Page 32 of Alpha's Forbidden Fate

I feel a pang of guilt gnawing at my insides. I can’t bring myself to speak what I know aloud. Not yet, anyway.

As the meeting continues, a feeling of unease settles over me like a heavy cloak. I’ve been hiding the truth from the ones I love, and I wonder if I’ve made a terrible mistake.

Maybe I should have told Mom about Mia the night it happened.

After the council meeting wraps up, my mom approaches me, obviously concerned. “Are you sure you’re okay, Liam?”

”Yeah, I’m fine,” I offer a smile, trying for more confidence than I feel.

Dad adds, “You should join us for family dinner tonight. Grayson will be coming home from camp, and it would mean a lot to him to see you there.”

I nod, grateful for the change of subject. “Sure thing. But I’ll be a bit late. I need to swing by the restaurant first.”

“That’s fine,” Mom says, smiling. “We’ll save you a seat.”

With that, we part ways, and I drive to the hospital, heading straight for the nurse’s station. Andrea’s absence is gnawing at me, and I’m hoping to get some answers.

The nurse on duty looks up as I approach. “Hey, Liam. How are you doing?”

“I’m doing well. Looking for Andrea. Is she here?”

“No. She left mid-shift a couple of days ago and hasn’t been seen since.”

My stomach churns with unease. “Did she say anything before she left?”

“Nope, just packed up her things and left without a word. But she did send an email to HR the next morning, requesting time off to deal with a family emergency.”

Something’s wrong. It isn’t like Andrea to just up and leave without letting me know.

As I leave the hospital, my mind races with possibilities.

Where the hell is Andrea?

As I finish up with Marco and Rosa, I breathe a sigh of relief. “Alright, guys, can you handle the restaurant until close tonight?”

Marco grins. “No problem, boss. We’ve got it covered.”

Rosa nods in agreement. “Yeah, go enjoy your family time, Liam.”

“Thanks. I really appreciate it.” I give them a grateful nod before securely packing the key lime pie I made for dessert.

The drive to Mom and Dad’s is filled with anticipation. I can’t wait to see Grayson. He’s been away at camp for weeks.

When I arrive, Layla greets me at the door with a warm hug, and a glass of wine. “Hey, big bro. Good to have you here.”

I return the hug, taking a sip of the wine. “Thanks, Layla. It’s good to be here.”

Grayson spots me and rushes over. “Liam!” he exclaims, throwing his arms around me. “I’ve missed you so much, man!”

I chuckle, tousling his hair affectionately. “Missed you too, Gray.”

Colt is there, too, head down, focused on his phone. He gives me a brief nod in greeting before returning to whatever he’s doing.

Alyssa and Lennox are already seated at the table, chatting quietly as they watch Dad manhandling the roast. The smell of roasted meat fills the air, and my stomach grumbles.

Dinner is filled with laughter and conversation. I listen intently as Grayson recounts his adventures at camp. “It was so cool, Liam! We went hiking, swimming, and even learned some survival skills.”

Dad raises an eyebrow. “Did you have any trouble, Gray?”

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