The Hybrid

Chapter 31

The classroom buzzed with chatter as Kyra walked to the front of the room, clutching her notes for her modernized rendition of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Her heart pounded in her chest, but she forced herself to breathe steadily. She glanced at the class before starting, her voice steady and confident as she wove the classic tale into a contemporary romance set in a bustling city. The class seemed captivated, and when she finished, her teacher beamed.

“Well done, Kyra,” the teacher said. “You captured the essence of the play while making it relatable for today’s audience. Excellent work.”

Kyra gave a polite nod and returned to her seat. As the next student presented, she let her gaze drift out the window. Her thoughts weren’t on the presentation or the upcoming play rehearsal—they were on Ryder.

The memory of last night flashed in her mind, Ryder’s intense gaze, the way his hand had brushed against her skin, sending shivers down her spine. What if he had kissed her? Her cheeks flushed at the thought. Would it have stopped there? Or would it have led to… more?

Her stomach fluttered, and a warm pulse spread through her body, making her feel lightheaded. She’d never experienced anything like this before. She’d never even had a boyfriend, let alone thought about… s*x. The thought both excited and terrified her.

“Kyra!”

She blinked, pulled out of her spiraling thoughts. The bell had rung, and the classroom was nearly empty. Allie stood beside her desk, her eyes bright with excitement.

“Come on! Rehearsal time!” Allie grabbed her hand and practically dragged her out of the classroom.

Kyra smiled faintly, letting Allie’s energy distract her. The two hurried to the auditorium, where a handful of students were already gathering for their Wizard of Oz rehearsal. The set was partially constructed on stage, with a painted backdrop of the Emerald City looming in the background.

Kyra stepped onto the stage and found her mark. She was playing Dorothy, a role she’d reluctantly taken after being hounded by the drama teacher for weeks. Allie, naturally, was Glinda the Good Witch, her bubbly personality making her perfect for the part. Kyle, to Kyra’s mild surprise, was playing the Scarecrow. He greeted her with a casual wave as they took their positions.

“All right, everyone!” the drama teacher called out, clapping her hands for attention. “Let’s take it from the top of Act Two. And remember, Friday’s the big night! I want perfection!”

The rehearsal began, and Kyra threw herself into her lines and songs. She poured her emotions into Dorothy’s journey, channeling her own feelings of being caught between two worlds—her human life and her hidden hybrid nature.

When it came time for her solo, the teacher stopped them all. “Kyra, your voice is spectacular. But I need you to sing it with more heart. Remember, Dorothy is lost but hopeful. Can you do that?”

Kyra nodded, and as she sang, her voice carried through the auditorium, filling the space with a hauntingly beautiful melody. When she finished, the teacher applauded. “Yes! That’s it! Wonderful!”

By the time rehearsal wrapped up, Kyra felt both exhilarated and exhausted. The teacher reminded everyone to be back by 5 p.m. on Friday for makeup and a quick run-through before the curtain went up at 7.

As Kyra grabbed her bag and headed offstage, Allie bounded up beside her, beaming. “You’re amazing, Kyra! Seriously, how are you not in every musical we do?”

Kyra smiled weakly, brushing off the praise. “You’re pretty great yourself.”

“Thanks, but you’re the star,” Allie said, nudging her playfully. “Are you excited for Friday?”

Kyra nodded absently, her mind already drifting back to Ryder and the chaos brewing just beneath the surface of her seemingly normal life.

The walk back to her locker was a blur. Kyra’s mind kept flipping between rehearsal, Ryder, and the mysterious danger looming over the pack. She wanted to focus on the play, her friends, anything that resembled a normal life, but the pull of her other reality was too strong.

“Earth to Kyra!” Allie snapped her fingers in front of Kyra’s face, snapping her out of her daze.

“Huh? What?” Kyra blinked at her friend.

“You’re zoning out again,” Allie said, tilting her head. “Seriously, what’s going on with you? You’ve been acting weird all day.”

Kyra forced a laugh, shaking her head. “Nothing. Just tired, I guess.”

Allie narrowed her eyes suspiciously but didn’t push. “Well, let’s hope you snap out of it by Friday. You’ve got a standing ovation coming your way, girl.” She grinned, slinging her bag over her shoulder. “See you tomorrow!”

Kyra waved as Allie left, but her smile faded as soon as she was alone. She needed to clear her head. The thought of Ryder, her father Dorian, and Wyatt’s threats felt like a storm cloud hanging over her.

On the way out of school, Kyle caught up to her. “Hey, great job today,” he said, falling into step beside her.

“Thanks,” Kyra said, glancing at him. “You weren’t bad yourself, Scarecrow.”

He chuckled, scratching the back of his neck. “It’s kind of fun, actually. Never thought I’d say that.”

They walked in silence for a moment before Kyle added, “By the way, I noticed you’ve been hanging around the Alpha a lot lately.” His tone was casual, but there was curiosity in his eyes.

