The Hybrid Mate

Chapter 7

Sebastian reached the bedroom door and turned the knob, locked.

“Izadora! Open the door. We need to talk.”

The possessive bond subsided, but frustration started building. He had no intention of hurting Ezekiel, nor was it even a death squeeze on his neck. But he could not help the monsters inside him becoming too possessive over his beautiful mate. He needed to remind Ezekiel of the bondmate rules.

“Izadora! I said, open the door!”

“Leave me alone,” Izzy said from inside the room.

“If you don’t open this door, I’m going to break it down!” Sebastian was just about to kick the door down when he heard the click, the door unlocked.

Sebastian swung the door wide open so violently that it slammed against the wall behind it, causing a dent on the wall. He saw Izzy rush toward the bathroom, possibly intending to lock herself inside. But Sebastian reached her in only a few long strides. His arm wrapped around her waist and effortlessly lifted her off the floor and slung her over his shoulder.

“Put me down!” Izzy pounded her fists on his back while she hung upside down.

Sebastian turned back to close the bedroom door as he said, “Why are you so mad at me? You were the one caught lying on the grass beside Ezekiel.”

“You gave your friend and ally a death grip on his neck! We were just talking! I see Zeke like a brother. Now, put me down!” Izzy pounded her fists again to no avail, as his back was hard as a brick.

“Zeke? You have pet names for each other now?” Sebastian clenched his jaw at the thought. “And I did not hold his neck in a death grip. If it were, he’d be dead in a second.”

“It’s easier to say than his tongue-twister type of name, OK?” Izzy realized she had a nickname for Ezekiel but none for Sebastian. She had to think of one if only to appease this mate of hers.

Sebastian deftly shifted Izzy around, sliding her in front of him, and laid her down on the bed. He then moved to lie on top of her, pinning her underneath him.

“Get off of me!” Izzy tried to swing her arms wildly at Sebastian, but he easily grabbed her wrists and held them in place above her head, rendering her immobile.

“Do you really want me to get off of you, Izadora?” A devilish smile crept up Sebastian’s visage. He could feel Izzy writhe underneath him, trying to wriggle herself out but without success.

Izzy rolled her eyes and spit out, “Yes, I do. One because I’m annoyed at you for choking your friend over jealousy. And Two, because... because...” She was having trouble stating her second reason as Sebastian had buried his face in the valley between her breasts and planted kisses slowly up towards her neck.

A moan escaped her lips when she felt Sebastian grasp her buttocks while he left fiery kisses along her neck and the area right below her ear. This made Sebastian grin against her soft porcelain skin.

As Sebastian continued to plant kisses, he whispered, “I apologize for my actions against Ezekiel, Izadora. I was merely reminding him of bondmate rules, that’s all. And I hope my actions now will lessen your annoyance against me. What is your second reason for wanting me to get off of you? I didn’t quite hear it...”

He then crashed his lips against hers, ravishing the insides of her mouth with his tongue, moaning as he growled, “So tasty... so sweet...”

Izzy gasped for air when they parted lips and found her body arching and pressing toward and against his, writhing with passionate need behind it.

Sebastian chuckled and said, “So, do you still want me to get off of you?” He nuzzled her neck again and inhaled her jasmine scent, filling himself with her sweet aroma and relishing the heat rising that it caused.

“No...” Izzy breathed, “You can stay where you are, but please...” She paused as she savored his ardent kiss. And continued after they pulled away from each other’s lips, “Can we just do this instead of the... you know... I’m still really sore there. It hurts to walk.”

Sebastian stopped licking her neck and gazed into her hooded eyes. He furrowed his brows and as if clarity came to him, Sebastian laughed... a hearty laugh which Izzy enjoyed listening to. She did not feel offended with this laugh of his because to her, Sebastian seemed to glow and become even more handsome than he already was.

“OK, My Love. I promise you I will refrain from entering you until you recover. But I cannot promise not tasting you later on tonight.” A low growl thundered within Sebastian.

Izzy noticed Sebastian’s eyes had changed from the darkest emerald that changed to near black-red when fury smoked within him earlier, and now, his eyes were a brilliant dark emerald that sparkled as he gazed at her.

