Page 17 of Faking it with the Hybrid

“What is it?” Grath frowned at the large piece of ice which had been turned into some kind of convoluted structure that appeared to be rings and ovals all linked together and overlapping.

“I think it’s supposed to be something to do with time?” Madeline sounded doubtful. “Tasha always did like abstract art the best—even back in high school,” she added.

Grath wanted to lean closer—not to look at the sculpture but just for an excuse to get close to the curvy little female. But he knew that wasn’t a good idea. He straightened up instead and looked down the long, curving path which was dark except for the light cast by the glowing sculptures. An icy breeze was blowing through the branches of the trees and he caught an unfamiliar scent on it.

“Hey—what’s that smell?” he muttered, putting his nose in the air and inhaling to catch a better whiff.

Madeline lifted her head and sniffed too. In a moment, her face broke into a smile.

“Oh—that’s the hot chocolate cart!” she exclaimed. “I can’t believe it’s still here!”

“Hot chocolate? What the fuck is that?” Grath growled. The scent was sweet and warm but with the faintest hint of bitterness in it. It was surprisingly appealing.

“Oh, haven’t you ever had it?” Madeline’s eyes were shining. “It’s a sweet Earth drink that’s served hot. It’s just perfect for warming you up on a cold day—or night.”

“Sounds fucking delicious,” Grath admitted. “How about if I go get us some? No—you don’t have to come,” he added, when Madeline started to go with him. “Stay here and admire your old friend’s sculpture—whatever the fuck it is,” he added, eyeing the convoluted piece.

“Well…okay.” She shrugged. “Get mine with extra whipped cream. Oh—do you have money?”

Grath nodded.

“Commander Sylvan made sure I had some Earth dollars to spend while we’re here on our ‘mission.’” He frowned. “I think he gave me about…thirty thousand or so? I have some big bills and some smaller ones, too.”

“Well, that should certainly keep you in style during your time in Christmasville,” Madeline said dryly. “I’d recommend using the smaller bills at the hot chocolate cart,” she added.

“Got it. Small bills and extra zipped cream.” Grath nodded.

“Whippedcream,” she corrected, smiling in a way that made her more adorable than ever. “Go on—I’ll see you in a minute.”

“See you in a minute,” Grath echoed and hurried off down the dimly lit path. He had to get away from her or he was going to kiss her—he fuckingknewit. Madeline was just too damn tempting for her own good!

He had no idea he was leaving her in danger.

EIGHT

MATTIE

Mattie watched the big Hybrid walk swiftly away down the path, wondering why he had suddenly put distance between them again. What was going on with him, anyway? One minute he was warming her hands and being all sweet and chivalrous and the next minute it seemed like he couldn’t wait to get away! What the hell was his problem?

Sighing, she studied the ice sculpture more closely. The girl who had made it had been an outcast in high school—much like Mattie herself. But Tasha had been a rebel—an artist who clearly knew she was too good for Robert G Warren High. Mattie had just been a target—a chubby girl that the popular kids loved to pick on.

Just thinking of it made her stomach grow cold and she tried to push away the memories before they could crowd in and overwhelm her. Neither of her parents had any idea how close she’d come to ending her life during those dark days of high school. Only Anna had an inkling of how bad things had gotten. Though she had done her best to protect Mattie, they were three grades apart and Anna had graduated and gone on to college before Mattie was even a sophomore.

After her older sister left, things had gottenreallybad, Mattie remembered. The popular girls—Amanda Hutchinson and her crew especially—had it out for her. She was the one who had gotten the boys involved—like Luke Hartsford…

“Mattie? Little Mattie Porter?”

The deep, familiar voice made her blood run cold and an old saying of her Grandma’s suddenly popped into Mattie’s head.Speak of the Devil and he will appear!

Slowly, she turned her head to see a tall figure approaching her, coming swiftly down the dark path. Even before she could see his face by the light of the glowing sculpture, Mattie knew who it was.

Luke Hartsford had been a football star back in their high school days. He had square shoulders and All-American good looks with blue eyes and dark hair that swooped back from a high forehead. All the girls in school had been swooningly in love with him but it was Mattie he asked to the senior prom. Little “Fatty-Mattie” as they used to call her.

And then on prom night, he tried to—

Mattie cut the thought off right there, refusing to let it into her brain. Usually she was able to do that—to forget what had happened all those years ago. But of course, she didn’t usually have the man who had done it right in front of her.

“Mattie Porter! Ithoughtthat was you!” Luke had come up to the sculpture she was standing by now and Mattie could see that he was as handsome as ever. A cold shiver of revulsion went down her spine as his chiseled features loomed into view.

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