Page 84 of Alpha's Forbidden Fate

When I arrive, I see my parents waiting for me outside, along with several other members of the council. They all wear somber expressions, increasing my anxiety as I approach them.

“What’s going on?”

My father’s expression is grave. “We need to talk,” he says, his voice low and serious. “It’s about the recent attacks.”

My heart sinks with dread. I knew this was about Selene, about what happened last night.

“Let’s go inside,” my mother says, placing a reassuring hand on my arm. “We have a lot to discuss.”

I follow them into the sheriff's station, my mind racing with questions and fears. Whatever they have to say, I know it’s not going to be good. I walk into Alyssa’s office, my heart pounding with anxiety.

My parents are here, along with Elara, the elf representative, and Ariana, the nymph representative. They all wear grave expressions, and I’m filled with a sense of foreboding.

“What’s happening? Are the any new developments?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.

My mother’s eyes meet mine with a grave expression. “We’ve learned that there have been more bodies found.”

“What?”

“What is happening, Liam?” Alyssa says, looking disappointed. “How is this happening under your watch?”

Guilt weighs heavily on me. I had hoped the vampires had stopped their attacks, maybe even moved on.

“I have been out most nights.”

Except last night.

“Son, it’s bad. People are beginning to notice. We have not had this many dead bodies turn up in such a short time in more than a decade. There is a lot of talk and concerns whirling around.”

Alyssa steps forward. “For now, most of the bodies have been classified as animal attacks. The mayor is organizing a search party with the rangers to search out the aggressive animal, but we all know they will find nothing. The attacks were all from vampires.”

Elara speaks next. “There are reports that two more vampires have been spotted.”

“Who? Where?” I ask.

“Mostly around the hospital,” Alyssa explains. “I think they are drawn there by the blood.”

“We have no explanation or identity yet, but it’s clear that we need to track them down before more lives are lost,” Elara adds.

More vampires?

Selene might swear that she is not feeding on humans, and I have every reason to believe her, but her counterparts are killing people.

We need to stop them, and fast.

“Do we have any missing persons reports?” I ask.

Alyssa nods gravely. “Six. Including Marco, your line cook.”

My heart lurches at the mention of Marco’s name. He’s been missing for days now, and after my discovery at the warehouse, I’m afraid Marco may not make it out of this alive.

Just like Andrea.

I failed to protect them.

I failed to protect any of them.

Dad steps forward, his gaze meeting mine with understanding. “Do you need help roaming the city? Maybe we can divide and conquer?” he asks gently.

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