Hybrid Aria by Jessica Hall

Reid’s POV

I watched her escape the diner. I heard her heart rate spike when I told her my name. She has every right to fear me, but I don’t want to scare her. My wolf wanted her. All of her, and so did I. Never in my life have wanted something as much as I wanted her to be mine, but what was the most interesting thing about her was the fact that she could fight my Alpha’s voice. I could tell by the look on her face she wanted to submit, but she was also determined not to reveal anything about herself. Her scent radiated fear. It took all my strength not to chase after her and mark her. The bloke behind the counter came over and introduced himself as Marcus, pulling me out of my thoughts. He smelt human. We gave him our orders before deciding to move over to the table and chairs, where I know the girl Lily always sits after school. Zane raised an eyebrow at me when I moved but followed anyway.

“So, what’s the plan then?” he asked.

“Well, if she won’t talk, maybe her daughter will,” I stated.

Marcus brought our food out, placing it in front of me. I looked down at my food and started eating. It was good. After about half an hour, the door opened to the diner. As predicted, the little girl ran straight for her usual spot directly across from us and started getting her homework out. We finished eating while they were gone, but I flagged Marcus down and ordered more coffee and a hot chocolate and cookies. When he placed the coffee on the table, he went to place the hot chocolate and cookies down. I shook my head and pointed to the girl. He quickly placed them down in front of her and thanked me before placing a kiss on the girl’s forehead and walking away.

I could feel eyes on me. I knew my mate must be watching me carefully to see if I was going to hurt her pup. The girl looked up and smiled before thanking me. She set out to do her work, and after a few minutes, my mate brought her over a sandwich, placing it on the table in front of the girl as she looked at the girl’s work.

“Where is Zoe?” asked the girl.

“She is still at the doctor. That one is incorrect, try again,,” she said, pointing at the page at some math work before walking away to serve some new people who just walked into the diner.

I turned back to Zane. “You should head back to the office; I’m going to stay here for a bit.” Zane nodded before standing up and leaving. I watched Lily struggle with her homework before getting up and sliding into the booth sitting across from her. She looked up at me with her blue eyes and chubby cheeks. She was adorable, her blonde curls hanging down around her face.

her work; she was doing three times tables. Really, they make kinders do times tables now? I then proceeded to grab the

said happily.

She started using the sugar to help

mother’s name?” I asked, pointing at my mate who

is my sister,,” she said while still looking down at her

is your mummy?” I asked, taking a sip of

me. Has since I was born,” she stated matter of factly.

about you dad then?”

and her heart rate picked up. She was scared. I could smell it on her coming off in waves, so I quickly changed the

you and what grade

“I’m six, and I’m in grade one.”

your sister?”

been looking after her sister since she was thirteen? What about school, I

old are you?” she

old do you think I am?” I

I laughed at her answer. Kids always say the