Athena Laurent

Believe it or not, but a few days later, no one is wounded or killed yet. Well, not extremely wounded. Athena has started to teach Shani some self-defence, preparing her for a fight that will definitely come. The werecat is a quick learner and extremely fast; so fast, Athena's forced to use her vampire speed once in a while. She uses it sporadically, but she's still frightened someone notices, and so, to lessen suspicion, she has asked the werewolves- except for Leon - to step in now and then. Denise is doing the same with Kara, but instead of showing her how to use her hands, she's given her girlfriend one of her guns, to which Kara had asked why Denise brought these weapons for their camping trip in the first place. Denise had simply shrugged. "Well, you wanted to wander around in a forest at night, and I wanted to leave that forest in one piece. Knowing what's out there, it was better to be prepared." Clever girl.

Bang. Bang.

It sounds like Kara's getting quite the hang of the gun Denise gave her. Athena's glad she didn't forget to cloak their camping spot; now, the sound of an emptied gun doesn't disturb any inhabitants of the forest. That doesn't mean they won't be able to find them though. That why Athena still checks her surroundings, looking for any signs of dangerous activities, groups, or individuals. There are many supernatural creatures in the gigantic forest, and she can sense most of them, and so far, nobody is doing anything crazy. But she's still watchful, she has to be. I still am a woman on a mission. Frankly, she feels safer than she's felt in years, no doubt because of the group of friends she has surrounded herself with.

As discussed during breakfast, everyone gathers around Athena after the training. Kara's cheeks are red with excitement when they approach the witch. Denise looks quite proud of her. From another side, Athena sees Shani and Demir appear. They both look tired, but where Demir's skin shows the fatigue on his face, Shani's dark skin only shows a few drops of sweat alongside her hair. Her eyes sparkle dangerously. I guess the training went well.

Leon joins the group at last and he awkwardly maneuvers himself between Demir and Shani.

Smooth.

Athena folds out the map to show everyone where they'll be heading in the next couple of days. "We'll stay close to the forest, with so many supernatural creatures present, I don't think staying in the human world is a good idea." When she points out the route, she feels Darius stiffen beside her. "Something wrong?" He shakes his head. "No, it's just, I don't mind avoiding the forest and staying in the human world for a couple of days. You said we had to be careful, right? Wouldn't it be predictable if we stay close to the forest?"

"Not necessarily, a group of mixed supernatural creatures in the human world is way easier to detect; in the forest, it's easier to shield ourselves," Leon says, surprising the rest of the group. He barely talks, and when he does, it's only a few words.

"What about all the dangerous beings in the forest?" Darius tries again.

"I'll keep checking the forest, but I don't think anyone would be stupid enough to attack a group of seven. If I feel someone approaching, we fight, or we run, in both cases, we'll live," Athena says and everyone nods in agreement. Except for Darius, she notices. He doesn't look happy about the choice they made, but she can't tell why. When the group splits up, she reaches out to him, but he rises quickly and walks away. She watches him go, not understanding what's going on. Demir is seeing it too, and he stands up as well. "Don't worry, Athena, I'll talk to him," he says before following his friend. His words don't make her feel better. She can sense Darius's emotions through her powers, but also because of their bond. He's not fine, he's stressed out about something. She can feel the anxiousness dripping from his body. Why wouldn't he tell her what's going on? Probably for the same reason, you don't tell him everything either, she tells herself. If that's the case, it would definitely justify his actions. Athena sighs, she's on edge because of Darius's increasing heart rate and the guilt weighing down on her own heart every time she hides the truth from him, Shani, and the rest.

