Page 22 of Alpha's Forbidden Fate

Chapter 7

Liam

The kitchen is a whirlwind of activity, and the aroma of simmering spaghetti tagliatelle fills the air. Mom and Dad are at Mariya’s for their date night. It’s their first time here since I completed the interior upgrade. I’m determined to make this dinner perfect and ignore the guilt of keeping the vampire secret from them, even though it continues to gnaw at me.

I serve the plates with a smile, the pasta adorned with a rich tomato sauce and a sprinkle of fresh basil. As I set the dishes in front of them, I feel a surge of pride. Mariya’s is exactly what I envisioned; warm and inviting, with soft lighting and rustic decor that enhances the intimate dining experience.

“Wow, Liam, this place is absolutely gorgeous,” Mom says, her eyes scanning the surroundings.

Dad nods in agreement, raising his glass. “You’ve done a fantastic job with the restaurant, son.”

“Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Dad. It means a lot,” I reply, trying to push away the guilt I feel.

They dive into the pasta, and I leave them to their dinner, promising to check in later. It’s six thirty, and the place is buzzing with customers. I make my way to the kitchen, where the clattering of pans and sizzling sounds create a culinary symphony.

My line cooks, Marco and Rosa, are in the midst of one of their debates about the best way to prepare some dish. Marco, a stout man with a thick accent, argues passionately for his method, while Rosa, with her fiery red hair and quick hands, counters with a smirk.

“Come on, Marco, you know my recipe is the best,” Rosa teases, flipping a pan of sautéed vegetables.

I chuckle, leaning against the counter. “You two still going at it? Can we save the culinary battles for after hours?”

Marco grins, wiping his hands on his apron. “Liam, my friend, cooking is an art, and art is worth fighting for.”

Rosa rolls her eyes, elbowing Marco playfully. “Don’t mind him, boss. He just can’t handle a woman outcooking him.”

I laugh, appreciating their camaraderie. “You’re both amazing. Keep up the good work. I’ll be back later.”

As I head back to the dining area, I catch sight of my parents enjoying their meal. They’re engrossed in conversation, the flicker of candlelight casting a warm glow on their faces. I hate that I have to keep secrets from them.

When they’ve polished off all the food, I approach the table with a smile. “How was everything?”

Dad pats his satisfied stomach. “Fantastic, Liam. You’ve truly outdone yourself.”

Mom nods. “We should do this more often.”

I swallow guiltily. “Yeah, definitely. You’re always welcome at Mariya’s.”

“Thank you, Liam,” Mom says with a smile, “but I was saying we should all get together for dinner more often.” “Yeah, I know. I need to come by the house more.”

They exchange knowing glances, and Dad gives my shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “You’re a busy man, Liam. But family comes first. Don’t forget that.”

“I won’t. You know it’s just been crazy here with the remodel and everything.”

As they gather their coats to leave, Dad says, “You take care of yourself, son. You know we’re here for you if you need anything.”

Mom adds, “And make sure to come by soon. We miss having you around.”

“I think he’s got the message, Jade,” Dad says teasingly.

I nod. “I will. Promise.”

They head out, and I head back to the kitchen. Mariya’s is still bustling.

As I work, my thoughts wander. I can’t shake the feeling that I’m playing a dangerous game by keeping the vampire’s secret. My thoughts are interrupted when my phone vibrates in my pocket.

A sense of foreboding grips me as I answer the call.

“Hello?”

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