Kyra’s heart skipped a beat. “Uh, yeah. He’s been helping me adjust to pack life.”

Kyle nodded slowly, his expression unreadable. “Well, if you ever need help with anything, just let me know. I know how overwhelming it can be.”

“Thanks, Kyle,” Kyra said, offering a small smile.

As they parted ways, Kyra hurried home, her thoughts racing. By the time she reached the pack house, she felt a headache coming on. She wanted to collapse in her room and block out the world, but as soon as she walked through the door, Ryder’s presence filled the space.

He was in the living room, speaking with Gregory in low tones. Both men glanced at her when she entered. Ryder’s eyes softened for a moment, but then he quickly returned to his stoic demeanor.

“Everything okay?” Kyra asked, hesitating in the doorway.

Gregory nodded and gave Ryder a knowing look before excusing himself. Ryder watched him leave, then turned to Kyra. “How was rehearsal?”

“It was fine,” she said, feeling awkward under his intense gaze.

Ryder nodded, his eyes scanning her face as if looking for something. “You look tired. Long day?”

“Yeah,” Kyra admitted, brushing past him. “I think I’m just going to head up to bed.”

Ryder didn’t stop her, but she could feel his eyes on her as she climbed the stairs. Once she was in her room, she shut the door and leaned against it, her chest tight.

What was happening to her? The more time she spent around Ryder, the harder it was to keep her emotions in check. She couldn’t afford to let herself get distracted—not with everything at stake.

But as she lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, her mind betrayed her. Images of Ryder’s piercing gaze, the warmth of his touch, and the intensity of his presence consumed her. She hated how much she wanted him.

And, deep down, she hated that she was starting to think she’d do anything to keep him safe—even if it meant facing the darkness alone.

Kyra rolled onto her side, staring out the window at the moon started to peek pushing the sun down. The soft glow illuminated her room, but it did nothing to quiet the storm in her mind. She hugged her pillow, trying to focus on something, anything other than Ryder. But it was impossible. His deep voice, the way he looked at her as if she were the only person in the world—it was maddening.

She clenched her fists. “Get it together,” she whispered to herself. “You have bigger things to worry about.”

But no matter how much she tried to push him out of her mind, the truth was undeniable: Ryder made her feel things she didn’t understand. Things she wasn’t ready for.

Her thoughts shifted to the field from the night before. She could still feel the electricity in the air when he leaned in, their breaths mingling as if the universe itself had pulled them together. What would’ve happened if the alarm hadn’t gone off? Would he have kissed her?

Her heart raced at the memory, and warmth spread through her body. But then reality came crashing down. Ryder was the Alpha—powerful, respected, and mourning a mate he had loved deeply. Kyra was…complicated. A hybrid. A secret. A danger to everyone she cared about.

She sighed, closing her eyes tightly. “You can’t fall for him,” she murmured. “You can’t.”

But as the moonlight bathed her room, Kyra knew it was already too late.

Downstairs, Ryder stood at the base of the stairs, staring up toward Kyra’s room. His hand rested on the banister, his jaw tight as he fought the urge to check on her again. The tension in his chest was unbearable. Every time he saw her, every moment he spent near her, his resolve crumbled a little more.

Ryder ran a hand through his hair, muttering under his breath. He had to get a grip. She was under his protection, his responsibility. Yet, deep down, he knew it was more than that.

He climbed the stairs slowly, his footsteps almost silent. When he reached her door, he paused, listening. Her heartbeat was steady, though faster than usual. She wasn’t asleep.

Ryder placed a hand on the doorframe, leaning his forehead against it. He wanted so badly to go inside, to tell her everything he was feeling. But how could he? She was already carrying so much, and his feelings would only complicate things further.

With a deep breath, Ryder turned and walked to his own room. Once inside, he closed the door and leaned against it, his head tilted back as he exhaled sharply.

“What are you doing, Ryder?” he muttered to himself.

He pushed off the door and began pacing. The image of Kyra’s face, illuminated by moonlight, wouldn’t leave his mind. She was like a flame, drawing him in even though he knew it could burn them both.

But it wasn’t just desire—it was something deeper, something primal and unshakable. He didn’t just want her; he wanted to protect her, to be the reason she felt safe.

And that terrified him.

Falling back onto his bed, Ryder stared at the ceiling, his thoughts a chaotic mess. He knew what was coming, the danger that lurked just beyond the borders. He’d already decided to keep Kyra safe at any cost.

But now, he realized it wasn’t just duty driving him. It was love.

Ryder closed his eyes, exhaustion pulling at him, but his mind refused to rest. He had a meeting to call, preparations to make. The Full Moon Celebration was just days away, and with it came risks he couldn’t ignore.

But above all else, one thought anchored him: Kyra. Keeping her safe wasn’t just his responsibility. It was his purpose.