out of his element, and Jovi could see it in his eyes. The reality was starting to sink in. Slowly.

"I don't show these to people," Jovi continued, her voice soft but firm. "Only my dad and uncle know about these. Because to me these aren't badges of honor, Ares. They're reminders. Reminders that every time I go out there, I'm risking more than just getting a little beat up. One mistake, one wrong move, and you're dead."

Ares finally found his voice, though it was quieter than usual. "Jovi, I... I didn't know. I mean, I knew it was dangerous, but I didn't realise..."

"That's because you've only heard the stories," Jovi interrupted, rubbing a hand through het hair. "The cool stories, where I make a joke and stab the monster, and everything's fine. But what you don't hear are the stories where it isn't fine. Where it almost kills you. Where you're lying on the floor, bleeding out, hoping you didn't just make your last mistake."

Ares took a shaky breath, running a hand through his hair. "But you keep doing it. Why? If it's this bad, why don't you stop?"

Jovi looked at him, her eyes dark and serious. "Because somebody has to. Because the things we hunt? They don't care who gets hurt. They'll keep killing, keep ripping people apart, whether we're out there or not. So, yeah, I do it. I do it because I can't just sit back and let them win. But it's not something you do unless you're ready to pay that price. And I'm telling you now—you're not ready."

Ares was quiet for a long moment, staring at the ground. His usual energy was gone, replaced by something far more serious. He finally looked up at her, his voice barely above a whisper. "I just thought... maybe I could help."

Jovi softened, shaking her head. "I get it, Ares. I really do. But you're not built for this. Not yet, anyway. And if you try to get in the game before you're ready... it'll chew you up and spit you out. And I don't want to be the one burying you."

Ares swallowed, his expression more somber than she'd ever seen. "Yeah... I guess I didn't really think it through properly."

Jovi sighed, shifting closer and placing a hand on his shoulder. "Look, I know you want to help. And I'm not saying you can't. Just... not like this. Not in the field. I've noticed in class you're good at research, at finding patterns. You're a genius with that stuff, and trust me, we need people like you. But the hunting part? That's not your fight."

Ares nodded slowly, the weight of her words finally sinking in. "Yeah... okay. I get it."

Jovi gave his shoulder a small squeeze, her voice softer now. "Good. Because the last thing I need is you ending up like me."

Ares let out a shaky breath, his usual grin flickering back for just a second. "Yeah, I'd make a terrible werewolf."

Jovi snorted, shaking her head. "You'd be the world's most annoying one, for sure."

Ares grinned, but it was weaker than usual, his eyes still lingering on the scars she'd shown him. "Thanks, Jovi. For... showing me those."

"Don't mention it," she said, standing up ready to leave this room. "But seriously, Ares. Promise me you won't try to do this on your own. If you want to help, there are other ways. Safer ways. Claire doesn't know everything."

Ares nodded, finally meeting her eyes again. "Yeah, I know. I promise."

Jovi smiled faintly, satisfied for now. "Good. Now I'm getting out of here so I can go back to hating you again."

Ares snorted as he followed her to the car, his usual swagger slowly returning. "Hating me? Man, I must be rubbing off on you."

Jovi just rolled her eyes, heading out of the door. "Yeah, you wish, Cassidy."

☆

Yes, Coach Steele is based on Sue Sylvester from Glee. It was either her or Coach from teen wolf. I wanted Jovi to have beef with her gym teacher in a fun way also because I love those characters...also how do we feel about Blake?
Anyway hope you enjoyed, keep voting and commenting!