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“Nice day, isn’t it?” Dean commented casually, seemingly oblivious to the storm raging inside me.
“Sure.” I scanned our surroundings for an opportunity to take him down.
Finally, we reached a point far enough away from the town center that a confrontation would not draw attention. I dropped my art supplies and lunged at Dean, my wolf’s instincts guiding my movements.
Dean was quicker than I had anticipated. He easily sidestepped my attack, a smug grin on his face as he put distance between us.
“Wow, Tori, you’ve got quite the nasty streak.” He laughed, clearly amused by my aggression. “You might look like him, butthatdefinitely comes from somewhere else.”
Anger lit within me, and without thinking, I lunged at him again. Once more, Dean dodged my advance effortlessly, not even bothering to counterattack. Frustrated, I snarled. “What the hell do you mean? Who are you?”
“Relax,” Dean said, still grinning. “I’m a friend of your father’s. And I can’t wait to see Jaxon’s reaction when he finds out about you. Oh, this is going to be fun.”
My heart stuttered at the mention of Jaxon Hyde, my biological father. Was it possible he was still alive? Every fiber of my being was screaming for answers, but before I could demand them, Ridge appeared, having tracked my scent.
“Get away from her!” Ridge roared, launching himself in front of me and facing off against Dean. His protective instincts were in full force, and even though he was very likely furious with me for taking on a potential hunter alone, his fierce display of loyalty thrilled me.
“Whoa! Easy there, big guy.” Dean’s eyes widened as he avoided Ridge’s reach. “I’m not here to hurt her. Just wanted to have a little chat with Tori, that’s all.”
“Chat?” Ridge growled, still poised to strike if necessary. “With a hunter?”
“Wait, Ridge,” I interjected, finally catching my breath. “I thought he was a hunter, too, but now, I’m not so sure.”
I stayed behind Ridge, my inner wolf warning me to let him handle the situation for now. I was still confused after hearing Jaxon Hyde’s name, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that everything was about to change.
“Explain yourself,” Ridge demanded, his eyes never leaving Dean’s face. The tension between them was palpable, a fierce dance of dominance and submission.
Ridge’s growl vibrated through my entire body, making me shiver with anticipation and dread. Dean’s eyes flashed indignantly as he held up his hands placatingly.
“It’s time to calm down,” he said. “I’m not a hunter. I’m a vampire, and I’m rather insulted that you’d lump me in with those decrepit Neanderthals. And I don’t mean any harm. I just saw Tori and had to talk to her. Like I said,” Dean said casually, his gaze flicking between Ridge and me, “I’m a friend of Jaxon Hyde’s. He and I go way back.”
“Jaxon Hyde is dead,” Ridge spat, barely containing his anger.
“Is he?” Dean asked with a knowing grin. “I wouldn’t be so sure about that.”
“Enough with the games,” I barked, my impatience getting the better of me. “Tell us what you know about my father.”
“Wouldn’t you rather hear it from him?” Dean asked, raising an eyebrow. “After all, I’m sure he’d love to meet his long-lost daughter.”
“Where is he?” I demanded.
“Ah. Now that’s a bit more complicated.” Dean’s mouth twisted, and he frowned. “You see, Jaxon’s been in hiding for quite some time. But I think it’s time for a family reunion, don’t you?”
“Tell us where he is,” Ridge growled. He wouldn’t trust a stranger who appeared out of nowhere with such shocking news.
Dean held up a hand. “Patience, alpha. All in good time. First, we need to make sure it’s safe for everyone involved. And that means ensuring there are no hunters lurking around, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.”
“Fine,” Ridge agreed through gritted teeth. “But if you’re lying...”
“Trust me, I have no reason to lie. Besides, don’t you want Tori to know the truth about her past?” Dean countered, shifting his gaze to me.
“Ridge, let’s give him a chance.” My inner wolf was urging me to trust my instincts. “Please.”
Ridge’s gaze never left Dean’s face. “If anything happens to Tori, I will make you regret the day you were born.”
“Understood,” Dean said with a nod. “I heard some rumors about packs converging here and wanted to scout it out a bit. See if your efforts to protect shifters from hunters were legit.”
His words stirred something within me, an almost primal need to know more about my heritage. Ridge tensed, sensing my interest but remaining alert.
