Page 113 of Alpha's Forbidden Fate

“We are getting off track,” my father interjects. “The reason we are asking is because there has been another body.”

I stiffen. Somehow, I know the answer before I even ask. “Who is it?”

“Marco,” my mother responds.

I feel my heart break in my chest. I knew that something bad must have happened, but I was holding out hope that he might be okay.

“Fuck!” I whisper.

Selene instinctively reaches for my hand, a gesture that does not go unnoticed by my mother.

“How?” I choke out.

“Vampires. They found his body very near the edge of the forest. So, we want to understand if Selene is not feeding on humans, then who is? Who are the other vampires in town?”

I look at Selene, wondering if she is going to speak up. I let out the breath I didn’t know I was holding when she says, “Katya and Thomas.”

“Who are they?” Layla asks.

“I don’t know. They just approached me one day when I was leaving the hospital…”

“Stealing blood, you mean,” Layla mumbles, just loud enough for everyone to hear.

“Layla! Last warning. If you keep acting like this, I will send you up to Gray’s room,” Dad says before turning to Selene. “You were saying?”

“They had a captive with them, but I swear I never joined them. I don’t drink human blood, at least not like that.”

“So, when did you start with the blood bags? Because the records show that you were here for a very long time without any blood missing.” Colt asks.

“This year. After the attack by the wolves. I was scared that I was not healing as fast. But I have stopped. I haven’t stolen any new blood bags in a while.”

“Strange? Because I talked to the sheriff and blood bag thefts have almost tripled in number.” Mom says.

Selene gasps.

“What is it?” I ask.

“It is true then.”

“What is?” I prod.

“The attacks. The vampires seem to be planning something. I am not sure what, but Katya hinted that there was going to be some kind of revolution! They seemed pretty adamant about it, but I didn’t hear of anything for a few weeks, so I thought they were just bluffing.

“Jade,” Dad reaches for my mother’s hand.

“I know, babe. We need to alert the council,” Mom responds.

“No. We need more information, Mom,” I say. “You can’t go to them with half-formed theories.

“What are you talking about, son? If the town is in danger, then we have to all be on high alert. Everyone on the council needs to know how to protect their people. We cannot sit idly by and wait. We will go to them with the information and the eyewitness account.”

I sit up. “No. I am not letting her stand before the council. You know how well that will go, Mom. C’mon. They will probably have her arrested for treason or something…”

“Liam,” Dad stands. “Your mother has a point.”

“No. I will not allow it.”

“Liam,” Selene tugs at my hand. “I am willing to do it if that’s what will keep you and everyone else safe.”

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