But a new, unexpected feeling demands her attention out of nowhere. Something is approaching them. Fast. Athena identifies him immediately as the vampire she sensed earlier, but while he wasn't a threat then, he most definitely is now. Athena can't even describe what she feels within the vampire; it's pure rage, and it's all aimed at her mate. Darius. He's talking to Demir; occupied with his own thoughts, he's too distracted to defend himself. He will be too late. Without thinking, only driven by her mate bond, she jumps between Darius and the approaching vampire. A split second later, her hand is holding his wrist, preventing him from killing her mate. Her fangs appear because of the adrenaline in her body, and her eyes are glowing brighter than ever before. The vampire is shocked. He clearly wasn't expecting another vampire close by, especially one who is defending the werewolf. "Get. Back," she hisses at him, "or I will slit your throat." The vampire realizes immediately Athena is serious and more than capable of ending him; he steps back. He looks around, suddenly aware of his surroundings, visibly taken aback by the group surrounding him. But the group isn't looking at the vampire, they're all watching the witch who's still showing her fangs and her bright glowing red eyes.

"Athena?" Darius says, visibly shocked by the reveal. Still, he approaches his mate, although with caution, not knowing what to do exactly, but also not able to turn his back on her or even avert his eyes from her red ones. Athena is still looking at the other vampire, who seems to understand very little of his current situation. She's breathing heavily, trying to control her heart rate and her thirst, while the fear and stress increase both factors immensely. She revealed herself, showed them who she really is, what she really is; what will happen now?

"Athena?" She hears Darius's voice again, and this time, she responds by closing her eyes to concentrate on his voice. It's all she needs to calm down, and she feels her eyes immediately lose their red glow. The only thing that remains is the terror galloping through her body, a feature that will be unmistakably visible in her eyes once she'll open them again. She isn't trying to hide it from Darius, but she's afraid to see what is visible in his. Look at him, she forces herself. Her eyes open, and she looks directly into Darius's. What she sees surprises her. It's not fear, nor anger. It's confusion mixed with much, much wonder.

She suddenly doesn't trust his eyes anymore. How is he not hating her? How is he able to deceive her? A sudden pressure on her hand demands her attention. It's him. Darius is softly stroking her hand, not ending their eye contact. "It's okay, Athena, just calm down," he whispers, increasing the weight on her hand by taking it into both of his warm hands. His words reach her, his scent calms her down; his presence is everything she needs to return to the world she was trying to escape. Then she burst.

"I'm sorry, I..." she murmurs, but Darius doesn't want to hear it. He puts his muscular arms around her and gently sways her back and forth. "I'm sorry I didn't say anything. I-I didn't want to lie, it's just so difficult to tell," Athena adds, ignoring the single teardrop falling down her cheek. She hasn't cried in seven years, but being held by her mate after him discovering the biggest secret she has kept for years, she's close to crying an entire ocean.

A few minutes pass before Athena dares to watch her surroundings again. The group is still standing in a circle around her. Leon and Shani are holding the vampire in a tight grip, even though he seems too shocked to even think about escaping.

"So, I'm guessing you're not just a witch..." Demir says hesitantly, trying to make the situation more light-hearted but failing spectacularly. They are all waiting in suspense for Athena to release the words they all know are coming. "No, I'm not. I'm a part witch, and... Uhm, part vampire."

"A hybrid?" The vampire whispers. His eyes widened as he looks at Athena.

"The only hybrid, as far as I know, we aren't exactly welcomed in this world," Athena says to the vampire. Seeing him releases a fresh wave of anger in her, and she storms towards him before anyone can do anything. She cannot prevent her eyes from flickering red for a second, but she controls them quickly before turning to the vampire. "Who the hell are you, and why were you trying to rip my mate's heart out?" He stays quiet with his lips pressed tight together.

"Who. Are. You? And why did you want to kill him?" She asks again, not stopping her eyes from glowing this time. Her hand is dangerously close to his throat. Nobody is moving a muscle; they all watch Athena - who seemed on the edge of falling apart not two seconds ago - questioning the vampire with an amount of anger they haven't seen before. Even Leon, who's had his fair share of issues with his temper, looks a little dazed.

