The Alpha's Hybrid

Eight

JACKSON

Mate.

I looked up at my mate, searching her eyes. Fear. Prominent. Raw.

She was scared of me.

She turned to Caleb. He shook his head, silently telling her to stay calm. She stumbled. I rushed out of my seat—but Caleb reached her first, holding her hand, rubbing her back.

My wolf lost it.

I felt my eyes shift from sea-blue to yellow. My wolf was trying to take over—to show everyone who my mate belonged to.

I growled. Louder.

Caleb squeezed her hands. Her heartbeat spiked.

Was she that scared of me?

She started backing away. My wolf became alert.

Is she trying to leave me?

He whimpered.

Then she ran—back toward the kitchen.

I started after her. Caleb stepped in front of me, blocking my path. I growled, but he didn't relent. His eyes were darkening. His wolf wanted control too.

Just how close were they?

I pushed past him and continued toward the kitchen—but Caleb grabbed my hand, stopping me.

The waitress from earlier rushed past us.

I could feel Alpha vibes rolling off Caleb in waves. He didn't relent. My warriors stood, sensing their Alpha's authority being challenged.

Our staring contest broke when the waitress rushed back in.

"Caleb, she's unconscious!" she said, her panic fake.

Caleb's expression shifted to worry. He dashed toward the kitchen. I followed.

He checked the kitchen—empty. Then he ran to the back door. It was open.

He pushed through.

I followed.

And there she was—passed out on the floor. Pale. Heartbeat weak.

I was terrified.

Caleb cradled her in his arms. "Nixy? Open your eyes. Come on."

Was her name Nixy?

He scooped her up and ran. I followed, ready to stop him—until David mind-linked me.

"Alpha, he's taking her to the hospital. We should follow."

I watched Caleb put her in a black Mercedes and speed off.

I jumped into my car and followed.

---

We tore through traffic. Gardens, greenhouses, nature's beauty—all blurred past. I couldn't focus on anything but her.

Caleb parked haphazardly in front of the hospital, jumped out, and carried her inside. I was right behind him.

He rushed to the receptionist, demanding a gurney. One was brought. She was wheeled toward the emergency room.

A nurse approached Caleb. "What happened to her?"

"Panic attack. She passed out."

I marched up to the nurse. "Hurry up and treat my mate."

She nodded nervously and dashed off.

Caleb collapsed into a waiting chair.

---

"She's weak. Really weak. Her wolf must've been gone for a long time and only showed up today. Stress, anxiety, tension, and lack of eating took a toll. She needs rest," the pack doctor said—a woman with permed black hair and round spectacles.

"Yes, Dr. Ashley. She's stubborn. Doesn't eat. Has trouble sleeping. But as soon as she wakes, I'll make sure she eats and doesn't stress," Caleb replied quietly.

I growled. "Feed her? Just how close are you to MY MATE?"

I hadn't meant to growl, but the stress of the day was taking its toll.

"She's my best friend, Alpha," Caleb said, meeting my eyes. Challenging me.

I almost growled again—but stopped myself. He knew her inside out. If I wanted to understand her, I'd need to be civil.

"Best friend?"

"Nixy is my best and only friend. She's a girl with a pure heart—but she's been through a lot. Take care of her, or I'll hunt you down," he snarled.

He snarled at me.

Just how close were they? He said friends. She was his chef. They saw each other every day.

"What do you mean, she's been through a lot?" I asked.

Caleb told me about two years ago. The pack labeling her an outcast. The guilt she carried.

Pity washed over me. She wouldn't carry that weight anymore. As soon as she woke, I'd take her back to my pack. She deserved to be Luna.

"Wait. Her name is Nixy?"

"No. Phoenix. I'm the only one who calls her Nixy. It's our thing," he said, a twinkle in his eyes.

I pushed down the possessiveness rising in my chest.

Caleb started pacing. His wolf was edgy. Worried.

Then Dr. Ashley rushed out, distress in her blue eyes.

Caleb beat me to it. "What's wrong? Is Nixy okay?"

"W-well—" she stammered.

"Speak up!" I growled—not meaning to, but she had information on my mate.

"Phoenix has run away, Alpha Jackson. I went to give her medicine, and the room was empty."

I rushed into her room. Caleb followed.

True to her words, Phoenix was gone.

My wolf began pacing anxiously in my head. I scanned the room. The window was open.

She'd jumped out.

A sharp pain shot through my chest. She didn't want me.

Was I too possessive? Too ruthless? Did I scare her away?

I shook my head, forcing myself to think clearly.

I mind-linked my warriors and Beta. "Find her."

Five minutes later, David mind-linked back. "Alpha, we searched her house. She's not there."

"Station guards around her house in case she shows up."

I turned to find Caleb standing dazed, staring at a piece of paper in his hand.

I snatched it from him.