Xavier's POV
"Keep an eye on her for me," I said to Jeremy, a weird but special feeling prompting me about Kya
"And why are you telling me this when you can do it yourself?" Jeremy asked, frowning.
"Because I'm your Alpha," I shrugged.
"Oh please, Alpha my ass," he muttered, rolling his eyes.
"Watch it. That's treason," I warned.
"Like I give a fuck."
"Fine. I have a feeling she has something that belongs to me… or she is something I might know," I explained.
"I'm still not satisfied with your answers," Jeremy added.
"Oh please, just keep an eye on her," I sighed.
"Okay, but I'm doing it for her, not for you—because you're literally acting like a dog in heat."
"Good thing I'm not the only dog around here," I smirked
"Get out of my way, even."
"We're done for the night, I guess," Kya said as she cleared away the last glasses from the table.
"Yeah, we're done," Zack replied, washing the final glasses Kya had just brought in.
"Man, I need to go," she muttered while counting her Fuck ,this ain't enough, she thought.
"Chika, I left something small for you in the book next to the drawers. I know it's little, but hopefully it helps," Zack said softly, his eyes tearing up.
"Oh, Zack. How will I ever repay you, my good fella?" she said, hugging him tightly.
"Nothing, my love. Seeing you happy is enough."
"Thank you," Kya whispered, hugging him one last time before letting go. She went to the book, found the money, counted it, and slipped it into her pocket.
She grabbed her jacket and put it on before returning to Zack.
"Bye, Zack. I'm heading home."
"Bye, sweetie. Be safe. It's already 2 a.m.," he said, glancing at the old clock hanging on the wall.
"You know I'm more than careful," she replied with a smile.
"Good night," Zack said.
"Good night," Kya echoed.
....
Kya walked swiftly through the deserted streets, her pace quickening as she sensed someone following her. Suddenly, a figure emerged in front of her.
"Where do you think you're going, lady?" a deep voice growled.
She didn't dare look back. Before she could take another step, the man was inches away from her, making her flinch.
Kya froze but stood her ground. "Get out of my way," she snapped, casting a spell that blasted him to the side with her witch powers.
That action triggered the others. The panther shifters crept closer—this time in their animal form.
She was in deep danger.
The man grabbed her wrist. "You bite too? What are you, a witch?" he sneered.
Kya met his gaze calmly. "Let go of me."
The panthers closed in, snarling. "I don't like your kind," the man said, tightening his grip. "You think you can break free?" he smirked.
Kya yanked her arm free and snapped his wrist. He roared, "You little bitch!" then shifted into a panther and pounced.
His claws slashed her skin. His weight pinned her. His hand squeezed her throat, cutting off her air.
Just when all hope seemed lost, he was suddenly ripped off her .
Kya hit the ground hard, vision blurring. She couldn't open her eyes. A figure knelt beside her, cradling her injured body.
"Kya!" I called, but she didn't respond.
Her blouse was soaked in blood. I lifted it slightly to examine the wound. Under the moonlight, her pale skin revealed a deep gash on her right side. I pressed down to slow the bleeding and signaled Jeremy.
"We need to get her to safety," I said, frowning.
Jeremy's face turned serious. "What do we do? Take her to a hospital?"
I shook my head. "No. We can't take her there. We're going to our pack."
"Why the pack?" Jeremy asked, confused.
"She isn't human," I answered, then scooped her gently off the dirty tarmac, cradling her in my arms.
Jeremy opened the car door as I climbed into the backseat, holding Kya close. He took the wheel.
As we drove, Jeremy said in a low voice, "She's a witch."
I looked up at him. "She's more than that."
Jeremy narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean? You didn't see what she did back there."
I sighed, my patience thinning. "Drive."
The engine roared to life as we sped off into the night. My first night in Hill Crown Town had already fucked with my mind. A mystery woman. Panther shifters. Blood. And now, I was bringing her back to my pack.
I had more questions than answers—but one thing was clear,I need to know what the hell she is .
As she lay in my arms, I felt it deep inside me…she was meant to be there.
The car finally pulled up in front of our new place. The massive gate opened automatically. Jeremy jumped out, calling for the healer.
I carried Kya straight to my quarters, never loosening my hold.
In the guest room, I gently laid her on the bed. Linda, our pack's healer, entered with her brunette hair tied up in a messy bun and a tired look on her face.
"Good morning, Alpha. What happened?" she asked, stepping closer to examine Kya's wound. Her expression softened.
"Panther shifters."was all i said
She nodded. "You brought her to the right place. I'll take care of her."
I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding.
"I need a little privacy," Linda said, shifting into her healer mode.
"Okay. We'll be outside if you need anything," I said, gently closing the door.