"His kind killed my family and everyone I know; they all deserve to die..." the vampire whispers angrily, glaring at Darius.

"Oh great, another one with a screwed-up past and anger issues," Demir murmurs. Denise elbows him.

"What should we do with him? Do we just let him go?" Shani asks, looking around the group, stopping by Athena, who slowly releases her grip on the vampire. "We can't let him go; if he tells somebody about me, people will hunt us down like animals," she says, gritting her teeth.

"We can't just kill him either, Athena, even though he just tried to kill Darius..." Shani says, her eyes still fixed on Athena, who raises her eyebrows innocently.

"I don't want to kill him...per se," Athena says, her tone too nonchalant for her words.

"Are you sure? You don't look like you want to not kill him," Denise responds suspiciously, watching Athena looking at the vampire just like a predator examines their prey.

"We are not killing him. He can come with us," Darius says bluntly.

"What?" the vampire says, along with... well, everyone else. "What the hell, Darius? He literally just tried to kill you." Demir looks at his friend like he's grown a second head. Athena agrees with Demir. He cannot be serious.

"Yes, and he failed. I'm sure he won't do it again. Besides, I am in a charitable mood today."

"I wonder why?" Leon murmurs, causing Shani to giggle, which she tries to hide with a cough when she notices Athena's icy glare. Unsuccessfully. Darius ignores the comment. "If he wants to come with us, he can. Under two conditions, he tells us his name and promises not to kill us anymore." The group is still glaring at him weirdly. "Those are great demands, buddy, but don't you think it's a sign when it's necessary to add the second one?" Demir answers.

"Guys, look at us, we're all outsiders here. We all stood in front of each other ready to kill, but for some reason, we didn't..." he says.

"It's not really hard to guess why... you guys are all mates and didn't want to kill two innocent humans," Denise answers him.

"Innocent, my ass. I'm reconsidering not killing you every single minute." That's Demir.

"Don't hurt your head while you reconsider. Headaches stink," Denise answers, piercing her eyes daring in Demir's.

"I wouldn't know, I don't get sick," he reacts, smirking.

"Well, I'll bet a gunshot or stab wound still hurts."

"It does," Demir grows.

"Guys, stop it, your quarrel isn't the issue at the moment," Shani says, sounding not very entertained by their bickering.

"I'm sorry, but do I really have to remind y'all that vampires and humans don't mix either. I believe it has something to do with them drinking our blood!" Denise exclaims.

"Maybe we should get rid of you, then. I rather have a murderous vampire with me than a whining human."

"Demir, I swear to the Goddess, if you don't shut your mouth right now, I'm going to punch you in the face," Shani hisses, which pipes him down immediately. "Damn, I should have done that days ago," she whispers proudly, so softly only Athena can hear it. The chuckle triggered by it calms her down.

"Athena, what do you think?" Denise asks.

"You want my opinion?"

"Yes, of course, you and Darius are kind of the unspoken leaders of the group."

Athena looks around their little group. It's amazing. They know what she is... and they're still here. They're shocked and speechless, but they're still here, right beside her. Giving her the same looks and shoulder pats she received before. Wanting to hear her view on the matter.

"It may sound weird coming from me, but I don't like vampires. And this one has done nothing to prove me otherwise. Au contraire. He tried to rip my mate's heart out. But I trust Darius and his judgment. If he can keep his hands to himself, he can come." Athena can barely believe she's saying this, but she stands by her opinion. "But," she whispers to the vampire, "if you dare to touch him even once, I'll break every bone in your body before burning them at a low, but painful temperature."

"Okay, Athena, calm down. I think he got the picture," Darius says, slightly concerned. "I am calm," she says casually when Darius captures her hand, squeezing it softly. "You and your threats frighten me even when they're not meant for me," he mutters, amused. "It's hot."

"Dude, really? There a people here," Demir says disgusted, but his eyes don't hide his mirth.

