Page 86 of Alpha's Forbidden Fate

For the town’s people.

For all of us.

Chapter 32

Liam

As I pull into the school parking lot, the anxiety tightens in my chest like a vice. The weight of the recent events at Alyssa’s office is gnawing at me relentlessly. I glance around, half-hoping to catch a glimpse of Selene, yet dreading the encounter at the same time.

Heading towards the administration office, I can feel the tension mounting with each step. The secretary’s desk looms ahead, and I approach with hesitant strides. “Hey, is Grayson Night available?” I ask.

“And you are?”

I am just about to answer when recognition flickers in her features. “Sorry, you're his brother Liam, right?” she says apologetically. “He’s tied up with the school assembly right now. Should be back in about twenty minutes.”

“Alright, thanks. I’ll just wait over here.” I mutter, retreating to a nearby chair.

While I wait, I pull out my phone and dial Rosa’s number to let her know that we’re still looking for Marco.

As I hang up the phone, I start googling more about the recent animal attacks, and my heart sinks with each new piece of information. The headlines blur together, each one more alarming than the last. It’s clear to me now that they’re vampire attacks, and most of them seem to be happening in the park.

How did I miss this? How did I let these attacks happen under my watch?

Lost in my thoughts, I barely register the secretary’s voice as she informs me that the school assembly is over, and I can see Grayson in a few minutes. I nod absently, my mind already racing ahead to the conversation that awaits me.

When Grayson appears, I can tell he’s still a little mad at me. I don’t blame him. He caught me kissing Selene, and we haven’t had a chance to talk about it properly. But I can’t leave for my trip without clearing the air with him first.

“Hey, Gray. Can we talk outside?”

The secretary interjects, reminding us that school is still in session and we can’t leave the school grounds. Grayson and I exchange a look, silently agreeing to make do with the school field.

We step outside, the cool breeze washing over us as we walk towards the empty field. I can feel the tension between us.

“So,” Grayson says, breaking the silence. “What’s on your mind, Liam?”

I take a deep breath, trying to find the right words. “I just wanted to talk about what you saw the other day. With Selene.”

Grayson’s expression softens, and he nods. “Yeah, I saw you two… Look, I get it. You like her. But you know vampires are trouble, right?”

“I know. But there’s something about her, Gray. Something I can’t explain.”

Grayson sighs, running a hand through his hair. “I get it. But just be careful, okay? I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

This kid! Does he understand that it is MY duty to protect him and not the other way around?

“I will. But listen. Be careful. I don’t think Miss Black would hurt you, but just keep your wits about you, kiddo.”

“What’s going on Liam? No more secrets or lies. You promised.”

I groan. This is council business, but I can’t keep it from him, not when he is the only other person in constant contact with the only vampire I have identified in town.

“There have been several attacks lately. Mom will probably fill you in, but just... keep an eye out until I get back, okay?”

Gray nods seriously. “Of course, man. I’ll be careful. But where are you going?”

I hesitate. “Just a short trip out of town. I’ll be back in a couple of days, though. Don’t worry.”

“Does mom know?” he asks.

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