Page 166 of Alpha's Forbidden Fate

“You are in love with one of them. That’s what Blake said,” Huzna says.

She looks at me, and I see the frown lines on her face disappear for just one moment. “Yes, I am.”

“Liar,” someone says.

“You can’t be,” another one adds.

“And why can’t I? Fairies, nymphs, shifters, wolves, and humans have been able to coexist. What makes us the exception?”

“We need human blood to survive,” someone in the crowd shouts.

“I know that. I am a vampire, am I not? I keep fighting for my humanity,” Selene says defiantly.

“There are other ways to feed,” Mom says. “I have seen it. It works. We can work with the sheriff and the humans. We can get you blood bags that you can substitute with animal blood. We can make it work for all of us.”

“Animal blood? Is this a joke?” Huzna shouts.

Selene has her head held high as she walks up to him. “I have been sustaining myself on animal blood for years. I have been feeding on blood bags, and I managed to kill a witch.”

There is another chorus of “She has a point.” among the crowds.

“So, what? We agree to be prisoners and live on scraps of blood?”

“Yes. Then, when you have served your time, you roam the street free once more. Don’t you want to live a life without having to look over your shoulder every minute of every day? Don’t you miss your friends? Your family? Living a life out of the shadows? That is the life Blake and Levi promised you, isn’t it?”

I look up at Colt to find that he’s dropped the head but is now leaning heavily on Grayson. We’ll need to keep an eye on him and help him through this.

Raskgor, who has been watching everything, quietly adds, “We can even have someone on the council who will represent you. A vampire council member.”

That gets more of a reaction from everyone than I had expected.

“Really?” Huzna asks.

“Yes,” my father replies. “You can have a representative who will speak up for you and air your grievances to the council. We will work together to make sure you are all protected and fed and most importantly safe. One of the first things the council will be discussing, is eliminating the penalty of death for your crimes.”

“Agreed,” Alyssa says. “None of us want to see anyone else killed. But you must agree to no more violence. The council’s main objective is for humans to live their lives oblivious to your existence. And as sheriff, I will help you acclimate to living here peacefully.”

“Are you sure?” a young female vampire asks.

“Yes,” Alyssa responds. “It can work if everyone is willing.”

“So, can we work together now?” Selene asks. “And build trust between our peoples?”

Huzna looks straight at her and nods once.

The other prisoners also nod. Then, slowly, they begin to lower to the ground, their defiance melting away in the face of Selene’s words.

They know she is right.

I can see the resignation in their eyes, the realization that fighting will only lead to more pain and suffering.

As the tension eases, relief washes over me. Maybe this nightmare is finally coming to an end, even though the scars of tonight will linger for some time.

I look around at the faces of my family, their expressions a mix of exhaustion and determination. We’ve been through hell and back tonight, but somehow, we’ve managed to come out on top.

And as I watch my father address the crowd with words that promise a better tomorrow, I can’t help but feel a glimmer of hope. Maybe there’s a chance for peace after all.

I can’t wait any longer, so I finally run toward Selene. She has been so brave tonight.

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