The Hybrid Counsellor (Von Touran Vampire series Book 2)

Chapter 1

-Selene's POV-

I spend the first few hours alone and even as first break passes none of the students come to see me. So I started reading a book about instincts of different creatures. My wolf grumbling into my mind when I started to get stiff. She wanted out and wanted to run but I pushed her down as the second dinner bell rung.

A soft knock at my door startled me out of the book I was reading.

"Come in" I called out, putting a book mark to the page I was on.

My office door slowly creeped open to reveal a boy. He looked pale and was shivering as he looked at me. Emerald green eyes, flecked with red. His pupils vertical. Like those of a viper. Brown hair styled with what looks to be gel. His face angular and very appropriate for his lanky build. Breathing in his scent, I catch a whiff of snake and vampire.

"Are you the counsellor" he asks softly, voice full of scepticism.

"Yeah, my names Selene. Yours" I smile In reply as I answer.

"Coby. Coby Rodgers" He replies as he takes the seat across from me. 

He sighs as he sits down, his shivering calming a little but still there. 

"How can I help you today Coby" I respond softly.

"I'm too cold" he shivers and I hear the unmistakable click of fangs dropping.

"You have blood"

"Your a snake shifter, vampire hybrid right?" I question as I find one of my smaller blood bottles.

They were in a small fridge under my desk which I hadn't noticed on my first glance around the room.

"Yeah. Snakes are cold blooded and need to stay warm. Vampires on the other had run cold so I'm constantly shivering until I get a source of heat" Coby speaks gingerly as his shivering comes back.

"They don't serve blood at the cafeteria" I ask, surprised considering they knew young vampires would be attending.

"They do, but I got there late and they stopped serving" He mumbles, his face heating up in shame.

"I can give you some of my personal stash today but make sure you get some at the café tomorrow Coby" I sooth gentle as I offer a small bottle of blood to him.

He snatches it quickly from my hands his eyes filling to a complete red when he starts drinking from the bottle. My wolf growls a warning at the young hybrid but he's too far gone feeding to notice my growl. His shivers almost completely stop by the time he has finished the blood.

"Thank you, Miss Selene" Coby speaks after several minutes of silence. His eyes bleeding back to emerald green with red flecks.

"No problem Coby. Just make sure you get enough blood tomorrow. But if you don't mind me asking what happens when your too cold" I ask, curiosity colouring my expression.

I bring out a note pad and paper to take notes as Coby mulls over his thoughts. I can practically see the gears in his mind turning as he worries his bottom lip.

"First I get more nervous and aggressive. Like I'm scared because I'm vulnerable. Then my snake takes over and I shift and I won't be able to get my body to shift until I warm up" Coby begins explaining.

I give noises of encouragement as I jot down everything he's saying.

"I assume your snake is mostly in control when that happens yes?" I question.

"Yeah, it'll coil into itself and strike if it feels threatened. Oh but don't worry I'm a constrictor snake so I don't have any venom" Coby nods, rushing his explanation.

He's finally a little less pale and his shivers have stopped completely. I jot down his shift type and as I do I hear his fangs click again. Looking up I smile to find they've retracted and he gives me a human smile. At least it would be if his eyes didn't scream snake.

"How are you managing between your snake and vampire side" I ask after a minute of silence has passed between us.

"Okay I think. My vampire side is fine as long as I get blood regular enough to stave of bloodlust. My gift hasn't manifested yet. My snake is a little fickle though. As long as I stay warm I don't think I'll have issues. My mom is a snake too so she's taught me how to manage myself" Coby responds quickly, a grin slipping on to his face at the mention of his mom.

"Do come and see me if that changes and I can teach you some management techniques" I offer cheerfully.

"Thanks Miss Selene. I'll be sure to do that if I'm in trouble. I gotta go now. Lunch is almost over" Coby mumbles, eyes darting to the clock on the wall.

"Yes of course, please feel free to come again" I grin.

He nods again. Moving up from the chair before leaving my office. When the next bell rings I eat the sandwiches I brought before starting a file for Coby. Helping him with his small issue was so satisfying. I hope I can help more students. But a sudden thought strikes me. Why didn't he go to the school infirmary. Did they not have the blood necessary for vampire students. Or did Coby find it more comforting to come to me because I am part vampire. 

The rest of my first day follows without many more incidents. Two more students have the courage to come and see me. A witch-wolf called Colette. She was small she reminded me of my dad in a way. All soft and meek but I could taste the magic in the air when it fizzed of her violently when she spoke. The other student was a Leopon. Half leopard, half lion shifter. They were having trouble with their identity. They presented as non-binary and were having trouble at home because of it. I gave them some tea and we talked all the last break. Their shoulders were less tense at the end of our session. By the time I got home and had my dinner I passed out almost immediately.