The Hybrid

Chapter 17

The bell rang, Kyra slammed her locker shut. Her and Allie walked into health class, Amber was back at school, everyone surrounded her making a fuss over her face. Her face was still fairly bruised, normally werewolves heal pretty quickly but Kyra did some heavy damage that’s taken some time to heal.

“Alright, everyone, settle down. Today, we’re going to cover an essential topic in werewolf health: the stages of development and the physiological and emotional changes you’ll experience as werewolves. This is important, so take notes—you’ll thank me later.

Let’s start with werewolf puberty. Puberty for us isn’t just a time of awkwardness and growth spurts; it’s when your wolf begins to awaken fully. This typically starts between the ages of 12 and 16, though it varies by individual. You’ll notice heightened senses—sharper hearing, stronger scents, and an increased awareness of your surroundings. Around this time, you may also experience your first shift, which can be… let’s just say, messy. It’s normal for early shifts to be uncontrollable and triggered by strong emotions or a full moon’s pull. With practice, you’ll gain control, but patience and discipline are key.”

Everyone scribbled in their notebook, Amber threw a crumpled piece of paper at the back of Kyra’s head. Kyra scoff and though to herself,

This b***h never learns.

“Now, let’s move on to the mate’s bond. As you all know, the mate bond becomes detectable around the age of 18. Why 18, you ask? That’s when your wolf is considered fully matured. Once you reach this age, your wolf will become attuned to the unique scent of your mate. Every mate has a specific scent designed to draw you in—it’s deeply personal. Some describe it as earthy, others as spicy or warm, but it will always feel… right.”

Kyra couldn’t help but think about Ryders scent, mahogany and mint, panic creeped in her chest.

“When the bond forms, it’s not just physical. The connection is emotional and spiritual. Mates can sense each other’s feelings, from joy to despair. More importantly, they can feel each other’s pain. If your mate is hurt, you’ll feel it like a phantom ache. This connection serves to strengthen the bond and ensures that mates will protect each other at all costs. But I’ll warn you—this is a two-way street. If you’re reckless with your body or emotions, your mate will bear some of that burden. Respect the bond.”

She continued to write on the board,

“Next, let’s talk about the full moon. For most of us, the full moon amplifies everything—our strength, speed, and instincts. It also intensifies the bond between mates. On a full moon night, emotions can run high, and the pull toward your mate becomes almost magnetic. It’s both exhilarating and overwhelming, so be prepared.

Lastly, we need to discuss how the bond manifests in practical ways. Beyond emotions, mates often share a heightened sense of awareness. You might know where your mate is, even if they’re far away. Some call it instinct; others call it a spiritual connection. In times of danger, this bond can become life-saving.

But let me leave you with a word of caution. Not everyone finds their mate immediately, and some may never find them. That doesn’t make you less of a wolf. The mate bond is sacred, but it’s not the only thing that defines you. And for those who do find their mate, remember: the bond is powerful but fragile. It’s your responsibility to nurture and protect it.”

Amber rose her hand,

“Mrs. Grayson, what about second mates and chosen mates? How do those work?”

“Good question, Amber.

First, let’s discuss second mates. Normally, the mate bond is seen as sacred and singular—one wolf, one soulmate. But life, as we know, is rarely simple. Sometimes, a wolf’s true mate may die, leaving the surviving wolf devastated and unanchored. When this happens, there’s a possibility, though rare, for the Moon Goddess to grant a second mate. A second mate isn’t chosen by you; it’s another fated bond. The connection may not feel as immediate or overwhelming as the first, but over time, it can grow just as deep.”

Kyra listened closer,

“That said, second mates come with complications. The bond isn’t always as strong as the first, and some wolves carry lingering guilt or struggle to open themselves fully. Still, second mates are a chance for healing and moving forward, and they’re proof that the Goddess sometimes grants second chances.

Now, onto chosen mates. A chosen mate is exactly what it sounds like—someone you choose to claim as your partner without the guidance of the fated bond. In some packs, this happens for political reasons or to strengthen alliances. While a chosen mate doesn’t have the natural, instinctive pull of a fated bond, it can still form a strong connection if both wolves commit to it. However, the emotional depth and the spiritual tie often don’t compare to what’s shared with a true mate.

There’s also one major difference between the two: with a fated mate, the bond is nearly indestructible. It’s innate, undeniable, and tied to the core of your wolf. With a chosen mate, the bond relies entirely on effort, loyalty, and mutual choice. It can be broken much more easily, especially if one wolf encounters their true mate later in life.

That brings us to the unique challenge: what happens when a wolf finds their fated mate after choosing someone else? This is incredibly rare, but it can cause intense conflict. The pull toward the fated mate is often so strong that it overshadows the chosen bond, leading to heartbreak and division. Some wolves choose to honor their chosen mate, suppressing the bond with their fated one. Others can’t resist, leading to chaos and fractured packs.

