Human girl

Hunter’s POV

My eyelids were so heavy they felt glued shut, weighed down by sleep and something thicker, as if I was sinking in a warm fog. Slowly, I forced them open. The light in the room was soft, but still it made my eyes sting. It took a while for everything to come into focus: the scratch of the rough sheets under my hands, the low hum of someone breathing nearby, and a faint, sharp, herbal scent in the air.

As I turned my head, I saw Emily half lying on my arm and Jalen sleeping in the armchair. Two people in my life care for me.

Emily, I whispered. Her head snapped up, and she looked so cute with her hair all messed up.

Hunter, she jumped on my neck, kissing my cheek. I’m so happy you’re okay.

"What happened?" I asked.

You were poisoned. Emily glanced at the dart resting on the nightstand, worry etched in her face. "I recognized the toxin," she said softly. "Once I knew what it was, I made you drink something from that old diary to try and counter it." She paused, voice quivering. "Everyone thought you would die. While you were unconscious, Jalen fought Kaden. Your grandfather was crushed when he saw you. He locked himself in his room and left me here with you, hoping I could save you." Emily’s hands trembled as she reached for mine, the ordeal etched in her features.

I took a chance, Hunter. This is dangerous. I don’t know much about medicine, as I read from that diary.

"Come here, my brave mate, kiss me,"

That’s all you can think right now, she said, looking at me.

Thank you? I said and kissed me. We laughed, and Jalen woke up.

Don’t ever fucking do that again, he shouted, you took that shot for me. This pack needs you, Hunter. You can’t…then he stopped.

You’re my best friend, and how many times have you saved me?

Oh, so do you keep count? He joked. Get better. I sent the food for both of you. Then rest.

Beta Jalen, Emily said, thank you for believing in me. He nodded and left. Her head dropped on my chest.

I’m mad at you, Hunter. You can’t leave me. It’s scary. I’m human, alone in this pack. Sometimes I wake up in the night, and I forget where I am, and then I remember I’m surrounded by werewolves who could tear me apart if they changed their minds about me. No one here really trusts me except you, maybe Jalen. I try to act brave, but I feel so small here, so breakable. I know you think I’m strong, but I’m terrified. I need you to be careful. I need you to stay with me.

He chuckled. Is that the only reason?

Of course not, I like you too much… her cheeks go pink again.

Oh, you do? Please do tell, but then someone knocked on the door. She walked and got the tray of food.

Emily set the tray down and turned. I grabbed her wrist and pulled her on top of me. I need a kiss, Emily, I whispered.

Hunter, please, you're still recovering, then she kissed me as my arms tightened around her. Would I ever get enough of her? Nope.

She pulled away, and I sat up as she fixed the pillows behind me. Then, fed me the soup.

Now you were saying something about…

I don’t remember her feigning memory loss. But now you have to rest, your body is still fighting it. She took her pants off and got into bed under the covers. My hands wandered on her body because I had almost died, and I thought I would never touch her again.

Hunter, I promise that when you feel better, we will continue.

Fine, I closed my eyes while my hand played with her hair, and her scent wrapped around me. I slept.

Emily’s POV

As soon as he slept, I put my pants on and walked outside. Jalen looked at me, confused.

Go back. Emily is still not safe for you here.

I need more of these herbs to make the tea. Can you come with me? Please.

Okay, make it fast, I don’t want to die at Hunter’s hand. I dreamed of my death as a brave warrior.

I laughed. Sorry, I like your sense of humor. I can see why Hunter chose to trust you.

Emily, you do understand the situation. Maybe Hunter means well, but when it comes down to it, he is a werewolf.

Yes, thank you for being bluntly honest. I know what I got myself into. He saved me. There is no life for me out there. At least here, I know the rules. Among humans, there was always hunger, violence, and cruelty hiding behind smiles. After everything the virus had done, people turned on each other—trust was impossible; survival meant hurting someone else first. Humans may be worse than werewolves. Here, at least you all are honest about what you are.

Seems like the virus had a worse effect on them. Brainless.

You’re brave to be with him; the pack hates humans, and they tolerate them because they can breed. But by doing so, we become vulnerable to them. What I mean…

These women might be spies, I got it, Jalen. My brain didn’t get affected as much. We laughed. Okay, I found them. Picked a bunch of them and started walking back. We were almost to the alpha’s house when Kaden cut my path.

Human girl. He sniffed the air, eyes narrowing with something sharp and unfriendly. Finally, he tasted you. I'm surprised you're walking outside. Most don't survive a bite, let alone get a second chance. You are either useful to him or very lucky. Breeding. But luck runs out fast here.

Jalon stepped in front of me and gestured for me to go.

"Not so fast. Why are you not working?" Kaden demanded.

Because Alpha Hunter said so, now back off or suffer the consequences.

"How is he? Alive?" Kaden laughed.

I walked faster inside, then closed the door and let out a breath. I turned to see Hunter’s angry eyes on me.