Hybrid Aria by Jessica Hall

Reid’s POV

Leaving home early, I decided to head straight to Joe’s Diner, not bothering to send Zane today. Besides, I also had a meeting at 9:00 with Alpha David. Seeing as we have cleared his rogues, he wants my men off his territory now.

I was extremely tired. My wolf kept me up most of the night. Even now Ryder was starting to become agitated and restless, and I had been struggling to keep him contained. All night he kept telling me something was wrong but did not know what. Getting in my car, I drove quickly, ignoring the speed limit, not taking me long to arrive at the small diner. Parking the car on the curb out the front, I got out and went in. I was greeted by the owner, Zoe. She was a nice lady. I sat at the counter, looking around, trying to see if she was in. Zoe came over, placing a mug of coffee in front of me. Reaching for it, I took a sip. After about an hour, she still wasn’t in.

I looked at the time and saw it was 8 o’clock already. Zoe looked worried too. She kept glancing at the clock a few times, and she even stuck her head out the door looking towards the bus stop, but no Aria or Lily.

“I knew something was wrong. It’s been nagging me all night,” Ryder growled angrily in my mind.

“Shut up, you can’t know that,” I replied, annoyed, shoving him into the back of my mind. Feeling him still growling at me I got up and walked to the window looking out but no sign of her, so I walked back to the counter to speak to Zoe.

“Is Aria not working today?” I asked nervously.

“She was supposed to start at 6 this morning. I’m not sure what’s going on,” she replied. I could tell she was concerned, she kept glancing at the door and the clock.

“Is Aria usually late? Does she have a phone?” Zoe looked back at me before refilling my mug.

“No, never she is never usually late or misses her shift unless…” she hesitated then regained her composure. “No, she hasn’t got a phone.”

she was going

nothing you should

away, I stopped her. I could tell something had her on edge, but before I could say anything, she stared

your mate. It’s quite obvious to me, but really I can’t tell you anymore. She has enough on

do you know?” I shook my head. trying to wrap my mind around what just

was a hunter. I know what goes on in

asked, shocked by

he quit, and that’s what got him killed. He died protecting his best mate when the Hunters came

were Hunters unless they were cocky or downright suicidal, but Zoe spoke as if it were a lifetime ago. I could tell there was no hate in her for my kind at all, just acceptance. I watched her go out the back, and I just

my shoulder. Looking up it was Alpha David and another man. Alpha David introduced him as his Beta Michael, we quickly shook hands before taking a booth in the far corner. Zoe came over and asked if we

and his breath smelt strongly of whiskey. Was he still drunk? I thought to myself. His clothes looked like he slept in them. He was wearing a flannelette shirt and jeans. His beta was dressed in a suit, he looked like

brought our coffees over, and the Alpha started gulping

Alpha Reid, I just wanted to let you know your warriors did an excellent job and we haven’t had an attack the last 3 nights

you don’t need them any longer, I am happy to have them come back home. I know my men are missing their families. Even though they talk every day, it’s still not the same for them when they are used to being with their mates and children daily. You would understand; you have kids yourself,

fists tightly on the table then unclenched them, not bothering to answer me. Suddenly my wolf started to get all anxious. I was about to mind link Zane to send some of our warriors out to look for Aria and Lily when her scent hit my nose so quickly I thought for sure I imagined it, until she bolted past the front of the diner quickly, apologising to Zoe for being late before she took off to the back where

saw concern on her face before she followed Aria to the back somewhere. What the hell was going on? Straightening out my suit, I turned back to Alpha David and his Beta. At least she

She is hurting, you bloody arsehole. Plus, I could smell it on her. I knew something was wrong,” growled Ryder. He pushed at me, trying to take