Page 62 of Alpha's Forbidden Fate

As we walk inside, the sweet scent of flowers fills my nostrils. It’s warm and inviting, with shelves lined with pots of various plants and bouquets of fresh flowers arranged on every surface.

Standing behind the counter is a tall, striking woman with long, flowing blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. She smiles warmly as we approach, and I am taken aback by her beauty.

“Hey, Liam, meet Willow,” Colt says, wrapping an arm around the woman’s waist.

Willow smiles at me, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Nice to meet you, Liam.”

My eyebrows shoot up in surprise as Colt leans in to kiss Willow, and my mind races to catch up. A witch? Colt’s been seeing a witch?

Colt catches my expression and chuckles. “Relax, Liam. Willow and I are just friends.”

I nod slowly. “Right.”

“Willow, this is my brother, Liam. He needs your help.”

Willow nods, turning her attention back to me. “Come with me, Liam. Let’s see what we can do.”

In the back of the shop, there are several crystals arranged on a small table. Willow motions for me to sit, and I do so, feeling a mixture of nervousness and curiosity.

“So, Colt was pretty secretive on the way here. How can you help me?” I ask, unable to contain my curiosity any longer.

Willow smiles serenely. “I was born of a witch and a necromancer, so I have a bit of both in me. It allows me to connect with the spirits on the other side.”

My eyebrows raise. “And you think you can help me talk to someone who’s... passed?”

Willow nods, her eyes softening with empathy. “I’ll do my best, Liam. The answers always find their way to the light.”

I take a deep breath, feeling hopeful.

I feel a wave of dizziness wash over me as Willow begins the ritual. My surroundings blur and begin to fade away until I’m plunged into darkness. For a moment, there’s nothing but emptiness, and then suddenly, I’m pulled into some sort of dream or vision.

I find myself in the kitchen of my childhood home, the scent of freshly baked pies filling the air. Mariya stands before me, her warm smile lighting up her face as she pulls me into a tight hug. “I’ve missed you, Liam,” she says softly.

I return the hug, feeling a rush of emotions flood through me. “I’ve missed you too, Mariya.”

She pulls back slightly, her gaze searching mine. “Why are you looking for me? Are you in trouble?”

I nod, feeling a lump form in my throat. “Yeah, I am. It’s about... Selene.”

Mariya’s eyes twinkle with amusement, and she lets out a soft chuckle. “Ah, the vampire you’ve been lusting over. You remind me so much of your father sometimes. So smart yet so dumb.”

I blush at her words, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and frustration. “I know I shouldn’t be attracted to her, Mariya. She’s a vampire, and... there are so many reasons why it’s wrong.”

Mariya takes my hand in hers in a comforting touch. “Liam, listen to me. The reason you can’t stay away from her is because she’s meant for you. Selene is your mate.”

My heart skips a beat. “But... that’s impossible. How can that be?”

Mariya smiles, her eyes filled with wisdom. “I wish I could explain it all to you, Liam. But our time is running out. Just know that I’m always watching over you, and I’m so proud of you and everything you’ve achieved.”

And then, as quickly as it began, the vision fades away, leaving me back in the present with Willow, and tears in my eyes.

“Did you get the answers you seek?”

Unable to speak just yet, I nod and take a deep breath, trying to compose myself.

“I’ll just be out front,” Willow says, giving me a moment alone.

Mariya’s words echo in my mind, stirring up a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. She couldn’t be right, could she? Selene is my mate? It just doesn’t make sense.

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