Page 149 of Alpha's Forbidden Fate

I bite back a retort, knowing that arguing with Raskogr would only escalate the situation.

Instead, I turn to my mother, desperation in my eyes. “Please, Mom. There has to be another way.”

But my mother shakes her head, her expression pained. “I’m sorry, Liam. But we can’t risk another attack. We have to do whatever it takes to keep our people safe.”

Chapter 52

Selene

I’m in my room, alone with my thoughts and the haunting memory of Liam’s smile and laughter. I miss him more than words can express.

In today’s memory, he is wearing a white shirt that is folded at the arms. I imagine he is in our kitchen making me soup.

He looks back and smiles at me. “Hey, baby!”

There is something wrong, though.

He is bleeding from fang marks on his neck. Somehow, I know I did this to him.

“I am sorry, Liam. I am so sorry!” I whimper.

“I know, vampire. I forgive you!”

“I’m scared…”

“Me too. Hang in there, though. I will find you!”

And then, the room disappears and I’m back to reality.

I live for these visions. They make the hours go by faster.

It’s been so long since I’ve fed, and each passing day only adds to my desperation.

Every evening, like clockwork, Stephen arrives with a syringe, injecting me with... something. I don’t even want to know what it is anymore.

Today is no different. Stephen barges in, ignoring my questions about Isabella, and proceeds to jab me with that damn needle.

I flinch at the sting, feeling the liquid coursing through my veins. Then, without a word, he drags me to the office where Levi and Blake await.

I can feel the weight of their gaze as I enter the room.

Levi’s eyes bore into mine. His expression is cold and calculating.

Blake lounges in the corner, a smirk playing on his lips.

But what catches my attention is the figure in the shadows—my mother.

Except I know it’s not real.

Our mother passed away years ago, yet here she is, haunting me in this moment of despair.

Her voice echoes in my mind, filled with disappointment and reproach. “How could you choose the wolves over your own family, Selene?” Her words are like daggers to my heart.

I want to scream, to tell her that I didn’t choose this life, that I’m fighting to survive.

But the words catch in my throat, suffocated by the weight of guilt and regret.

Levi’s voice cuts through the haze, sharp and commanding. “Focus, Selene,” he snaps, shaking me out of my reverie. “Are you ready to comply?”

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