Hybrid: The Awakening

Chapter 23-Tesha

"Where're we gonna find supplies in this town though?" Tristen questioned, scanning our surroundings.

"Oh, I can help y'all with that!"

The bearded man's voice carried through the air. He walked up to us with a wide smile.

"Sorry for eavesdroppin',' Teddy continued. "But I couldn't help but overhear y'all's conversation. If you folks don't mind staying a little while longer, we can treat him. Got a few docs in this town."

I contemplated the situation. As much as I wanted to get the Chosen humans away from the threat as soon as possible, the new girl had been right in mentioning Asher's injury. A part of me mentally scolded myself that I hadn't noticed the problem while a girl that just arrived pointed it out immediately.

Deep in thought, I also failed to notice the way Asher had stiffened next to me as Teddy made the offer. Which led me to making the decision.

"Thank you, Teddy. That is very kind," I told the man. "It will have to be quick, but we would very much appreciate it if Asher could get his wound treated."

Teddy's grin grew even more. "Great! Then follow me folks!" He headed forward and I started to follow him before Asher gripped my arm. I turned to face him.

"What's wrong, Asher?" I asked him.

Asher looked back at Teddy, who had turned back to face us. He swallowed and shook his head. "N-nevermind. Let's go." He walked past me with his eyes straight forward, clenching his jaw.

I studied him curiously. His tense posture gave the impression that he was fearful. But at what? It couldn't be because of Teddy, could it? Despite being wary of him in the beginning, he has proved to be trustworthy.

Unless...

The description of the strange creatures rang through my head. Monsters that killed their prey and stole their body. That could act just like them and nobody would notice the difference. Was it possible that the man was one of them? And if he was, had he been one since the beginning? Had he been killed recently and we'd gotten to know the real Teddy?

Or was I just being paranoid and this man really did have the best of intentions?

The desperate look in Asher's eyes supported otherwise, but the last thing we needed to do was jump to conclusions. Right now, Teddy's help was greatly needed.

Still, I would keep my weapon ready in case the man turned out to be a dangerous monster-even if the girl with the black coat had stated that our weapons would accomplish nothing. Her presence did give a small sense of comfort, since even if I didn't know how to defeat it, the girl clearly had dealt with creatures like them before. She could handle the situation.

Which only made me feel more guilty.

Teddy continued to lead us around and stopped in front of a building that looked slightly newer than its surroundings. I released a breath I hadn't been aware of holding as I noticed a sign reading "Emergency Care". The bearded man hadn't lied after all.

A woman wearing blue walked out of the building. She had a smile on her face as well, but it seemed more forced than Teddy's.

"Who's got a booboo?" She asked in a high pitched voice. The way her eyes scanned us felt like she was eyeing her prey, and I placed my hand closer to my weapon. I froze as the woman's eyes landed on me, glancing at my hand.

"Asher," I responded to her question, retracting my arm from my weapon. "He has a stab wound on his leg. If it isn't an inconvenience, we would love it if you could give him a proper wrapping job."