The Hybrid

Chapter 26

The morning sun shone brightly as Kyra walked through the school’s front doors, the murmur of voices around her immediately picking up. It felt strange being back after her hospitalization, but the rumors about her Lycanthexia seemed to have explained everything. She kept her head down, hoping to avoid too much attention.

“Kyra!” Kyra turned just in time to see her best friend rushing toward her, arms flailing. Allie practically tackled her into a hug.

“Oh my gosh, Kyra, I was so worried! Are you okay? What happened? I heard you collapsed, and they rushed you to the hospital! I thought you were dying!” Allie’s words tumbled out in a breathless rush.

“I’m fine, Allie,” Kyra said, laughing softly at her friend’s concern. “It was just… overwhelming.”

“Don’t you ever scare me like that again!” Allie’s eyes brimmed with relief.

Before Kyra could respond, a familiar voice cut through the crowd.

“Well, look who decided to show up.”

Kyra turned to see Amber standing a few feet away, arms crossed, her usual smirk plastered across her face. “I have to say, it’s been… peaceful with you gone even if it was only a day. Too bad it didn’t last.”

Kyra opened her mouth to retort, but another voice interrupted.

“Give it a rest, Amber.”

Kyle stepped forward, ignoring Amber’s glare as he focused on Kyra. “Hey, glad to see you’re feeling better. I heard you moved into the pack house after the hospital? How’s that been?”

Kyra shifted awkwardly. “It’s… different. But good.”

Kyle smiled. “That’s great! Congrats on joining the mentorship program. I’m part of that too, so if you ever need help, just ask.”

Amber’s jealous scoff cut through the air. “Mentorship? Is that how you got into the pack house? You must’ve really impressed someone.” Her eyes narrowed, her tone dripping with malice. “Word of advice: don’t get too comfortable. The Alpha is spoken for.”

Kyra blinked, keeping her face neutral as Amber continued. “Once he makes it official and names me as his chosen, your little fantasy of playing pack princess will be over. And until then, I’ll make your life hell.”

Kyra clenched her fists but forced herself to remain calm. She couldn’t afford another fight—not with everyone watching. Without a word, she turned on her heel and walked toward her next class, leaving Amber fuming behind her.

Mrs. Betsy’s voice echoed through the room as she wrote an impossibly long equation on the board. “Alright, class. Let’s see who’s been paying attention.”

Kyra stared out the window, her mind wandering back to the discovery of her true father, she still couldn’t believe it. The sound of her name jolted her from her thoughts.

“Kyra!” Mrs. Betsy’s stern voice broke through her haze. “Since you seem so distracted, why don’t you solve this for us?”

Kyra blinked, her gaze snapping to the board. Without hesitation, she rattled off the answer, earning a surprised murmur from her classmates.

Mrs. Betsy raised an eyebrow. “Impressive. Let’s try another.”

One by one, she presented increasingly complex problems, and Kyra answered each one flawlessly. By the time the bell rang, Mrs. Betsy looked both impressed and skeptical.

“Kyra,” she called as the class began filing out. “Have you considered moving to a more advanced math class? You’re clearly capable.”

Kyra offered a polite smile. “Thank you, but I’m fine where I am. I already stand out enough.”

Mrs. Betsy nodded, though she seemed unconvinced.

Kyra walked to her locker, only to be intercepted by Allie, who was practically vibrating with excitement.

“Kyra! Guess what? Ethan asked me to the Full Moon Celebration!”

Kyra’s eyebrows shot up. “He did?”

“Yes! And I just know he’s my mate. I can feel it!” Allie clasped her hands together, her face glowing with happiness.

Kyra tilted her head. “How do you know?”

Allie hesitated, as if searching for the right words. “It’s hard to explain. It’s like… a pull. Like I was meant to be with him.”

Kyra nodded thoughtfully.

Suddenly, Allie gasped, her eyes widening. “Oh my gosh, Kyra! Do you think you’ve found your mate?”

Kyra’s cheeks flushed. “What? No—”

Allie lightly slapped her arm. “Don’t lie to me! Who is it?”

Kyra shrugged, trying to hide her smile.

Allie narrowed her eyes, then gasped again, louder this time. “It’s the Alpha, isn’t it?” she whispered, her voice low but urgent. “You’ve been spending so much time with him. It makes sense!”

“Shh!” Kyra hissed, looking around nervously. “Promise me you won’t tell anyone.”

Allie crossed her heart. “Your secret’s safe with me. But… does he know?”

Kyra’s smile faltered. “I don’t know. And I’m too afraid to ask.”

Allie squeezed her arm reassuringly. “Well, I’m here for you, no matter what.”

Kyra felt a warmth she hadn’t experienced before. Allie was a true friend—the kind she’d never had before.

“Oh! Tonight’s karaoke night at the club!” Allie said, her excitement returning. “You should come with me!”

Kyra hesitated. “I’ll think about it.”

As they stepped outside, Kyra spotted Ryder leaning casually against the Shelby, his signature tweed vest, button-up shirt, and jeans giving him the effortless “James Dean” look Kyra had grown to love.

Allie elbowed her playfully. “I’ll see you tonight,” she whispered before bowing to Ryder. “Alpha.”

Ryder gave her a polite nod before he turning his attention to Kyra. He smiled and opened the car door for her.

Blushing, Kyra slid into the passenger seat.

Ryder glanced at her as he started the engine. “Good day?”

Kyra hesitated before nodding. “It was… interesting.”

He smirked. “High school usually is.”

After a moment of silence, Kyra cleared her throat. “Um, Ryder? Would it be okay if I went to the club with Allie tonight? It’s karaoke night.”

Ryder raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. “Kyra, you don’t need my permission to go anywhere. You’re free to do as you please.”

She smiled sheepishly. “I just thought I’d ask. Would you like to go?”

Ryder smirked. “I haven’t sung in years, you know. I’d probably embarrass myself.”

Kyra grinned. “I promise I won’t laugh… too much.”

Ryder chuckled, his eyes twinkling. “Alright, I’ll go. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Kyra beamed, her excitement bubbling over as they continued their drive.

Back at the pack house, Kyra paced in her room, nervously debating what to wear. It wasn’t a date, she reminded herself. Just karaoke night with Allie. And Ryder. The thought of him singing made her grin—and also made her stomach twist with nerves.

She finally settled on a pair of fitted jeans, a flowy black top, and ankle boots. Simple but flattering. She pulled her hair into loose waves, leaving it down, and gave herself a final once-over in the mirror.

A knock at the door startled her.

“It’s me,” Ryder’s deep voice called.

Kyra opened the door, trying not to let her eyes linger on how effortlessly handsome he looked. They walked down the stairs towards the doors.

“Ready?” he asked, his voice laced with amusement.

Before Kyra could respond, Gregory walked in from the side hall, raising a brow at the two of them. “Going somewhere?”

“Karaoke night,” Ryder said casually.

Gregory froze for a moment before breaking into laughter. “You’re going to sing?”

Ryder smirked. “Why not? Even Alphas need to blow off some steam.”

Gregory shook his head in disbelief. “I’ve got to see this.” He turned toward the stairs and called, “Kyle, let’s go!”

Kyra blinked in surprise as Gregory’s son, Kyle, bounded down the stairs, looking curious.

“Where are we going?” Kyle asked, adjusting the collar of his shirt.

“Karaoke night,” Gregory said with a grin. “Your Alpha is about to serenade us all.”

Kyle chuckled. “This I’ve got to see.”

Ryder rolled his eyes but didn’t protest as Gregory and Kyle followed them outside to their cars.