Finally, there’s the question of what happens when a wolf loses their mate—whether by death or rejection. While second mates are rare and chosen mates can offer a path forward, it’s important to remember that not all wolves find healing. Some wolves fall into madness or despair, especially Alphas, whose bonds are often the strongest.”

Kyra thought about Ryder, would that happen to him if she was his second mates?

“At the end of the day, mates—whether fated or chosen—are a gift. But they’re also a responsibility. Care for them, respect the bond, and remember that love, in all its forms, takes work.”

The bell rang, everyone gathered their things.

Amber walked up to Kyra with her friends and knocked her book to the ground,

“I suggest you start thinking about leaving this pack,”

Kyra took a deep breath,

“And why is that Amber?”

Amber scoffed,

“Cause it’s confirmed I’m going to be the alphas chosen mate and as soon as that happens I’m banishing you from the pack. So stay away from my mate, bitch.”

Kyra felt the anger start to bubble in her chest, she picked up her book and placed it in her bag. She stood up from her desk making Amber jump back in fear.

Kyra’s smirked,

“We’ll see, but in the mean time.” Kyra got close leaving only inches away from each other’s faces, “Stay the f**k away from me, if you know what’s good for you.”

Amber couldn’t help but tremble with fear, Kyra’s eyes were a bright burgundy. Kyra pushed past her leaving the classroom before Amber could respond.

Kyra stormed down the hall breathing heavy, she was trying so hard to control her emotions.

She felt angry, sad, and scared.

She stopped in front of the dance studio, she threw open the doors and threw her bag across the room. She took deep breaths, we walked over to the stereo and played whatever song on, Youngbloods by 5 Second of Summer. She started shaking her arms and chest, she rolled her head in a circled motion, trying to losses up and relax.

Then as the beat picked up she started dancing to the beat, she glided across the floor dancing out her rage. It was really the only way for her to calm down, dancing.

The song ended, Kyra felt little better.

“You’re an amazing dancer.”

The voice made Kyra jump, she turned to the door and saw Ryder leaning against the door frame with he’s arms and legs crossed casually. He wore a deep red tweed vest, silk black button up with sleeves rolled up and dark faded jeans. Kyra started to notice that was his style and she liked it.

Ryder raised an eyebrow,

“You ok, you fe.. seem tense.”

Ryder corrected himself, he could feel a little of what she was feeling.

Kyra cleared her throat,

“Yea just, just needed to dance out some aggression that’s all. Ambers back and clearly didn’t learn her lesson, so here I am trying to control myself.”

Ryder nodded, he could sense her emotions heightening again.

“So you like to dance, have you ever danced with a partner.”

He pushed himself away from the door closing it behind him, he walked up to the stereo and put a new cd in and turned to Kyra.

Kyra’s heart quickened not knowing what was coming next,

“No, I normally dance by myself.”

Ryder turned on the music,

“Show me what you got.”

The music started, soft and teasing, a playful beat that seemed to spark between them like electricity. Kyra could help but bite her lip and smile, she straightened her body. Kyra moved first, her body fluid and confident, blending the elegance of ballet with the sharp precision of hip-hop. Her movements were magnetic, her feet light yet deliberate, her hips swaying with a rhythm that Ryder couldn’t take his eyes off of.

Ryder stepped in, his style grounded and deliberate, a contrast to her graceful energy. His movements were classic, his control unwavering, but there was something raw and powerful in the way he moved—strong hands guiding Kyra into a spin, his footwork perfectly timed to the beat.

As the song picked up, they moved together seamlessly. Ryder lifted Kyra effortlessly, her body arching in the air as though she were weightless. When she landed, their steps fell into perfect sync, her sharp, playful moves challenging his steady, commanding presence. Their chemistry was undeniable, every step drawing them closer, every touch igniting the space between them.

Kyra leaned into him during a slower section, her head tilting up as their eyes locked. For a moment, it felt like the world had stopped, the music pulsing softly as their movements slowed to match. Then, with a playful smile, she stepped away, pulling him back into the rhythm. Ryder followed without hesitation, his style adapting to hers, their dance a perfect balance of control and freedom.

When the final beats of the song hit, Kyra leapt into Ryder’s arms, her body spinning before she landed gracefully in his hold. The music faded, but they didn’t move right away, their breathing heavy, their connection undeniable.

The bell rang, the door to the studio swung open. Ryder and Kyra quickly pulled away from each other even though they didn’t want to, the dance team quickly flooded the room. They saw Ryder and quickly bowed in respect, Ryder bowed back in response. He turned to Kyra but she was already gone, his heart was still beating fast and his skin still tingled. There was no denying it Kyra was his second mate and he had to get to the bottom of her secret.