With her hands now free from Sebastian’s grip, Izzy held her mate’s face between her hands and whispered, “I swear... your eyes... they changed colors today. I can only imagine a dragon’s eyes in picture books when I was younger, but sometimes I think I’m looking into a wolf’s pair of eyes. I know because I have cousins that are half-werewolves. And maybe it was your dragon earlier, but... it also resembles an alpha wolf. My cousin’s friend’s dad is the alpha in their pack.”

Sebastian leaned in and kissed Izzy fervently, and upon release to catch their breath, he smiled as he caressed her cheek and ran his hand through her blue-black hair.

“Funny you should say that, Izadora, My Love. Because just before we got back here, I got word from my friend at the Supreme Body. A few weeks back, I had this friend secretly test my blood. What prompted this was when Gabriel asked me months ago why my scent was too variable.”

Izzy said, “Zeke told me they detect pine, timber, rock, and fire.”

He nodded and kissed her lips. “I’ve always been told by the blood lab that perception of scents or aromas varies for each one. And each description might describe the underlying species. Fire is the dragon in me. Rock is so nonspecific until you actually catch the scent and it is the rock from the netherworld... my demon self. Timber is fresh-cut wood associated with the human part of me. I have always thought pine meant the warlock inside. But I have been told as a warlock, I unwittingly cloaked my scent. It’s like unconscious self-protection and self-preservation from anyone who wanted to harm me. So, no one knows what a warlock or witch smells like... only another warlock or witch can detect that part of me.”

“So, what does the pine signify?” Izzy held admiration for the diverse species in her mate’s blood.

“Remember that friend I mentioned?” Sebastian saw Izzy nod, and said, “He said I have werewolf blood in me, too.”

Izzy gasped and eyes widened in awe, followed by her narrowing her eyes at him and biting her lower lip.

Sebastian could feel himself harden between his legs and his length gently jamming into Izzy’s inner thighs. “Izadora, when I see you bite your lip, I very much want to chew and bite it myself.”

“Before you do, Sebastian... I just want to say, I knew there was an alpha wolf in you. Because I breathe in earth and rain and forest, and your scent sends tingles down my spine... so animalistic.”

As soon as the words came out, Izzy slammed her mouth shut with her hand. Her face flushed red in embarrassment that she spoke out those words to him.

Sebastian smiled his devilish grin and pressed his hard member against her middle, causing Izzy to let out a pleasurable moan as her eyes fluttered and she shivered. He captured her lips in his again and stayed in that passionate embrace so long until both broke apart for much-needed air.

Sebastian moved to reposition himself and pulled Izzy into a tight embrace while they lay in bed. “A promise is a promise. I will refrain from entering you until you recover and say it is OK for me to fill you up again. But I will still need to get my fill of your taste, though.”

Izzy quivered with the words spoken by Sebastian. She giggled, thinking about how he used simple words and make them sound so erotic.

After a few minutes enjoying each other’s warmth, Izzy wondered out loud, “Your scent to me is forest earth and rain. I’m trying to figure out which of your blood species represents what.”

“It is different for bondmates, Izadora. Mates inhale the essence that they perceive in their mate. It draws you to the bloodline that appeals to your subconscious the most. You said forest, earth, and rain. That could be the wolf in me I did not even know I had. But the earth or forest could also represent the dragon. Why Izadora... does my wild side appeal to you?” He teased and kissed her fervently.

Izzy blushed in his kiss and hearing Sebastian’s analysis out loud made sense. It must be the dragon in her... they liked things rough and fiery.

After releasing their kiss, Izzy asked quietly, “How about you, Sebastian? What is my aroma to you?”

Sebastian smiled and answered without hesitation, “To me, your scent is like jasmine with a hint of lavender and rosemary. That does not describe your bloodlines at all. But if I focused hard enough...” Sebastian trailed off, and Izzy watched as he closed his eyes and inhaled the surrounding air. He moved in close but not too close like when he would inhale her by her neck.

“I sense hot coal... lava... fresh bread... and fresh-cut flowers…”

He smiled gently and slowly opened his eyes. And whispered, “Now, that makes sense."

