Freddy
I will admit it: turning myself into a hybrid was a terrible mistake. I have the power I lusted for, but this insatiable thirst for blood? I’m always on edge, thirsty beyond belief. My throat feels dry all day long, like I’m permanently parched, and the worst part is that I want Tess’ blood. I don’t understand why. Is it because I tasted her in the past?
“You can’t stay here forever, you know,” Jenny says from behind the reception.
I glance down at her from where I’m standing. The tomboy werewolf is Tess’ friend and works extra at the inn where I’m staying. It’s on the Luan pack’s territory, and Jenny could tell Wesley about me, but since I saved Claudia’s life, she is letting me stay here. She is also aware of the fact that I have this huge crush on Tess even though she isn’t my fate.
“I know, but I don’t know where else to go,” I smirk. “And don’t pretend as if you don’t like having me here. I’m keeping the bad guys miles away.”
She rolls her eyes. “Do you ever stop bragging about yourself? Geez. You’re such a child. I don’t understand why Tess likes you so much...”
My heart flutters. “She likes me?” I place my hands on the reception desk and lean forward, smiling like a child on Christmas day. “Did she say that?”
Jenny gives me a strange look while leaning her chin against her knuckles. “If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be?”
“Easy. I would be in bed with Tess and watching her stupid TV shows that I hate.”
“That you hate?” Jenny sounds amused.
I shrug, not bothered at all by her smirk. “Tess likes Gossip Girl and Grey’s Anatomy, but I’m not as sappy as her. I will watch it for her sake, though.”
Fascination washes over her face. “How do you know she watches those series?”
“I’ve been spying on her,” I deadpan. “And I’m not ashamed of it either.”
She laughs. “The all-powerful hybrid uses his powers to spy on a girl. Now that’s funny.”
“Funny?”
“And also a bit pathetic.”
I narrow my eyes at her. “I really don’t like you.”
“The feeling is mutual, sharp-tooth,” she smiles. “The only reason I’ve been letting you stay here is because you saved Claudia’s life and also because Tess likes you. But you should leave. You don’t look too good, and I don’t want you to start eating our guests.”
I sigh. “I understand. I just don’t know where to go. The Safir pack knows I’m a traitor, and Wesley’s men would kill me on sight as well. I’m not wanted anywhere.”
“You should go to Tess.”
I snort. “Are you kidding? When I’m around her, I get insanely thirsty for her blood.”
“And?” Jenny challenges and leans back in her chair, arms bent behind her head. “Just show yourself vulnerable and admit that you need her help. Is that so hard?”
I pout and stare down at my hands, pondering. “She has done so much for me by being my only friend. How can I also ask for her blood?”
“She won’t mind letting you drink from her. Trust me on this. Tess likes helping other people. She gave up her wolf to save Lucas; that girl is the most selfless person I know. She has a heart made of gold, that one.”
“I know, which is precisely why I don’t want Tess’ help. I know this might sound childish, but I don’t want to be like everyone else around her. It feels like most people use her. Take Lucas, for example, he knew she would feel guilty about rejecting him, and now he is taking advantage of that. Ugh, she deserves better than that. For once, I want her to have someone who gives HER something instead of taking from her. And I wish that I could be that person, but I’m just like everyone else. I want her blood...”
Jenny hands me a soft smile. “Love is about giving and taking, Freddy. You can’t just give without ever being given something back. It doesn’t work that way.”
“I know that, but...damn. I feel so useless if I go there asking for her help with this...shit...” I bite my lower lip, and Jenny’s smile only grows even bigger.
“And Tess feels useless now that she is a human, but if she can be the key to keeping you alive, she will be happy. Just let her help you, please. It’s not that hard.”
“Fine,” I concede and turn my back to her. “I will go and talk to Tess. But if she tells me I’m stupid for asking for her blood, I will blame this one on you.”
I can hear Jenny’s amused chuckle behind me as I create a portal underneath my feet. It’s been a day since I last saw Tess. My longing for her had almost killed me, but once I was in her presence, my bloodthirst spiked. I’m afraid it’s going to happen again. What if I attack her? Bah. Maybe Jenny is wrong, and I should keep away from seeing Tess.
As I’m sinking into the portal made of darkness, I can hear Jenny speak, “Stop using your head and listen to your heart, Freddy. It will help you out a lot, okay?”
Those are the last words I hear before I appear outside of Tess’ balcony at Alpha Wesley’s estate. It makes me nervous to be here, especially since my old Alpha would kill me if he knew I was here. But what don’t you do for love?
Smiling faintly in the moonlight, I peer in through the window, freezing when I see Tess sitting on her bed with Lucas. It makes me anxious. What the heck is he doing here?
I lean closer to the window, and my heart breaks when I see them kissing each other. Everything inside of me hurts. It feels like my world has fallen apart. Tess chose Lucas, and how am I supposed to compete with her fated mate? I’m just some random hybrid with a big, fat crush on her…
My heart is heavy with sorrow and pain as I turn away from the window, unable to bear looking at them any longer. How did I ever think I stood a chance?
I walk away from Tess’ balcony, feeling a sense of dread engulfing me as I go back through the portal that brought me here, hoping Jenny won’t mind that I’m staying at the inn for a little while longer...