Hay Creek

Chapter 21.

Kaiden?

The room fell into a thick, awkward silence. No one said a word. I could feel the tension as it weighed down the air. Was that his real name? I glanced at Kai, who was staring at Gabriel, his expression unreadable. Did he already know Gabriel was aware of his full name, or was he genuinely shocked? Either way, I couldn't understand why he hadn't told me. Just as I opened my mouth to speak, Alpha Gabriel broke the silence.

"Did I greet you incorrectly?" he asked, settling behind his desk.

"Yes," Kai replied, his voice carrying a bitter edge.

Gabriel hummed thoughtfully. "Then correct me."

"It's just Kai," he said curtly.

I frowned, feeling even more confused. Why was he so reluctant to use his full name? Gabriel inclined his head. "With all due respect, my apologies," he said calmly. "But if it bothers you, perhaps it's something you should reconsider." Shifting the conversation, he added, "Now, let's talk about why you're really here. I have the letter with me, but first, let's get to know each other."

I let out a silent breath of relief. The subject change was welcome.

"Everyone, let's give Alpha Gabriel, Alpha Kai, and Female Avery some privacy," Seraya announced.

"Too bad," Shay pouted. "I really wanted to get to know them, too." I looked up and smiled at her. "It's okay. We'll have time to talk later."

Shay smiled back, and with that, they left the room, leaving the three of us alone with Alpha Gabriel.

Without hesitation, I jumped in. "Alpha Gabriel, this might sound strange, but when did my father give you the second part of his letter? How long have you been holding onto it?"

Gabriel blinked, then nodded. "That's a very good question. I've kept this letter for a year now," he said.

My eyes widened in surprise. My father had written the letter a year ago?

"Your father was an incredibly kind, but also very clever man. I must say, I was quite fond of him, and even more so when he trusted me with this secret. Not just because I'm like you, but because he considered me a loyal friend."

"So you've known each other for several years," Kai interjected.

"Yes, we have. I was about twenty when I first met your father, so it's been over a decade now."

Kai's next question came out of nowhere. "Alpha Gabriel, are you in hiding?"

Gabriel smirked. "No, not at all, Alpha Kai. I don't hide. This is who I am, and I don't shy away from it. My father was human, and my mother a wolf."

"Your father was human?" Kai asked, sounding surprised. "I thought it was the other way around."

"Sometimes wolves mate with humans," Gabriel explained. "It just means their wolf wasn't drawn to another wolf."

"But hybrids tend to be drawn to wolves, right?" I chimed in.

"Not necessarily," Gabriel replied. "There are hybrids who mate with humans. The only issue is, it's not usually ideal for our kind."

"Not at all," Kai muttered.

Gabriel nodded. "Indeed. You're fortunate that Avery mated with a wolf. Your child will be born a full wolf. A wolf in every sense of the word," Gabriel said, correcting himself. I glanced over at Kai, catching his eyes on me too.

"Avery, who knows about you?" Gabriel asked, his tone curious but measured.

"Our pack," I replied simply.