Hunter studied the small girl in front of them. She was not like any demon he’d ever met before. She was so different … so lively and happy. And maybe it was dumb of him, but he trusted her, just like how his mother and sister trusted the ones who gave them elemental powers. She did not give him a bad vibe at all. Actually, it was quite the opposite. She gave him this feeling of warmth. And for the first time since he was rejected, he was starting to feel whole again.
“I take it that means you’re moving into the Black Ice Pack?” Hunter asked in minor amusement.
“That’s the plan. If that’s okay?” Fujin bit her bottom lip and dug her toe in the dirt.
Hunter smiled as he regarded her. There was a sadness behind her giggle and bright eyes. That was the only other thing he could sense about her. There was nothing about her that screamed evil or dangerous.
“I think that sounds like a good idea, too, especially if we’re partners now. Is this a ‘for life’ thing, or just for now?” Hunter asked as he listened to the small grumble from Chasen.
Fujin looked over at Chasen with a small frown. She could see that he didn’t want her around. Her eyes flashed back to Hunter and she put on her exterior smile before she let any more sadness show. “Of course it’s for life. This is how it works. Sorry I’m not a deity. I know that would have been more acceptable. I can’t help who I am, though.” Her voice trailed off quietly.
“I can’t help who I am either.” Hunter shrugged and grinned at her. He was an alpha who wasn’t all werewolf. He was accepted for the person he is, so shouldn’t she get that same chance? “So, Fujin?—”
“You can call me Jin.”
Hunter nodded. “Jin, welcome to the Black Ice Pack.”
Chasen growled lowly. “Hunter, are you sure this is a good idea? Given the circumstances, how do we know we can trust her?”
Hunter chuckled, giving Chasen a side look with his eyes raised. “Chase, come on, bro. I’m connected to her now. I can feel who she is. You trusted Levi when he showed up. She is the same to me as Levi is to Reiya. Give her a chance.” He nudged his brother with his elbow.
“Fine.” Chasen turned, setting his icy glare on Jin. “Look, Hunter is … well, he’s my most important person. I can’t just trust you blindly. His safety is too important.”
“Then we agree.” Jin smiled. “Hunter’s safety is my top priority, too.”
Hunter’s brows furrowed. “I don’t really understand though, Jin. How did you know about me? Why did you decide to gift me with the element of air?”
“There is a war coming. Of course, you’re aware of this. This war is an imbalance. Demons can’t disturb the balance by taking over. There are great forces at work here … the yin and yang of the world … those who keep balance. The dark priestess is on the side of yin and the Moon Goddess is on the side of yang.” Jin sighed and met Hunter’s gaze. “Just how the deities have chosen to gift their elements, I have also chosen. Your family is the chosen family … the ones chosen to restore balance. I’m afraid I don’t know more details than that. I just knew who you were and where to find you.”
“This demon war is more than just protecting the fairies, then. I had a feeling it was much bigger. This war is meant to happen to restore balance. I guess I can get behind that.” Hunter figured if this war was going to happen anyway, it was nice to hear there was more at stake. They were battling for the balance of the world.
“Tell me about yourself, Jin. Where is your family?” Hunter asked casually but immediately regretted what he said. He saw the shine fade from her eyes and her smile vanish. Her green eyes looked down as her head dropped slightly. Then she raised her head again, a large smile back on her face.
“Mmmm, there isn’t anything important to tell,” she said, her fake smile firmly in place to hide her pain.
“Really? Nothing to tell? You just appear out of nowhere with no past, no history? What about others? Who have youbeen with all this time? What about your friends?” Chasen, who couldn’t take a hint because of his dislike of her, spoke out bluntly with a low, irritated voice.
Hunter watched Jin as she pursed her lips. “We don’t have to talk about all this stuff now. Do you have any belongings with you?”
Jin giggled and held out her hands. “Just me and what I’m wearing.”
“Well then, I guess you are easy to move in.” Hunter chuckled. “We will take you out to get some things.”
“Oh no, you don’t have to do that.” Jin shook her hands in protest.
“Nonsense. It’s the least I can do for this new, awesome gift you gave me.” Hunter twirled his fingers, swirling the air and making the grass bend around them.
“Thank you.” Her voice was quiet, and she looked down to hide the tears forming in her eyes. She cleared her throat. “We’ll practice daily and get you better acquainted with your element. Soon, you’ll have it mastered.”
Hunter wasn’t sure what Jin was hiding, but it was obvious to him there had been sadness in her life. He felt like he could connect with her there. She reminded him of his sister, Reiya. She always put on a brave face and tried to hide her pain, never wanting others to worry about her. But he could always tell. She was horrible at keeping secrets. “It’s starting to get dark. How about we head back? Are you hungry? I think I spotted some chocolate cake back at the house.” Hunter watched the girl immediately perk up.
“Chocolate cake?” She bounced over to him and clasped onto his arm. “Let’s go!” Jin cheered.
Hunter chuckled. This girl was adorable, not dangerous. “Come on then.” Hunter led her back toward the Black Ice Pack. Chasen followed closely, gazing at the girl suspiciously. Hedidn’t like her secrets. There was something off about her, and Chasen was going to figure out what it was.
Hunter pushed the pack doors open and several sets of eyes shot up from the table. Renee was sitting on Sam’s lap across the table from Winston, Adam and Susan. Susan’s eyes locked on the girl holding onto Hunter’s arm and her eyes darkened. Hunter felt Jin’s hand tighten on his arm, and he couldn’t be sure, but he thought he felt a mild tremble. He took his arm away from her hand and instead swung it around her shoulders. He gave her a reassuring smile and led her into the house.
“Everyone, I would like for you to meet Fujin, Jin for short. She will be living with us from here on out,” Hunter said.
