Jacob and Lydia were woken the next morning at 10 a.m. by a knock on the bedroom door.
Still half-asleep, Jacob mumbled. "What is it, Cogman?"
"Good morning, sir. Breakfast is ready." Cogman replied politely.
"Oh, thanks. We'll shower and come down." Jacob said, yawning.
"Very well, sir." Cogman said before heading back downstairs.
Lydia yawned, still clinging to Jacob, and asked. "What time is it?"
Jacob grabbed his phone from the nightstand, checked it, and said. "It's 10 a.m."
Lydia sat up, her hair a complete mess. "I should go soon. My mom said she's taking me out today."
Jacob kissed her, then scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the bathroom. After a quick shower together, they went downstairs to the kitchen.
The dining table was filled with all kinds of food: eggs, sausages, and a variety of baked goods. Cogman was waiting for them, standing like a proper butler.
"Good morning, sir. Madame." Cogman greeted.
"Good morning, Cogman." Lydia smiled warmly.
As she went to sit, Cogman moved the chair out for her like a gentleman. Lydia smiled again and said. "Thank you."
"You're welcome, Madame." Cogman replied.
Jacob frowned. "Hey, aren't you going to help me sit too?"
Cogman completely ignored him and instead asked Lydia. "What would you like to drink, Madame? I've prepared tea, coffee, and freshly squeezed orange juice."
"I'll have coffee and some orange juice—no sugar." Lydia said.
"Right away, Madame."
Jacob sighed and sat down by himself. "Give me juice too, and a latte—with sugar."
"Sugar is bad for your health, sir." Cogman said flatly.
Jacob narrowed his eyes. "Don't worry about my health. Just do as you're told."
"As you wish, sir. You're the one who's going to get diabetes and die anyway. Just make sure to leave some children behind to carry on your bloodline before that happens." Cogman said matter-of-factly.
Jacob slammed the table. "Are you cursing me, you stupid tin can?!"
"No, sir." Cogman said calmly. "But diabetes killed a few of my former masters, as well as their wives and children. I only advise caution."
"There's no need to worry about that happening to me. I'm a dragon—I don't get sick." Jacob said smugly.
Cogman placed their drinks in front of them and tilted his head. "A dragon?"
"Yes. And I'm in my growth stage." Jacob explained. "So you'll need to make me big meals every day—rich in nutrients. And don't tell anyone else about me being a dragon."
"I assume Madame Allison already knows?" Cogman asked.
"Yes." Jacob admitted. "But Stiles and Scott don't, and I'd like to keep it that way for now."
After breakfast, Lydia kissed Jacob goodbye, and Cogman rushed to open the gate for her.
Jacob sprawled out in the living room, watching an animal documentary. When Cogman returned, Jacob asked. "Did you order the materials for your skin?"
"Yes. They'll arrive in two days." Cogman replied.
"And how soon can you finish once they arrive?"
"Two days at most, sir."
"Good. Did you make the bestiary app I asked for?"
"Yes. It's already installed on your laptop. As for your phone, I'll wait until the materials arrive. Then I'll design a proper phone for you and install it there as well."
"Perfect. Also, make phones for Allison, Lydia, Scott, and Stiles." Jacob instructed.
"Understood, sir."
Jacob asked. "You've read the bestiary, right?"
"I have." Cogman nodded.
"I assume you know about the hunters too, and probably even more than I do now about the supernatural side of this world."
Cogman said. "Indeed. I did some hacking yesterday. I now have files on the hunters and countless secret organizations. They capture, kill, and experiment on supernatural creatures—and on humans as well."
"Interesting…" Jacob muttered. "Tell me, does the government know about the supernatural?"
"Yes, sir." Cogman replied. "Some organizations are private, but most belong to governments around the world."
Jacob narrowed his eyes. "Is there one here in California?"
"Only small labs and black-market dealers." Cogman explained. "The larger research facilities are elsewhere. The biggest one in the United States is in Nevada—Area 51. If you wish, I can give you the rest of the locations in detail."
"Not now." Jacob said. "I doubt they'll come after me here. Besides, I'll keep a low profile… or at least kill my enemies so no one lives to tell stories about me." He leaned forward. "What I do want to hear is what plan you've come up with to invest my money."
Cogman began explaining his strategy, and the two talked for hours until afternoon. Eventually, Jacob had a big lunch, changed his clothes, and drove over to Allison's house.
---
When he arrived at the Argent residence, Jacob parked his car and reached out telepathically.
[Allison, I'm outside. You ready for our date?]
Her voice popped into his head almost immediately. [You scared me, you idiot! I'm in the shower—give me fifteen minutes.]
Jacob smirked. [More like fifty.]
[I'll be quick, I promise!]
[Should I sneak in and join you in the shower?] Jacob teased.
[NO!] Allison screamed in his head. [Kate's outside the bathroom door talking to me!]
[Stupid Kate… Fine. I'll go for a ride before your dad drags me inside for another awkward talk. Call me when you're ready.]
[Alright.]
Jacob was about to get back into his car when the front door opened. Chris stepped outside.
