Linda emerged from the guest room, confident in her assessment.
"With the treatment I've given her, she'll be fine by tomorrow morning. All she needs now is rest and silence," she said softly.
"Thank you," Xavier replied, expressionless.
Linda smiled, her eyes sparkling with warmth.
"Anything for my Alpha," she added, tapping Xavier's shoulder before departing.
Xavier entered the room, his gaze drawn to Kya's peaceful form. She slept soundly—a sight that brought the faintest smirk to his face. Who could sleep so long without stirring? He stood there, quietly taking in her features: her tousled dark hair, high cheekbones, and the beauty mark above her lips that strangely captivated him.
Lost in thought, Xavier didn't notice Kya's sudden awareness.
"What are you staring at?" she asked, her voice husky from sleep.
"You," Xavier replied, eyes locked on hers.
Kya narrowed her gaze and tried to sit up, wincing in pain.
Xavier rushed to her side, helping her."Be careful," he said, his voice flat.
Kya pulled away slightly, her expression suspicious."Why are you being nice to me?" she asked, tone sharp. "I don't even like your kind."
Xavier stood and took a few steps toward the doorway, his movements calm and fluid.
"We meet tomorrow," he said, his eyes lingering on hers before opening the door.
"Tomorrow? The fuck am I?" Kya thought to herself.
As he stepped out, she called after him.
"Where am I?"
"My pack," Xavier replied, closing the door behind him.
---
The knock on the door went unanswered. Katrina knocked again, and a weak voice called out, "Come in." She entered the old apartment, locked the door behind her, and moved swiftly to the living room, carrying paper bags in both hands.
"Good morning, Mrs. Gonzalez," Katrina said as she dropped the bags in the kitchen, then returned to where Kya's mother sat.
"Good morning, Kat."
"Where's Kya?" Katrina asked, glancing around.
"What can I say? I don't know. She didn't make it home last night. I've been here all night," Mrs. Gonzalez replied, concern heavy in her voice.
Katrina's expression turned serious.
"Oh no. The fuck is going on? Did you try calling her?"
"I didn't. Maybe she got caught up in something personal," Mrs. Gonzalez said uncertainly.
Katrina pulled out her phone and dialed Kya's number.
"It's not going through. Maybe her phone blacked out," she muttered.
"I'm getting worried. How come she didn't make it home?"
Mrs. Gonzalez tried to stay calm.
"Wherever she is, I have a feeling she's safe."
Katrina nodded but her worry showed.
"Let me call her workplace," she said, dialing.
"Hello, good morning. This is Katrina, Kya's best friend."
"Good morning. How may I help you?" the voice replied.
"At what time did Kya leave work yesterday?"
There was a pause.
"I'm not sure, honestly. We work different shifts. But I think she left at 2 a.m. when the bar closes."
"Okay, thanks. Who was working with her yesterday?"
"That would be Zack."
"Is he available?"
"No, he's not around right now."
"Can you please give me his contact info? It's really important."
"I'm not supposed to share personal info..."
"Please help me. Kya's missing."
"I'm sorry to hear that. I'll make an exception this once—but please keep it confidential."
"Don't worry. I just need to reach out to him."
The voice gave her Zack's number, and Katrina quickly called him.
"Hello, this is Katrina, Kya's best friend. I was told you worked with her yesterday."
"Yes, I did. How can I help you?"
"At what time did she leave, and in what state?" Katrina asked urgently.
"She left at 2 a.m., after everything was closed. She seemed a bit down but fine," Zack replied, worry creeping into his voice. "Why? Is something wrong?"
"She didn't make it home last night."
"Damn. That's not like her."
"Yeah, it's really not like her... but I don't know where she is."
"I'm sorry."
"It's not your fault," Katrina replied, then hung up.
She turned to Mrs. Gonzalez.
"Everyone last saw her at 2 a.m. I wonder where she could be."
Mrs. Gonzalez's face showed her worry, though she tried to stay composed.
"Wherever she is, she's fine. Trust me."
Katrina nodded.
"You must be starving. Let me make you something."
Mrs. Gonzalez gave a small smile.
"It's my pleasure."
---
Linda's gaze swept over Kya's face, her expression curious."You're healing so fast. What are you?"
Kya chuckled, a playful glint in her eye."A woman," she teased.
Linda rolled her eyes good-naturedly.
"Oh please. Stop messing with me. What are you?"
Kya's grin faded slightly."A witch, lycan, hybrid... I don't really know what I am. But I do know I'm not human, and I can cast a few spells."
Linda's eyes widened."Oh. I see."
"Yeah. So... you and Xavier?" Kya asked.
Linda raised her brows."Are you asking if I'm his...?"
"No, no, don't misunderstand. We're not... I'm not interested in him that way," Linda clarified quickly.
Kya's smile returned."What do you mean?"
"I'm for the girls," Linda said with a sly grin, dimples deepening.
Kya's blush deepened."Oh."
Linda's voice lowered a bit."Yes—and Xavier has a mate, if you're interested."
Kya shook her head firmly."I'm not interested."
Linda smiled."If you say so. I'm Linda, by the way."
"I'm Kya."
Just then, Jeremy entered the room."Am I interrupting anything?"
Linda shook her head."Nope. She's good. Her healing is perfect."
Jeremy looked at Kya."The Alpha is calling for you."
Kya narrowed her eyes."Right now?"
Jeremy nodded."Yes."
Kya raised an eyebrow at him."And who are you?"
"I'm Jeremy."
"A werewolf too?"
"Yes, just like everyone else around here... apart from you, of course."
Kya tilted her head."Why am I here, Jeremy?"
Jeremy's expression turned serious."It's a long story."
"Cut it short," Kya pressed.
Jeremy's voice dropped."Xavier is waiting."
With that, he turned and walked out.