “Yeah, Steph mentioned you’d texted. Hope you’re having a good time.”

Jeremy shifted closer, too close for comfort, his eyes scanning her with that familiar, over-enthusiastic look.

“I am now that I see you,” he said, tone flirty in a way that made Lia uncomfortable. “You look amazing tonight, by the way. Sexy as always.” He grinned, obviously pleased with himself.

Lia took a half step back, forcing a laugh. “Thanks, but you know I’m just here to have fun with Steph and her friends. Nothing serious.”

Jeremy didn’t seem to catch the hint. “Well, maybe you’re just not looking for anything serious with me, but I’m happy to stick around, if you want some company.” He smirked, running a hand through his hair. “You know, I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately... You’ve got me all... messed up, Lia.”

Lia shifted, feeling the weight of his gaze on her. She didn’t want to be rude, but she also didn’t want him to think she was leading him on.

“I told you before, Jeremy,” she said, a little firmer now. “I’m not interested. You’re a great guy, but I don’t feel that way about you. Please don’t make it weird.”

Jeremy’s smile faltered, but he quickly recovered. His voice dropped, his tone turning almost needy.

“Come on, Lia. You don’t have to pretend. I’ve seen the way you look at me when you think no one’s looking.” He leaned in even closer, his breath warm against her ear. “You want me, I know you do. Just admit it.”

Lia recoiled slightly, her stomach twisting with discomfort. “Jeremy, that’s not what’s happening here. I’m just…”

Before she could finish, he grabbed her arm, pulling her gently but insistently toward the back exit. “Let’s go somewhere quiet, okay? Just you and me. I know you want to be alone with me.”

Lia’s heart raced. She tried to pull her arm free, but his grip was tight. “Let go of me, Jeremy,” she said, her voice rising. “This isn’t funny anymore.”

His eyes darkened, and his smirk turned into something more intense, almost predatory. “Come on, Lia, don’t make this difficult. I know what you really want.”

Lia’s heart skipped. She felt a sudden, sharp wave of unease. Something wasn’t right, not just with the situation, but with her, too. Her head swam, and she felt a sickly sensation crawl through her stomach. The flashing lights made everything blur and spin in the worst way.

Lia’s pulse thudded in her ears as well as that buzzing noise from earlier. Her skin crawled where he touched her, and the room spun harder with each step he pulled her away. She yanked harder.

“Let go of me!” she said, louder this time, her voice cracking.

“Come on. Don’t pretend. I see through the act. You want this.”

She tried to pull away again.

Then, just as she felt the world tilting, a voice cut through the haze.

“That’s enough.”

He appeared out of nowhere. Had he been watching the whole time?

Ben’s voice was like a force of nature. He stepped between her and Jeremy with simple confidence, his broad frame blocking the view of her from Jeremy’s eager gaze.

“You heard me,” he added, his tone low but commanding. “Let go of her. Now.”

Jeremy hesitated, his cocky expression faltering as Ben’s presence loomed over him. His eyes flicked between him and Lia, narrowing with irritation.

“What’s your problem, huh? Just trying to talk to her.”

Ben didn’t flinch. “You’re crossing a line. She said no.”

Jeremy hesitated, then muttered something under his breath before backing away, his eyes still lingering on Lia. He shot one last glare at Ben before retreating.

Lia exhaled shakily, her body still tense from the confrontation. “Thanks... I didn’t know what else to do.”

Ben gave her a small, reassuring nod. “No problem.”

But a thought crystallized through the fog: How had he known? The club was huge, the music deafening. He’d appeared exactly when she needed him.

Like he’d been watching.

She pondered if she should still get that glass of water, but after a couple of seconds, she decided to walk back to the booth instead. Ben fell into step beside her. The music still pulsed loudly around them, but it felt muffled, distant now. They reached the booth where the others were sitting.

Steph, her face lighting up when she saw them, waved them over. “There you are! Are you guys having fun?”

Lia forced a smile, trying to shake off the uncomfortable tension still clinging to her. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just a little tired, that’s all,” she said, rubbing her temple.

Steph’s expression shifted to one of concern. “Are you sure? You look like you’re about to pass out.”

Lia started nodding, but halfway through her first nod she shook it instead, taking a deep breath. “You know what? I think I’m gonna call it a night. I’m feeling a bit under the weather, to be honest.”

Steph’s expression shifted immediately, concern replacing her earlier excitement. “Wait, what? I’m coming with you.”

“Steph, you don’t need to...”

“Lia.” Steph grabbed her purse and stood. “Look at yourself. You can barely keep your eyes open. I’m not letting you get in a cab alone like this.”

Lia wanted to argue, but the truth was she felt awful. The room was still spinning, her thoughts sluggish. Having Steph with her didn’t sound like the worst idea.

“You sure?” Lia asked weakly. “I don’t want to ruin your night.”

Steph rolled her eyes. “You’re not ruining anything. Besides, these guys will still be here next weekend.” She turned to the group. “Sorry, everyone, duty calls.”

Jason raised his drink. “No worries. Get home safe.”

Emma nodded. “Text us when you’re back.”

Ben stood. “You guys need a ride or anything?”

“We’ll grab a cab,” Steph said, already guiding Lia toward the exit. “Thanks though.”

Kellan watched them go, his expression unreadable. “Take care of her.”

“Always do,” Steph said over her shoulder.

They wove through the crowd, Steph’s arm around Lia’s waist, steadying her when she stumbled. The cool night air would help, Lia told herself. She just needed to get outside.

But as they neared the exit, that familiar prickle crept up her spine again.

Someone was watching.

She glanced back over her shoulder, scanning the crowd.

Jeremy stood near the bar, his eyes locked on them, his expression dark.