24. Liam
Chapter 24
Liam
I apologize to Rosa for leaving early, and ask her to close and lock up the restaurant this evening. She nods, looking a bit concerned. Then she promises to swing by Marco’s place to check in on him and hopefully find out why he missed work. I appreciate her taking care of things, even though I’m still disappointed about Marco’s absence. This behavior is not like him.
On my way to the sheriff’s office, I can feel the tension building in my body. When I arrive, Alyssa is waiting for me, and her expression is grim.
“Hey, Liam. Thanks for coming.”
I can hear the exhaustion in her voice, and I nod. “What do we know?”
Alyssa sighs, running a hand through her hair. “One of the bodies had ID on him,” she says, low-voiced. “Elias Davenport.”
Elias Davenport? I’ve heard that name before, but I can’t place where. “The name sounds familiar, but I can’t place it.”
“Hmm? Well, I’d like you to take a look at the coroner’s reports. Are you up for that right now?”
“I am as ready as I’ll ever be. Lead the way, Sheriff.”
As soon as we walk into the Coroner’s Office, I can smell the stench of death in the air. It’s overpowering and makes my stomach churn.
The coroner shows me her reports and photos, detailing the injuries and noticeable markings on the bodies. She tells us that the bodies were drained of blood and badly dismembered.
I shoot Alyssa a wary glance. “Excuse us for a moment, will you?”
“Of course,” she says and steps out of the office.
Speaking in a low tone, I say, “These were wolves.”
“Yeah, I noticed that too,” she says grimly. “They were found at the edge of the forest, which is primarily wolf territory. Whoever did this wanted the bodies to be found.”
I feel a chill run down my spine at her words. This is very bad.
As we leave the coroner’s office, Alyssa turns to me expectantly.
“I think I have a lead,” I say, my voice tight with anticipation.
Alyssa nods, her eyes hard. “Follow it. The council will need to meet soon and discuss what to do about these murders. It would be good if we had more information to give them.”
I nod, my mind already racing with possibilities. Whoever did this is still out there, and it looks as though all the answers lie with one person.
Selene.
I pull up to Selene’s apartment building, feeling a knot of tension in my stomach. I can’t shake the feeling that something is seriously wrong.
I knock on the door, but there’s no answer.
“Selene? Are you in there? It’s me, Liam.”
Again, there is no response. Panic starts to rise in my chest as I realize something might be seriously wrong. I pace back and forth for a minute, and without thinking further, I pick the lock (a skill I learned from my father) and step inside.
The apartment is dimly lit, and I can hear movement coming from the living room. I skulk slowly toward the sound, my heart pounding in my chest.
And then I see her—Selene, standing in the middle of the room, her eyes wide with surprise. Without a word, she lunges at me.
I barely have time to react before she’s on top of me, her fists flying.
I can feel the heat of her breath on my face as we struggle, our bodies entwined in a chaotic dance.
Her punches rain down on me, each one landing with a force that sends shockwaves through my body. I can taste blood in my mouth as I try to fend her off, my muscles straining with the effort.
Damn! She’s so small and yet so strong. But I’m stronger.
We grapple with each other, a tangled mess of limbs and desperation.
After a few moments, I manage to pin her to the ground, my hands holding her wrists above her head.
“We need to talk,” I say, my voice rough with emotion.
Selene’s eyes flash with anger and fear. “I told Grayson to stay away,” she insists, her voice trembling. “I swear.”
I look into her deep blue eyes, and something stirs in my chest. I roll off her, giving her space to stand.
She’s wearing leggings and a hoodie, her hair falling around her shoulders in disarray. I notice the suitcases lying around the room, and a sinking feeling settles in my stomach.
“Where are you going?” I ask, my voice strained.
Selene looks away, her expression pained. “I’m leaving town,” she says, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Why?” I demand. “Is it because you killed Mia’s pack, and now you’re running?”
She looks up at me, confusion written all over her face. “Mia’s pack? I didn’t do it,” she says, her voice desperate. “I swear, Liam. I didn’t kill anyone.”
I want to believe her, I really do. But there’s so much at stake, and I can’t afford to let my guard down.
“You can’t leave.”
“I have to,” she insists, tears welling up in her eyes. “I can’t stay here, Liam. It’s not safe.”
