The Lycan King Hybrid Luna

Kimberly smiled widely as another customer walked through the fancy door. 

It was a bright Tuesday and Kimberly was at the flower shop despite her parents' displeasure at her choice of life pursuit. She was a merger and ought to be more invested in her legacy, but she'd rather be selling flowers.

"Excuse me, miss," the man cleared his throat, leaning on the counter.

Kimberly looked up, clutching a vibrant bouquet of roses, lilies, and baby’s breath. "Yes, sir? What can I get you today?"

The man examined the flowers, nodding slowly. "It’s our anniversary. Twenty-five years. I want it to be special. You know, something that is amazing and thoughtful...something more."

"More?" Kimberly raised an eyebrow, arranging a few more sprigs of lavender into the bouquet. "Twenty-five years, huh? That’s amazing. Congratulations!

He chuckled. "Yeah, sometimes I think I don’t deserve her. She stuck with me through thick and thin. Always loving. I owe her the world.

Kimberly tightened the ribbon around the bouquet. "Sounds like you’re lucky. She’s lucky too, you know.

The man sighed, looking at her. "Do you have someone special?"

Kimberly glanced down, a faint smile fading quickly. She wished she had. But as a merger, her duty didn't permit her to be normal. "Not really. Just busy with work, you know how it is."

The man nodded knowingly. "Sometimes we get so caught up, we forget to look around us. Take care, miss. Don’t let it slip by."

She handed him the bouquet, her lips stretched into a smile. 

She glanced at the clock, it was almost time to close anyway and it wasn't a busy day. “Okay, home calls." She mumbled and sighed, locking up the shop.

At home, the aroma of simmering herbs and freshly cooked bacon hit her before she even closed the door. Her mother, Renee, was stirring a pot in the kitchen. Her father, Bomah, was seated at the table, his gaze sharp, as if waiting for her.

“Hey, dad, mom," Kimberly said with a broad smile and began to walk to her room.

"Kimberly," Bomah said as soon as she stepped in, "we need to talk.

Kimberly looked a little lost. “Okay," she muttered slowly. 

“We had another summon today." 

Kimberly sighed, "The council come?” 

Bomah nodded, "And we both know they don't have to come. But they sent their message, and we know what that means."

“Your father is saying that this might be their final warning," Renne added.

She raised an eyebrow. "Is this about the shop again?"

"No, it’s about the family. It’s time, Kimberly," he said firmly. "You need to take responsibility for your gifts, you can't keep playing florist.

She crossed her arms. "Dad, we've been through this. I don’t even know where to begin with all of that, I'm fine with the flower shop."

Her brother, Enzo, leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "You’re not a kid anymore, Kim. The family’s magic needs to be restored, and you’re the one who can do it.

She shot him a look. "You think I don’t know that? But it's not that simple. Enzo, I wish you were in my shoes."

Enzo scoffed. "Not that simple? Kim, people are suffering. The Mergers haven't had a supreme priest or priestess since you. We are losing our powers, and you’re the only one capable of doing anything about it. Yet here you are, hiding in a flower shop.

"Hiding?" Kimberly’s voice rose. "I’m trying to live my life. Why do I have to be the one responsible for everyone else?

"Because that’s what being part of this family means," Renee said, setting down her spoon and walking to the table.

“Mum, I'm trying my best, but clearly it's not good enough." 

"Then do more, Kimberly. We haven't been the harshest family, have we? You think we wouldn't marry you off to some merger now? But we've let you make your choice.” Enzo reminded her. 

Kimberly scowled, "What?!” 

Renee glared at her son, "Don't speak to your sister like that.” 

“But it's the truth, mum! You have made her think she doesn't have duties.” 

"Enzo, stop it. I'm doing the best that I can!” 

Enzo sighed, softening, "But you need to do more,” 

"But I never asked for this!" Kimberly took a step back, her fists clenched. "You’ve put this burden on me since I was a kid. And am I just supposed to accept it? What if I don’t want to?"

"You think any of us asked for this? We all have duties, sacrifices we make." Bomah said loudly. 

Renee's face softened. "Kimberly, we know it’s unfair. But you have something none of us have. Without you, the magic dies with us. Don’t you understand? This is about the legacy, our bloodline. It's who we are.

Before Kimberly could answer, the butler rushed in, breathless, bowing slightly. 

Kimberly looked at the butler, he was out of breath. 

"Your Grace, there’s been another attack on the mountains."

Bomah’s face darkened. "What happened?"

“She has been rushed down to the clinic," he stated. 

"Who was it?” 

The butler hesitated. "It’s the local artist, Lucy.

Kimberly gasped. "Lucy? Is she okay? I need to see her!" She started for the door, but Enzo stepped in her way, blocking her.

"Hold on, Kim," Enzo said, gripping her arm. "You’re not going anywhere."

"What do you mean, I’m going! That’s my best friend! Let go of me!" She struggled against his hold.

Bomah’s voice was sharp. "Enzo’s right. What do you think you’re going to do, Kimberly? Stitch her up? You’re not a doctor."

Kimberly glared at him. "But she needs me. I have to be there for her."

Renee stepped forward, her voice calm but stern. "And your family needs you too. You’re our last hope against those savages. We can’t afford to 

lose you."

Kimberly shook her head. "This isn’t about family right now. Lucy’s hurt! How can you ask me to stay here?"

Bomah turned to the butler, his voice tight. "Who’s responsible for this?

The butler’s face was grim. "It was a werewolf attack, sir.”