“What does?” Izzy lifted her eyebrows in curiosity.

“I’m drawn to your humanity since I smell the flowers in your essence. I remember enjoying looking at how you lived as a human when I was in your room, gathering your clothes and shoes with Joshua. But apparently, I’m also drawn to your dragon because I sense burning coal when we make love and when I kiss you passionately.”

“Are you sure it’s not because I’m not good at controlling my dragon’s heat?” Izzy lowered her gaze as her cheeks turned a shade of pink.

“No, My Love, not at all.” He leaned down and kissed her nose.

Suddenly, Sebastian froze and stared like he was in a trance.

Izzy looked at her mate with furrowed brows and concern on her face, “Sebastian?”

“Wait...” Sebastian breathed, “I also detect... tree bark and ocean... and candles...”

At that moment, Sebastian gazed down at Izzy and said, “Izadora, we need to get your blood tested.”

“Huh? Why? I already know I’m a hybrid human-dragon-demon.” She rolled her eyes.

Sebastian cupped her face and made her look at him. And in a serious tone, he spoke, “Hot coal is the dragon, yes. The lava most likely is your demoness from the depths of the earth at its core, and not surprising, considering your eye color is amber. If it were not obvious already, the fresh bread and fresh-cut flowers represent your human side. But just now... a very faint scent of tree bark and ocean, plus the candles.”

“What does that mean?” Izzy could feel her stomach twist in discomfort and dread, hearing that she had three other unrelated scents that the leader of the Alpha Reapers, her mate, had picked up on when he focused on her scent.

“My Love, there is an ancient wolf tribe off the Pacific coast that smells like you. And the candles... my gut says... witch.”

Izzy’s breath hitched in her throat. Sebastian telling her that her blood carried werewolf and witch was just overwhelming. These past couple of days were not exactly a disaster, but pretty close to it. Her life basically turned upside down and once more over and under.

Their bedroom door suddenly opened, and Ezekiel and Gabriel ran inside, panting. As soon as they saw Izzy and Sebastian in bed in a lovers’ embrace, both spun around, turning their backs on them.

“What is the meaning of this? Who told you you can just barge in my bedroom?” Sebastian sat up but did not release his arm around Izzy’s waist, as she also sat up with him.

“Sorry, Sebastian,” Gabriel was still panting. “But this is urgent!”

“What is?” Sebastian had gotten up and straightened his clothes and also helped Izzy with her clothes.

“Jaden Thorne is on her way,” Ezekiel answered with obvious anxiety in his voice.

Izzy noticed Sebastian stiffen beside her.

“Who’s Jaden Thorne?” She frowned. A brief silence met her query from all three men.

“Quickly, Ezekiel. Take Izadora to the witch in town and have her cast a spell to cloak her bloodlines. Gabriel, you are with me. How soon will she get here?”

“Fifteen, twenty minutes tops,” Gabriel said after glancing at his watch.

“Sebastian, who is Jaden Thorne?” Izzy continued to ask, while Sebastian gently pushed her to follow Ezekiel.

“Ezekiel will explain. But go, My Love. You need your bloodlines hidden from this woman. Go. Now!”

The sound of urgency in Sebastian’s voice prompted Izzy to bolt down the stairs following Ezekiel and rushed out towards the SUV. Ezekiel peeled out of the driveway in under three seconds, heading toward the blank zone’s downtown.

Izzy clicked her seatbelt, then gripped the seat as Ezekiel drove through narrow, winding roads at speeds bordering like a racetrack driver.

“Zeke! I want to get there in one piece! Can you please slow down?” Izzy grimaced every time they made a tight turn.

“Sorry, Izzy. Can’t slow down. Cloaking magic takes time, which we are lacking right now. And they can only explain so much regarding my absence from the team.” Ezekiel made another tight turn to the left, almost throwing the car into fruit stalls that lined the road.

“Why? Who is this Jaden Thorne?” Izzy’s irritation grew and her patience wore thin.

“She is the First Officer in charge of the Reapers under the Council,” Ezekiel said with a hint of contempt.