I feel a surge of frustration and anger rise within me. “I tracked you down once,” I say, my voice tight with emotion. “And I can do it again.”
And with that, I turn and leave her apartment, my heart beating wildly in my chest. She’s so beautiful, and she’s a vampire, and I need to talk to someone before I go insane.
Instead of driving home, I head to my family’s house, hoping that someone there can help me make sense of everything that’s happening. The streets blur past me as I drive, my mind racing with questions and doubts.
When I arrive at the house, I knock on the door, my heart pounding in my chest.
When it swings open, I’m greeted by Mom’s smiling face.
“Liam! It’s so good to see you. It feels like it’s been forever,” she says as she wraps me in a hug.
“Hey, Mom. I was literally with you a few days ago.”
Her expression falters when she sees the look on my face. “What’s wrong?”
“I need to talk to Dad,” I say in a strained voice.
Mom’s brow furrows in concern, but she nods. “He’s in his office. Come on.”
As we make our way through the living room, I catch a glimpse of Gray engrossed in a video game. There’s a lot I need to talk to him about too, but first things first.
We reach the office, and I push open the door.
Dad is seated at his desk, typing away on his computer. His face lights up when he sees me, and he rises to his feet, enveloping me in a warm hug.
“Hey, son. What brings you here?” he asks, concern evident in his voice.
I hesitate, feeling a flush of embarrassment creep up my neck. But I need answers, and Dad has always been there for me. I glance hesitantly at Mom.
“I think I’ll just leave you two to talk,” Mom says, backing out of the room and closing the door behind her.
“I thought you retired,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady.
Dad chuckles, gesturing for me to take a seat. “I did, but Layla needed some help with a few reports. What’s on your mind, son?”
I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what comes next. “What was it like falling for Mom, even though she’s a fairy?” I blurt out.
Dad’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise, but then a knowing smile spreads across his face. “Ah, I see. And who is it that you’ve fallen for?”
I shift uncomfortably in my seat, avoiding his gaze. “It’s not like that,” I mumble. “I’m just... attracted to someone I shouldn’t be.”
Dad leans back in his chair, studying me intently. “Is it Rosa?” he asks, his voice teasing.
I sputter in shock. “Rosa? My sous chef? No, Dad, why would you even think that?”
He shrugs nonchalantly. “Your mother has always thought she had a bit of a crush on you.”
I shake my head vehemently. “No, she does not. You are both wrong. And it’s not Rosa.”
Dad’s eyes light up with curiosity. “Then who is it? A nymph? A fae?”
I groan in frustration. “Stop guessing, Dad. It’s... complicated.”
Dad chuckles, reaching out to pat my shoulder. “You’re at that age, Liam, when starting a pack is at the very core of your being. It is your body telling you that. I mean, I thought you would be interested in a wolf, but it is perfectly natural to be attracted to different species. Look at your mother and me. Whatever it is, your family will support you.”
I’m at a loss for words, feeling a mixture of confusion and gratitude. But before I can respond, Mom walks into the room, carrying a tray with glasses and juice.
“Sorry to interrupt, but I thought you’d be thirsty,” she says with a smile, setting the tray down on Dad’s desk. I can see that her curiosity is piqued. The juice was just an excuse to come back in.
“You can always interrupt me, baby.” Dad pulls her into his lap, and I roll my eyes.
“Seriously, guys? Get a room,” I quip, unable to hide my smirk.
They both laugh, and Mom shoots me a concerned look. “Are you okay, Liam?”
I nod, forcing a smile. “Yeah, I’m fine.”
Dad chuckles, leaning back in his chair. “Liam’s just panicking because he likes someone,” he says, a twinkle in his eye.
I feel my cheeks flush with embarrassment, and I shoot him a glare. “Dad!”
Mom laughs, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Is it a man or a woman?” she asks, smiling.
I shake my head. “Seriously, Mom? I am not interested in men that way.”
Dad smiles, his expression gentle. “There’s nothing wrong if you were, Liam. Love is love.”
“I know that. I just can’t figure out what would make you think that.”
“It’s our way of letting you know we love and support you, always,” Mom says.
I down my juice in one gulp, feeling a sudden urge to escape. “Thanks. I gotta go.” I mutter, kissing Mom on the cheek before making a hasty exit.
As I leave the room, I can hear their laughter echoing behind me. Despite everything, I feel grateful for their support.