The Hybrid (Alpha Trilogy #2)

Chapter 11

Hunter

My cute mate sits between my legs, reading a book about werewolves. The same one my mom read when she came here. I was surprised it's still here, but dad said he couldn't just throw it away, since mom used it to explain various things to my brothers.

I watch her silently, content with just having her close. Despite not having slept a lot today, she still decided to stay up, saying she wants to learn more about being a werewolf. She was so adorable that I couldn't possibly take this away from her.

"So I have to go through a ceremony in order to be a part of the pack?" She turns to me questioningly, but I'm too focused on the warmth her small body provides to hear her correctly.

"Hunter?" She leans up to my face and that's when I snap out of my dreamy state.

"Hmm?"

She chuckles amusedly. "I asked if I have to go through the ceremony to be a part of the pack..." She trails off.

"Yeah. You would have to exchange blood vows with the Alpha, and then you would be able to communicate with every member of the pack. It will be a little overwhelming at first when your mind connects to so many wolves, but I'll teach you how to block them out."

"Blood vows? Will it hurt?" She worriedly frowns.

"A little. My father will make a small cut on the inside on your palm – I take her right hand and pull it to my mouth, leaving a small kiss on the inside of it – and connect your hand with his." I explain shortly.

Skye looks a little unsure, but nods nonetheless. "Okay."

"Okay? That's it?" I tease her a little.

"I don't know how I'm supposed to react to this. I already accepted you as my mate, I mean how could I not... But I'm a little scared how the pack would react. I... - I can see her struggle to express her worries - I am the daughter of... the man who hurt their Luna. Not many people would be able to look past that."

"Don't worry, my love. I saw the looks in their eyes. No one hates you, or even dislikes you. You're not your father, they know that. Besides, my mom likes you and everyone knows she won't let anyone hurt you. Neither will I." I tell her with pure conviction in my voice.

"You think Luna likes me?" Skye's eyes widen comically, as if my words shocked her.

"Of course she does. Everyone can see it." I assure her. "And don't even get me started on my feelings for you. You're my mate, my love, my everything. I may be the future Alpha, but without you, there would always be something missing, there would be this emptiness inside me, and only you can fill it." I caress her cheek with my thumb, gazing into her eyes adoringly, making sure she sees how much she means to me.

"Really?" She sounds almost desperate, the hopeful look in her eyes breaks my heart for some reason. She's been hurt and deprived of affection for so long that she craves it with unimaginable force. And I'll be there to give it to her.

"Really. My cute little mate." I lean down to press my lips against hers.

What was supposed to be a reassuring peck ends up being a heated make out session. I keep my little Skye in my lap, turning her so she straddles me, and devour her, struggling to keep Red at bay. He's right at the surface, snarling at me to mark our mate. I want nothing more, but I don't want to force Skye into anything. I don't know if she's ready to take the next step, especially after all she's been through.

Once we pull away, I shut my eyes tightly, internally fighting with Red over control.

"Hunter?" I open my eyes, only to see my little mate stare at me with tears in her eyes.