"What are you guys, exactly?" The vampire asks suspiciously, visibly confused by the dynamic of their little group. It's silent for a few seconds. "We're not exactly sure what we are yet," Shani says happily. "We're definitely not all friends yet." pointing at Demir and Denise, "but we're getting there."

"What is your name?" Darius asks.

"Hinote," the vampire answers quickly.

"Well, Hinote, would you like to come with us?"

"I do very well on my own," the vampire says.

"We all do, that doesn't mean you shouldn't accept an offer once in a while."

Hinote stays silent, but when Shani and Leon release their grip from him, he doesn't run away. Does that mean he'll stay? It surprises Athena that the vampire considers staying. She wouldn't have minded if he leaves; she has a feeling he'll change the dynamics of the group faster than she can run. The question is, will that be a good thing or a bad thing? Nobody else seems to share her doubts. After Darius's question to Hinote, everybody has spread out throughout the forest. She sees Shani and Leon heading in the same direction and Demir, Denise and Kara walk back to their camping spot. Hinote watches everyone disappear before following the last group.

He's actually staying. This will be interesting.

"Athena, do you have a minute?" Darius asks her suddenly. She nods and follows him to another clearing in the forest. While they walk, he stretches out his arm, nudging her to take it. She accepts his embrace happily, but can't stop the nerves accumulating in her stomach.

It isn't hard to guess what Darius wants to talk to her about, and if she's honest, she also has a few things to say herself. The last thing she wants is for him to think she doesn't trust him because she does. She trusts him more than anyone else.

"Thank you, for not pushing me to tell you." Her voice sounded softer than she expected. But she doesn't care. If someone may see her in a vulnerable state, it's him.

"I figured you would have told me when you were ready. I'm sorry it happened this way," he answers. She looks at him in surprise. "I'm not sorry; it's actually an extreme relief. Perhaps the timing wasn't perfect, but I'm glad you know. It's hard to keep a secret this big, but I am glad you never rushed me."

"We know we both have secrets," he says, staring into the distance. When his eyes meet hers a few seconds later, he smiles. "I know you know I've been keeping things. Probably for the same reason you were afraid to tell me."

They stay silent. Darius is right; Athena knew he wasn't telling her everything, but she never asked about it. Just like him, she thought he would tell her when he was ready. Spilling a secret you have been keeping to yourself for years isn't just about trusting someone; you have to accept your own vulnerability as well.

"I think it's time I share a part of my past with you. With all of you," he says while he folds his arms around her. "But first, I want to do something else." His voice is suddenly filled with amusement; she doesn't need to see his face to know he's smiling, but she turns to him anyway. His handsome face is beaming, making her blush. "What?"

He puts a fallen lock of hair back behind her ears; his giant hand falls softly on her cheek, and she leans towards his touch. With little force, their faces flutter towards each other until their lips touch. A smile appears on Athena's face; she couldn't help it and retreats from the kiss after a few seconds. "What is it?" Darius asks, amused. "I don't know, you tell me. I just told you my biggest secret, the one that has cost me a home, friendships, and frequently, almost my life, and your first instinct is to kiss me? Why?"

"Simple. Because you're my mate. And you're brave, and beautiful and kind, and hot and I don't want to lose you."

"Really?"

His serious eyes capture hers completely. She can barely breathe. "Really. Nothing will ever change the way I feel about you, Athena. I don't care how many more secrets you throw at me." She releases a breath she didn't know she was holding in, and a smile appears quickly after. "You saying this means the world to me. This is all I ever wanted; I feel so blessed to be with you."

"I think I am the luckiest wolf in the world, Athena. And I'm gonna kiss you again now, my mate; the coolest, most badass hybrid on earth," he says with a smirk, causing Athena to giggle. She gives him a quick kiss on the lips. "I'm also the only one, but who's counting? Now, what are you waiting for? Kiss me," she whispers with a lower voice, staring directly into his eyes waiting for his soft, demanding lips to touch hers again.