Chris called. "Kid, come inside."
Immediately Allison's voice rushed into Jacob's head again. [Jacob, have you left yet? Kate just said she heard someone open the front door and she went downstairs.]
Jacob sighed as he walked toward the porch. [No, I haven't left. Your dad just came out and invited me in.]
Her laughter echoed through his mind. [Please just bear with him for a few minutes.]
[I'll try.]
When Jacob reached the door, he found Victoria and Kate standing behind Chris, waiting.
He nodded politely. "Good evening, Mr. Argent. Mrs. Argent. Kate."
Kate flashed him a playful smile. "Hello, handsome. Come on in."
Jacob stepped forward—only to slam into something invisible. A barrier shimmered faintly where he'd tried to pass.
He pressed his palm against it, then looked at Chris. "You invited me in. So why the barrier?"
Chris smirked. "If you can't cross it, then you won't be taking my daughter out. And you'll stay away from her from now on."
Jacob grinned. "And what if I can cross it?"
"Then I won't stop you from dating her." Chris said firmly.
Jacob glanced at Victoria and Kate. "You both heard him, right? If I can't enter, I'll stay away from Allison. But if I can… he'll stop interfering."
Kate folded her arms, smirking. "Sure, kid. If you break through, I guarantee Chris will keep his word."
Jacob smirked. "Alright then." Then, to the surprise of all three, Jacob's hand ignited on fire. He pressed it against the mountain ash barrier—instantly, the barrier burst into flames and burned away until nothing remained.
Jacob winked at Chris, stepped inside, and casually strolled past them into the living room. He dropped himself comfortably onto the couch as if he owned the place.
The three Argents exchanged uneasy looks before Kate and Victoria followed him inside. Chris slammed the door shut and joined them, his glare fixed on Jacob.
But Jacob spoke first. "So… are you going to keep your word and let me date Allison?"
Chris narrowed his eyes. "What do you think?"
Jacob chuckled. "I see. A man with no word, huh?"
"I didn't break my promise." Chris snapped. "I said if you could walk through the barrier, not burn your way in."
Jacob shrugged. "Technicalities. Either way, I'm not staying away from Allison."
Chris leaned forward. "What are you? A hellhound?"
Jacob smirked. "Maybe. Maybe not."
Kate crossed her arms. "Do you even know what a hellhound is?"
"Of course." Jacob said smoothly. "A shapeshifter, a harbinger of death, with the power to generate and control fire."
Victoria's eyes narrowed. "Just like you."
Jacob only smirked wider. "Maybe."
Chris's voice hardened. "Did you tell Allison what you are?"
Jacob shot back immediately. "Did you tell her what you and your family are, hunter?"
Chris asked. "You… know I'm a hunter?"
Jacob leaned back casually. "Of course. Isn't it normal for me to know who my friends and enemies are when I move into a new town? And I assume you figured out that I'm a supernatural creature the night I caught that mountain lion."
Victoria studied him seriously. "Did you get close to my daughter because she's an Argent?"
Jacob said firmly. "No, I didn't know Allison was an Argent when I first met her. When I saw you picking her up and realized she was an Argent, it was too late. I was already attracted to her. And don't worry—I don't mean harm to her or your family. In fact, I'd do anything to protect her."
Victoria frowned. "So that night I met you on the road, when you were being chased by that bear—you knew what it really was, didn't you? And you were just pretending."
Jacob smirked. "Weren't you pretending too? You knew it was an Alpha werewolf, but you kept calling it a bear."
He laughed. "And I remember you asked me if I was bitten, telling me you would take me to the hospital if I was. I was laughing in my head. Because I knew you wouldn't be taking me to a doctor. You'd take me straight to the morgue. Isn't that what you do? Killing shapeshifters just for being what they are?"
Chris's jaw tightened. "We have a code, kid."
Jacob leaned forward, eyes sharp. "Sure. I know your code. But tell me—are you certain every shapeshifter you killed was a murderer? Are you sure all your hunters follow that code?"
Kate snapped. "There are no innocent shapeshifters. Especially werewolves. They're all dangerous monsters that need to be put down."
Jacob's gaze locked on hers, his tone cold. "That's just a lie Gerard probably told you. Or maybe something you tell yourself so your guilty conscience lets you sleep at night."
Chris's face hardened. "You know Gerard?"
Jacob nodded. "Of course I know about the infamous Gerard Argent. Never met him—but I've heard enough. A bastard more evil than a Nogitsune."
"Watch your mouth, you little punk." Chris snapped. "That's my father you're insulting."
Jacob smirked darkly. "You'll find out sooner or later what kind of man he really is."
Then his gaze slid over to Kate. "But I bet Kate already knows. Her heartbeat is going crazy right now."
Chris turned to her, suspicious. Kate shrugged. "Don't look at me like that. Gerard might be proud of you and a good father to you, but to me? He's a terrible father. No matter what I do, I would never be good enough for him. You have no idea what terrible things he made me do, Chris. The kid said it best—Gerard is more evil than a Nogitsune."
