Adventures in an alternate dimension Book 2

Chapter 4 - Mikaelson Mystery

Bella's POV

The aroma of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies filled the air, a familiar comfort on a damp Forks evening. I was setting the mugs on the coffee table when Hunter burst through the front door, a whirlwind of teenage energy and blonde hair.

"Mom, you won't believe who I just asked out!" He threw his backpack on the floor, narrowly missing the tail of the family cat, Ember.

I smiled, used to his dramatic pronouncements. "Someone interesting?"

He practically vibrated with excitement. "Hope Mikaelson! You know, Aunt Ashlynn's new student? The one who paints those incredible murals?"

My eyebrows shot up. "The Hope Mikaelson? As in the Mikaelson family?" The New Orleans coven was notorious, a mix of power and volatility.

"Yeah, her," Hunter said, oblivious to my surprise. "She's amazing, Mom. Super smart, funny, and her art... it's like she captures feelings on canvas."

A gentle voice came from the doorway. "Sounds like you're smitten, Hunter." Ashlynn, my ever-observant sister, leaned against the doorframe holding a sleeping Ava.

Hunter's cheeks flushed a delightful shade of red. "Maybe a little," he mumbled.

"She's a lovely girl," Ashlynn said, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Though, I wasn't aware she was interested in mortals."

Hunter scoffed. "Why wouldn't she be?"

"Well," Ashlynn began hesitantly, "the Mikaelsons are... complicated. They have a long history with vampires and werewolves, not always a friendly one."

Hunter's initial enthusiasm faltered. "So? I can handle myself."

I sat down at the table, taking a deep breath. "Hunter, Ashlynn's right. This is different from dating a normal girl. The Mikaelsons have a darkness around them, and Hope... well, she's a young tribrid. A witch, a werewolf, and a vampire."

Hunter rolled his eyes dramatically. "Mom, you guys are being so dramatic. It's 2024, not some medieval monster movie."

"It's not that simple, honey," I said gently. "There are things you don't understand."

"Like what?" His voice had a frustrated edge.

"The risks involved," Ashlynn said, taking a seat beside me. "Hope comes from a powerful lineage with enemies unlike anything you've ever faced."

Hunter slumped into a chair, the air whooshing out of him like a deflated balloon. "So, you're saying I can't be her because of who her family is?"

"No," I said, reaching for his hand. "We're just saying proceed with caution. Get to know her, understand the world she comes from. Then, you can make an informed decision."

Hunter sighed, a mixture of disappointment and defiance in his eyes. "Fine. But can I at least say yes to going for that milkshake she mentioned?"

I offered a small smile. "Sure, honey. But be home by curfew."

As Hunter grabbed his keys and headed out, a wave of worry washed over me. Hope Mikaelson. The name itself held a dark weight. But looking at my son, his youthful enthusiasm undimmed, I knew I couldn't shield him forever. He deserved a chance at love, even if it came with a side of danger. This newfound relationship was uncharted territory, and all I could do was offer him my guidance and hope for the best.

Ashlynn's POV

The scent of wood smoke and burnt sugar wafted through the cabin as I settled onto the worn leather armchair. Bella, ever the picture of domesticity, bustled around the kitchen, a spatula in hand. Her red hair, usually pulled back in a braid, escaped in wispy tendrils around her face. Across from me, sprawled on the plush rug, was the source of the sugary aroma - Hunter.