Page 85 of Alpha's Forbidden Fate

I feel a wave of shame wash over me at the offer. I should be able to handle this on my own, but I know I can use the help.

“Yes,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper. “I could use all the help I can get.”

Alyssa nods sympathetically. “There is something else.”

“What is it, Alyssa?” my mother asks.

“We ran the prints of one of the wolves we found–Elias Davenport. He had a record. Petty crimes. According to his arrest reports, he is from Cedar Creek, Oregon.”

“That’s a few hours’ drive from here,” I say.

“Yes. He had family there–a pack—, which means someone on the council will need to deliver the news of his death.”

Dad speaks up. “I’ll go.”

“No, Dad, let me.”

I need to tell them about Mia, too.

I need to do this.

“Are you sure?” Alyssa asks.

“Yes. I’ll go. In the meantime, my father can resume the duty of Protector. The trip will only take me a day or two. Then I’ll be back.”

“Okay. Good. I think we need to discuss all of this with Raskogr and the rest of the council,” Elara says.

We all agree to reconvene for a council meeting once we’ve completed our tasks, and as we leave Alyssa’s office, my mother approaches me concerned.

“Are you sure you’re okay, Liam?”

I nod, unable to meet her gaze. I can’t tell her the truth, can’t admit that I’ve been sleeping with the enemy.

I can’t admit that, knowing just how badly I have failed.

Why did a fucking vampire have to be my mate?

When did it all get so freaking complicated?

I know I need to talk to Selene to find out what she knows about the other vampires in town.

“I’ll be fine, Mom,” I say, forcing a smile onto my face. “I just need to focus on finding Marco and stopping those vampires. I will pass by the school to let Grayson know that I will be leaving.”

“Okay,” she replies, ruffling my hair in the way she used to do when I was a child. “Take care of yourself. I love you.”

“Love you too, Mom.”

Then I walk over and slide into my car. I can feel my father’s eyes on me but I am too ashamed to face him. He can read me too easily. I don’t think I can get away with lying straight to his face.

So, instead, I just wave at them and drive away.

I need to get to Oregon to tell Elias’ family that he and his entire pack are gone!

Then, afterward, I’ll have to confront Selene to find out what she knows about her friends before it’s too late.

I just hope I can find the answers I need before it’s too late for Marco and the other missing people.

For all the supernatural beings living here.

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