Page 53 of Alpha's Forbidden Fate

The rhythm of my footsteps, the sound of my breathing, it all helps to calm me down. But no matter how hard I try to push it away, Selene’s face keeps intruding into my thoughts.

I run until my legs ache and my lungs burn until I can’t think about anything but the physical exertion. When I finally stop, leaning against a tree to catch my breath, I realize something.

I can’t keep denying this attraction, this pull towards Selene. But I also can’t let it cloud my judgment; I can’t let it put my family or my kind in danger.

I head back home, feeling more resolved than ever. I may not have all the answers, but I know one thing for sure—I need to find a way to navigate this new reality, to find a way to balance my feelings with my responsibilities.

But first, I am going to need to get some answers.

Chapter 21

Selene

Isit in my room, staring at the glass of blood in front of me. It’s supposed to be my nourishment, my lifeline, but every time I try to sip it, I gag. It tastes like copper and death, and I can’t stand it.

But I have to force myself to drink it. Fucking Liam!

He just had to go and mess with my taste buds.

With a deep breath, I steel myself and take a small sip, trying to ignore the metallic tang.

It’s no use. I spit it out, the taste lingering on my tongue like a bad memory. But I can’t give up. I have to make this work.

I try again, taking another sip and forcing it down. It’s not any easier, but I manage to keep it down this time. I grimace as I swallow, feeling the warmth spread through my veins.

After finishing the glass, I head to school. It’s my second day teaching, and I can’t afford to mess it up. I need this job. I need to blend in and pretend to be normal.

As I walk through the halls, I can feel the eyes on me, the whispers and stares. But I ignore them, focusing on my goal.

I meet the principal on my way to the staffroom.

“Good morning, Miss Black. How did your first lesson go...?” she asks, trailing off expectantly.

“Good morning, Principal Johnson. It was fine,” I reply, forcing a smile. “The students seemed engaged, and I think they’ll respond well to the material.”

She nods, jotting something down on her clipboard. “Good to hear. Mrs. Berkley is doing well and on bed rest, but she says you can reach out to her if you need any help with class work.”

“Thank you, ma’am. I will keep that in mind.”

“Keep up the good work.”

With that, she walks away, leaving me alone in the hallway. I take a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. I can do this. I have to do this.

I head to the staffroom, finding a quiet corner to sit and prepare for the day’s lesson. I pull out my notes, scanning over the material.

But my mind keeps wandering back to the taste of blood on my lips, the feeling of it sliding down my throat. I shudder, pushing the thoughts away.

I mix some blood with my cranberry juice, trying to mask the taste. It’s not much better, but at least I can keep it down.

I sip on it all day, trying to focus on my work and ignore the hunger gnawing at my insides. But it’s a losing battle. No matter how much I drink, it’s just not enough.

By the time the final bell rings, I’m exhausted and drained.

I’m just about ready to leave when there’s a knock on the door. I’m not expecting anyone, but when I open it, there stands Grayson, Liam’s brother. His gray eyes are almost identical to Liam’s, and it’s like looking at a younger version of him. It hits me then—he must be a wolf, too. Did Liam tell him about me?

“Miss Black?” Grayson says, oblivious to my internal turmoil as he steps into the room.

“Yeah, that’s me,” I reply.

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