Page 25 of Alpha's Forbidden Fate

I could embrace the old ways, join a coven, and find safety. Or I could forge my own path and defy the expectations that come with being a vampire. The return might bring freedom for vampires, but the wolves. They are a threat that can’t be ignored.

And what about me? What do I want?

I rise from the bench, the decision crystallizing in my mind. I won’t be a pawn in someone else’s game. Whether it’s the return, a coven, or the wolves, I’ll face it on my terms.

As I stand to return home, a sense of purpose courses through me.

I will not alter my beliefs, and I will not yield out of fear or guilt.

With all the blood coursing through my veins, I can’t bring myself to care much about killing Mia. I was defending myself, and if her pack dares to come after me now, I won’t hesitate to do so again.

That includes that damn stranger from the parking lot.

It is like the more human blood I drink, the more I feel in tune with my vampire self. Is this what Levi feels all the time?

Is this what my parents were fighting for?

Why did I starve myself and only feed on squirrels for so long when I could have had all this power at my fingertips?

Whatever stupid decision pushed me to that, I am happy that circumstances led me back to human blood.

It’s the real stuff, and I won’t ever go back to animal blood.

Not ever.

Chapter 9

Liam

It has been a busy three days at the restaurant, but even as I labor over the perfect croutons, my mind is preoccupied with something else.

Or rather, someone else.

Andrea has been sending me reports that more blood has gone missing. It’s always a different hospital, though. Selene is pretty sneaky, I will give her that.

And despite surveilling the streets most nights, we have not crossed paths since the night of my meeting with Mom.

I haven’t seen the vampire she was talking to that night either. For all I know, they are the only two vampires in town.

Which I could sweep under the rug, but the missing blood is raising suspicion among the local doctors, and I have to stop it before something irreparable happens.

It seems that Selene really is trying not to hurt humans. If she’s been feeding on blood bags, at least no humans are getting hurt in the process.

I don't know how the world would react if they found out that supernatural beings were real and living among them.

I am stirring the sauce for the pasta when Marco comes back, grinning like he just won the lottery. “Hey, boss man,” he says, excitement bubbling in his voice. “Got a special request out there for you, man.”

I glance at him, wiping my hands on my apron. “Oh yeah? Who’s asking for me?”

Marco’s grin widens. “You’ll see when you get out there. They’re sitting by the door.”

Hmm? Who could it be? Maybe it’s my sister or a regular who wants to compliment the chef. I tell Marco to keep an eye on the pasta and head out to the dining area.

As soon as I step into the restaurant, I’m hit with the buzz of conversation and the clinking of glasses. It’s packed tonight. My eyes scan the room until they land on a familiar face.

Alyssa, my aunt and my mom’s best friend, is sitting by the door with her hair pulled back and those stylish glasses perched on her nose. Her skin is toned, and her arms are covered by the long-sleeved black dress she’s wearing tonight.

I have known Aunt Alyssa for as long as I can remember.

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