Hybrid

Childlike Blunders

"No, you're too young for marriage." My mother's eyes grew wide, "You're not planning on proposing are you?"

"No!"

"Just say I'm too ugly and get it over with, god," Maria said sarcastically.

"You yelled at me for giving you a promise ring," I retorted.

"That was before I knew I was dying."

"Wait, are you serious?" I asked, unable to read her face.

"God no, it would suck to be a widow at eighteen," Maria's voice had become sad as she spoke.

She must've not understood how serious I was about her. I would've killed for the opportunity to be with her in a serious relationship, and I was hoping that it would at least be a possibility to declare her as mine. There was no way in hell I would propose to her right now though because I was too stupid and immature for that.

"Good thing you refused the promise ring then because I was seconds away from declaring you my wife," I joked.

"All this time I thought you would be giving that title to Isaac," Maria joked in return.

I winked at Isaac, "If he wasn't my brother, he would've been your main competition."

"Damn right. I am so much prettier than all the other guys." Isaac pretended to throw his hair over his shoulder.

Things felt like they were supposed to feel, all except for that lingering sadness present just beneath the surface. I was going to hold it together for Maria to the best of my ability, but I knew that the second I was alone, I planned on breaking into a thousand pieces. I didn't plan on being alone anytime soon though.

Maria decided to stay in my room with me and she was overjoyed that I didn't get rid of her clothes that she left behind. I didn't say anything, but the reason I couldn't get rid of her clothes was because I needed to give her a reason to return. Despite all my threats, I knew she wasn't the hunter she resembled that day.

"Can I wear your clothes too?" Maria asked.

"Do you think I would say no?" I laughed.

"I just want to make sure," Maria said quietly.

"Actually, don't touch my clothes. Don't touch any clothes. Walk around naked," I suggested.

A small smile formed on Maria's face making my chest feel warm. I placed my hand on the back of her neck and crashed my lips against hers. Maria stood on her tiptoes to respond with the same force I was giving her. My tastebuds were flooded with the familiar taste of Maria, a melody of vanilla. She broke away from the kiss, breathing heavy.

I called Isaac into the room and he stumbled inside like he was just waiting for the attention. He bowed to me like some dumbass and then wait for me to explain myself.

"Do you know anything about mates tasting like vanilla, or is that just a weirdly specific thing that makes no sense to anyone but me?" I asked.

"I don't know man, my mom died before we got that far." Isaac shrugged, looking at me blankly.

I had no idea what to say, mostly because Isaac rarely mentioned his mother. Thankfully, Maria had dealt with a lot of death in her lifetime and reacted differently to the circumstances.

"Does your dad not tell you anything?" Maria asked.

"I don't talk to him. I sided with you," Isaac paused, "Alpha Maria."

Maria's smile was so wide I could bet her cheeks were uncomfortable. She hugged Isaac and he bent down to hug her back, rubbing her slightly awkwardly like he didn't know how to be comforting. Maria didn't care though, just thrilled to be back on Isaac's good side.