Chris went silent, jaw tight. Victoria quickly stepped in to shift the conversation. She turned to Jacob. "Tell me, kid. Why was the Alpha after you that night on the road? And why did he follow you to our house and attack you the second time?"
Jacob leaned back on the couch, calm. "I already told you why he came after me the first time—I bear-sprayed him and gouged his eyes."
Then his smirk returned as he looked at Kate. "As for the second time… he wasn't after me. He was after her."
Kate narrowed her eyes. "Why would he come after me?"
Jacob tilted his head. "I don't know. But judging by how fast and loud your heartbeat is right now, I'm sure you know. Maybe you killed someone from his pack?"
Kate gave another careless shrug. "I don't remember. I've killed a lot of monsters."
Jacob's smirk faded into something colder. "You know I can tell when you're lying, right?"
"Or maybe I'm not lying." Kate shot back. "Maybe I'm just nervous."
Jacob chuckled lowly. "Maybe. But Kate… have you ever heard this saying: 'Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.' Can't remember who said it, but the point is, you should make sure you don't turn into a monster yourself while hunting monsters."
Kate smirked. "Don't worry about me, kid. I can handle myself. What I want to know is—what are you?"
Jacob shrugged. "I don't know. There's no one left from my family to tell me."
Victoria leaned forward. "Why don't you shift and let us see? Maybe we can help."
Jacob let out a dry laugh. "Help? You mean help put me in a morgue."
Chris shook his head. "No. We'd help you identify what you are."
Jacob looked at him. "Yeah, right. I'm not stupid. You want to know what I am so you can learn my weaknesses, beat me, and force me to stay away from Allison."
Then he turned his sharp gaze to Victoria. "And you… you're probably already thinking of ways to kill me. I can practically smell the killing intent coming off you."
Finally, his eyes locked on Kate. "As for you… you're probably thinking of filling Allison's head with lies and manipulating her to kill me with her own hands."
Jacob's smirk vanished. His tone grew serious. "Like I said before—I don't mean Allison or you guys any harm. So please, for Allison's sake… don't push me. Don't make me do something I'll regret."
Kate leaned back, smirking. "What? Are you threatening to kill us?"
Jacob looked at her. "No. I'm not cruel enough to kill Allison's parents and break her heart. But you, Kate…" His voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "I'm not so sure about."
Kate scoffed, brushing his words off. "Allison loves me. If you kill me, she'd never forgive you."
Jacob smirked darkly. "She wouldn't have to know it was me. Maybe I'll just ambush you when you're alone—burn you to ash until there's nothing left. You'd simply… disappear from this world."
Kate's heartbeat spiked, pounding loud in Jacob's ears. She was scared.
Then Allison's voice rang in his head, sharp and protective. [Jay, stop scaring her.]
Jacob answered telepathically. [Alright, I was just messing with her. Now go put on your clothes—you've been eavesdropping on the stairs since I walked in.]
Allison replied. [Okay. I'll be down in a minute.] He heard her tiptoe back toward her room.
Jacob leaned back against the couch, eyes still fixed on Kate. "Relax. I was just messing with you. As long as you don't try to harm me, I'll treat you with respect."
Then he turned to Chris, his tone sharpening again. "But understand this, sir—I'm not Derek Hale. Don't think you can bring your hunters and try to push me around. I won't hurt you, but your goons? I won't be nearly as patient."
Chris narrowed his eyes. "You know Derek Hale?"
Jacob smirked. "Yeah. I know him. I even know who the Alpha is."
Chris leaned forward. "What? Tell me who it is."
Jacob tilted his head. "And what's in it for me?"
Chris said firmly. "You'll be helping us take down a monster that's killing innocent people in this town."
Jacob laughed, shaking his head. "Innocent people? For a hunter, you're really clueless."
Chris frowned. "What do you mean by that?"
Jacob stood up, brushing him off. "Forget it. Let's end this little talk—Allison's on her way down."
Chris straightened, his tone suddenly stern. "Don't tell her about the supernatural. Or about us being hunters. I don't want her to know yet."
Jacob said. "Fine. But when should I tell her?"
Chris crossed his arms. "Don't worry. I'll tell her myself."
Just then Allison came down the stairs, eyeing them curiously and pretending like she didn't hear their conversation. "What were you guys talking about? And why did you all stop when I walked in?"
Jacob smiled lightly. "Nothing important. They were just trying to intimidate me like usual and didn't want you to know. Let's go."
Without waiting, he walked out of the living room. Allison said a quick goodbye to her parents and Kate before following him out to his car.
Kate moved to the window, watching Jacob and Allison drive away. Her smirk returned as she turned to Chris. "Are you really going to let him date her?"
Chris's eyes hardened. "No. I told him not to tell her because I want to make him lose control in front of her—make him the first monster she sees. Maybe that way she'll be scared of him and not trust him because he didn't tell her what he is. Then we'll tell her about wendigos and all kinds of evil creatures out there, and make her hate him, and turn against him."
Kate grinned. "Not bad. Sounds like a plan worth trying."
To be continued… 😊