“So, is she just checking up on you guys then? Weren’t Sebastian, Gabriel, and Joshua just there this morning?” Another sharp turn landed Izzy bracing the dashboard.

“Izzy, I probably should not say this, so not to scare you. But besides the fact, Jaden is technically our boss, she is also a very skillful reaper. Meaning she can detect your bloodlines a mile away. That’s why Seb wants you cloaked by a witch downtown and fast. Remember... the council had been looking for you since you turned 13. The incident a few days ago blew up the hybrid trackers.”

“I know you guys told me. I’m a wanted abomination and current fugitive.” Izzy looked out the car window, stifling her tears as she recalled being torn away from the only family she knew.

Ezekiel shot a glance at Izzy, then said, “Izzy, you’re also Sebastian’s mate. And the dragon in you makes you a rare commodity.”

Izzy threw a confused stare toward Ezekiel.

Ezekiel audibly gulped and shook his head, “I wish Seb was the one telling you this. But here goes... Izzy, being a hybrid with a dragon as part of your bloodline is rare. They fear this hybrid because that means you are stronger than they are. Little do they know, you’re a little mushroom right now with no f*cking clue how to reignite or control your powers. And most of the hybrid dragon beings were... were... how shall I say this... wiped out by the council because of that fear of usurping their powerful position. We believe you to be one of the last dragon hybrids, Izzy. And with that... Jaden Thorne knows you are Sebastian’s mate.”

Izzy tried to absorb and understand everything Ezekiel was telling her while the car continued to top speeds too dangerous on city streets.

“And that makes them nervous because now there will be the two of us together?” Izzy concluded based on the information given her by this driving maniac half-demon.

The car finally came to a stop in front of a novelty store with the sign also advertising palm readings.

Before they got out, Ezekiel held Izzy’s hand and said, “You are right in your assumption, Izzy. Because the council will never allow a union between the two of you. They don’t want more dragon hybrids, much less babies of dragon hybrids.” 

This hit hard in Izzy’s heart. To hear that the council would disallow her union with Sebastian to continue was heart-wrenching. A hollow grew in the middle of her chest and her heart throbbed in pain.

Ezekiel got out and jogged to Izzy’s side and helped her out of the car.

“This is Madame Freya’s place. She knows us well after we helped her during the earthquake tragedy in the Pacific Coast. Don’t be scared, Izzy.” Ezekiel sensed Izzy’s anxiety and her pale complexion since leaving the house.

Izzy turned to Ezekiel and asked, “Is there anything else you’re not telling me, Zeke?”

Izzy’s question took Ezekiel aback. It seemed like the little mushroom was more astute than he thought. He cleared his throat and replied, “Nothing to worry about, Izzy. It’s not like it’ll affect you, anyway.”

“Tell me anyway. I’d like to know.”

“The council fears dragon hybrids like you and Sebastian. They don’t fear your human and demon sides. What they fear the most is nonexistent in this world.”

“And what’s that?”

“A hybrid that comprises a dragon and a wolf or a dragon and a warlock/ witch. Now either of those combinations will freak the daylights of those dudes.” Ezekiel chuckled as he gently guided Izzy into the novelty store.

Izzy froze, remembering her conversation with Sebastian not too long ago. What no one knew was that Sebastian had all the feared bloodlines within him. And there was a high probability that she, too, carried the same dangerous species combination. She needed to master the mind link blocking, or else...

“Oh my!” The musical voice of a woman traveled to Izzy’s ears from behind a curtain of beads that hung from the top of a doorway.

Izzy turned to see a tall woman in her mid50s, she had long curly dark brown locks that framed a face with silky white skin and eyes like ice-gray. Her chin matched her nose in sharp points.

“Hi, Freya.” Ezekiel smiled and pointed to Izzy. “We need urgent help. We need you to cast a cloaking spell to hide this little mushroom’s bloodlines and fast. Council member is here.”

As Freya approached Izzy, her eyes sparkled, and her smile broadened. And as soon as she stood in front of Izzy, she curtsied so low to the ground; she was practically kneeling. 

She then breathed, “Anything for my Queen.”

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