Page 55 of Alpha's Forbidden Fate

I settle back on the couch, balancing the bowl on my lap as I pick up my book again. The words blur together as I eat, the soup warming me from the inside out.

Before I know it, I’ve finished the entire bowl, feeling satisfied and content. I set the empty bowl aside and pick up my book once more, eager to lose myself in its pages once again.

The day drags on as I teach my second lesson on the circulatory system. I can feel Grayson’s eyes on me, but I work hard to avoid meeting his gaze. I can’t afford any distractions.

Thankfully, the lesson goes smoother this time around. The students actually engage, asking questions and participating in discussions. Maybe all that prep work paid off, or maybe it’s just the extra boost from forcing down that whole blood bag before class. Either way, I’m feeling peppy.

As the bell rings and the students start to pack up, I give them the homework assignment for the day and dismiss them. I head to the staffroom, feeling drained but accomplished.

I barely have time to sit down before there’s a knock at the door. I have a feeling I know who it is, and sure enough when I open the door, I recognize the mop of hair peeking in.

“Hey, Miss Black,” Grayson says tentatively.

I sit up straighter, trying to keep my guard up. “Hey, Grayson. Everything okay?”

He hesitates for a moment before stepping into the room and locking the door behind him. My heart starts to race, and I feel a little uneasy.

“What do you need?” I ask, trying to keep my tone casual.

He takes a deep breath, running a hand through his hair. “I, uh, I wanted to talk to you.”

I raise an eyebrow. “About what?”

He shifts nervously, his gaze darting around the room. “About... about everything, I guess. About Liam, about you, about... us.”

I feel a knot form in my stomach, and I suddenly wish I hadn’t forced down that blood bag earlier. “What about us?”

He takes a step closer, his eyes searching mine. “I just... I don’t know. I guess I just wanted to clear the air, you know? Make sure there’s no hard feelings between us.”

I nod slowly. “I promise there are no hard feelings, Grayson. You are a student, and I am a teacher. If you need help finding another tutor, then I will definitely help, but I do think your brother had a point.”

“He did?” Grayson shifts from foot to foot.

“Yes, he did. I don’t think it is a good idea for you and I to work together.”

Just as I finish speaking, I catch a faint smell in the air. Blood. Human blood. My heart starts to race, and I can feel the thirst clawing at my chest.

“Are you hurt?” I ask.

Was I wrong?

Is Liam’s little brother actually human?

But Grayson just looks at me with a twinkle in his eyes. “Someone had a nosebleed during gym, and I helped,” he says casually.

I let out a shaky breath, feeling the tension drain from my body. “You scared me for a moment there,” I admit, trying to steady my racing heart.

He leans in closer, swiping at the blood on his trousers before looking at me with a smirk. “So, my suspicions were right after all?”

I furrow my brow, confused. “What are you talking about?”

He straightens up, his expression serious. “This is the actual reason my brother wants me to stay away from you.”

My heart sinks, and the pieces start to fall into place. “Leave,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper. We can talk later.”

But before he can go, he blurts out, “You’re a vampire, aren’t you?”

Chapter 22

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