Page 39 of Beasts

“What do you mean by ‘technically’ four?”

Hendrik hesitates before revealing, “I’ve kept my secret from the others because of what happened to a previous friend here. He was a shifter too.”

“So, there were more like you here?”

“Yeah, he was a wolf shifter.”

I can’t help but smile at the mention. “Ah, there it is. I knew wolf shifters would come up eventually.”

The revelation from Hendrik hangs heavy in the air. “Yes, well… it’s pretty much taboo for different shifter races to get involved. It’s not like we could have offspring or anything, but it’s about being available for our own kind. Technically, shifter packs, whether feline, canine, or any other kind, are expected to be ready for arranged commitments.”

“So, you and your brothers are essentially pre-engaged?”

“Looks like it’ll happen eventually.”

“That seems so unjust. You should have the freedom to choose your own partner.”

“I agree. But about your situation with Oliver and his father… I fear Mr. Pierce might try something drastic. If you flee, he’ll track you down. And the consequences he’ll impose on finding you will be far harsher than simply facing him now.” Hendrik shifts uncomfortably. “How’s it going between you and Oliver? I know he struggles with physical contact.”

“We’re managing. He’s definitely making an effort.”

Hendrik hesitates, then says, “I have to confess something. This morning, Oliver asked me to ensure your alarm wouldn’t go off. I had to guess your phone’s password. He instructed me not to let anyone know he’d left.”

A chill runs through me. “Left? Where did he go?”

“He needed time to process what’s happening. He plans to resolve it alone.”

“Alone? How? Where?”

“I don’t know. He left a letter for you in his room.”

Before I can ask further, Hendrik assists me down from the bunk, and I rush out, heading straight for Oliver’s room. I pass Hugh and Valentine on the stairs, who informs me Oliver isn’t there. I bound up the steps two at a time, bursting into Oliver’s dimly lit room. Desperate for light, I yank open the blackout curtains, flooding the room with sunlight - something Oliver would probably despise. It takes me a moment to notice the handwritten letter on the piano, a couple of folded pages that hold unknown truths. My hands tremble as I reach for it, bracing myself for what Oliver has written.

Amelia, I know this is probably not the outcome that you were hoping for, but in order to make sure that you stay safe, I've decided to go and speak with my father. I'm not sure what his final decision is going to be, but I assume that it's not going to end well for me. I'm sorry I didn't say goodbye, but I didn't want you to worry. If it's true that vampires are resurrected in a later life, I promise I'll look for you. Until then, ask Nolan to hide you somewhere safe. Since it's mostly me that he's after, I'm hoping that once he's done, he will forget about you.

You’re my world, Amelia, and I’ll die happy to keep you safe.

Eternally, Oliver

As I stand there, frozen, my legs feel like they’ve turned to stone. Numbness spreads through my fingers, still clutching the note tightly, unable to let go. The world around me blurs into a haze, my heart pounding in my ears. Slowly, my knees buckle under the weight of the revelation, and I find myself sinking helplessly onto the stool beside the piano.

Through the mist of my shock, I notice another sheet of paper peeking from behind the first. It’s lyrics, different from the ones we’ve been rehearsing, accompanied by scribbled notes and keys. The title, ‘Eternally, My Love’, echoes in my mind, but I can’t bring myself to focus on it. Not now. Not when there’s so much at stake.

A surge of urgency propels me forward. I need to find Nolan. Does he have any idea where Oliver might have gone? How do I ask him without arousing suspicion or concern that I might recklessly chase after Oliver? My mind races with questions, yet no answers.

With a deep breath, I fold the letter and its companion sheet, tucking them securely into my back pocket. There’s no time to waste. I need to act, and fast. Oliver’s safety, and perhaps my own, depends on it.

I bolt down the stairs with a reckless urgency, nearly tripping over my own feet in my haste. My mind is racing, heart pounding in my chest as I weave through the scattered clusters of guys lingering between the kitchen and the living room. Spotting Nolan and Hugh engaged in a hushed conversation in the corner, I make a beeline towards them.

“Nolan.” I interrupt them. “I was just wondering, because Oliver mentioned that vampires can't go out in the daylight, where exactly do they all hang out? Like his dad must live somewhere pretty dark.”

“His father lives by the docks, but conducts all of his so-called business inside one of the shipping containers.”

“Really? But aren't those like, heavily monitored?”

“Pier sixteen used to be heavily monitored but once his father bought the whole place they rarely have any security.”

“I'm assuming that a lack of security doesn't mean we would be able to go and get Seth without them noticing?”

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