“Well, it’s already gotten around that she has two affinities. No one knows what to think of that,” Hannah said, showing her phone and the notification for thirteen unread messages.
“These are just from while we’ve been sitting here.”
“Really?” I looked around. “Why don’t they just come over?”
Malik shifted uncomfortably. “We’re not exactly the norm.”
I looked at each of them. “What does that mean?”
Hannah sighed. “I didn’t want to tell you because it’s a stupid and antiquated way of thinking, but most students stick to their species.”
I scowled, “Really?”
“We’re obviously allowed and encouraged to be friends with each other, but the supernatural community is incredibly slow to change. For most families, it’s a struggle to even send their kids here because all three species are here together. They prefer for vampires, shifters, and witches to stay with their own kind.”
Just like Robert and Susan. I couldn’t believe Masie had been right. Things at the school hadn’t changed. They were still choosing to segregate themselves.
But not these three. “Then why are you guys––”
“Our families are more progressive,” Hannah answered before I could finish my question. “We’ve known each other our whole lives, and when we got here, we became friends with others who didn’t want to follow the social norms.”
“Like Sai?” I asked.
“Yeah,” Daniel said. “We’re not the only group of friends from all three, but we’re definitely in the minority.”
“Yeah, some of our friends are even hybrids,” Malik said proudly.
“Hybrids?” I asked.
“The kids of mixed species parents,” he explained.
My heart hammered. I was a hybrid? There was a name for it?
“It’s pretty rare for people of different species to have relationships, let alone bond, but it’s becoming more common. I think our generation is the first that’s ever been open about it. The more progressives in our society want to normalize inter-species relationships and hybrids.” Hannah grinned.
“So do people hide it if they’re hybrids?” I asked.
Daniel shrugged. “Probably. Not everyone does though. Theo’s open about it.”
“Theo? The guy I met?” I checked with Hannah, and she nodded. “What mix is he?” I cringed. “That’s not how I should ask, is it?”
Malik laughed. “Probably not, but Theo isn’t easily offended. He would tell you if you asked.”
“Are you saying I should ask him? Are you not going to tell me?” I waited for one of them to answer.
Hannah grinned. “Maybe you should. He seemed to like you.”
“What?” Daniel scowled. “What do you mean?”
“Don’t worry! I warned him to stay away from her. She’s not going to be his next conquest, but he is our friend. It could be good for her to meet other people.” She shot me a wicked smile.
It felt like a challenge. Like she didn’t think I would have the guts to go up and talk to him. “Fine,” I grinned. “Next time I see him, I’ll ask.”
“He’s right over there.” She pointed past me, and I turned to see him laughing with a bunch of guys at the table next to ours.
“Don’t.” Daniel reached out and caught my hand. “Wait until he’s at least away from his rugby friends. You don’t need all of their attention on you.”
Hannah shifted next to me, sending him a questioning look, but he widened his eyes at her before turning back to me. “Just do it later.”