31. Liam
Chapter 31
Liam
I feel a heavy weight of guilt settling in my chest as I pace around my house, the memory of leaving Selene in the middle of the night weighing on my mind.
I can’t shake the feeling that I’ve betrayed my own beliefs about vampires and everything I’ve been taught. But what choice did I have? I couldn’t stay, not after seeing her blood collection. It was a reminder of what she is and what I am.
Opening her mini fridge was a mistake, one that only fueled my anger. Blood. That’s all I found. I should have known, but somehow, seeing it there, knowing she keeps it close... It made me feel sick and disgusted with myself for even considering the possibility of being with her.
I should forget about her and move on with my life. She’s a vampire, after all. Our worlds are too different, too incompatible. It’s better this way. But as I lace up my running shoes and step out into the cool night air, I can’t shake the image of her from my mind.
I start running, hoping to clear my head, but all I can think about is her—the way her lips felt against mine, the warmth of her skin pressed against mine. It’s infuriating how she’s managed to worm her way into my thoughts despite everything.
Maybe going to the restaurant would have been a better idea, but I needed to get out, to move, to try to forget. But with every step I take, it’s like she’s right there beside me, haunting me with her presence.
I don’t know what to do. Part of me wants to go back to her, to apologize for leaving so abruptly, to try to make things right. But another part of me knows that it’s better this way, that we can never be anything more than enemies.
I push myself harder, trying to outrun my thoughts, but they keep coming back to her. She’s like a drug, intoxicating and addictive, and I know that I’ll never be able to forget her, no matter how hard I try.
Eventually, I slow to a stop, my chest heaving as I try to catch my breath. I’m frustrated and angry with myself for letting her get under my skin like this. But deep down, I know that there’s something there, something between us that I won’t be ignored.
With a sigh, I turn and start heading back home, knowing that I’ll have to face her eventually. But for now, all I can do is try to push her out of my mind and focus on the restaurant and my responsibilities as Protector, even if it feels like I’m fighting a losing battle.
I step into the shower as soon as I get home, hoping the hot water will wash away the lingering scent of lavender and Selene that seems to cling to my skin no matter how many times I rinse off. But as the steam fills the bathroom, I can still smell her, feel her presence lingering in the air.
My phone suddenly rings, breaking through my thoughts, and I practically trip over myself in my haste to grab it. It’s my mother calling, and instantly, panic floods my chest. Did she somehow find out about last night? About me and Selene?
I take a deep breath and answer the call, trying to sound calm. “Hey, Mom.”
“Hey, sweetie,” she replies warmly. “I was wondering if you could come down to the sheriff's station. Your father and I, and some of the council members, are going to be there.”
My heart skips a beat. What could they want? Are they onto me? Did someone see me with Selene last night?
“Sure, Mom,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. “I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
“Great, honey,” she says, sounding relieved. “We’ll see you soon.”
I hang up the phone, my mind racing. What could this meeting be about? And why do I feel like I’m walking into a trap?
After quickly finishing my shower, I dress quickly and grab my keys, my mind still spinning with worry. As I drive to the sheriff’s station, I can’t shake the feeling that something bad is about to happen.
When I arrive, I see my parents waiting for me outside, along with several other members of the council. They all wear somber expressions, increasing my anxiety as I approach them.
“What’s going on?”
My father’s expression is grave. “We need to talk,” he says, his voice low and serious. “It’s about the recent attacks.”
My heart sinks with dread. I knew this was about Selene, about what happened last night.
“Let’s go inside,” my mother says, placing a reassuring hand on my arm. “We have a lot to discuss.”
I follow them into the sheriff's station, my mind racing with questions and fears. Whatever they have to say, I know it’s not going to be good. I walk into Alyssa’s office, my heart pounding with anxiety.
My parents are here, along with Elara, the elf representative, and Ariana, the nymph representative. They all wear grave expressions, and I’m filled with a sense of foreboding.
“What’s happening? Are the any new developments?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.
My mother’s eyes meet mine with a grave expression. “We’ve learned that there have been more bodies found.”
“What?”
“What is happening, Liam?” Alyssa says, looking disappointed. “How is this happening under your watch?”
Guilt weighs heavily on me. I had hoped the vampires had stopped their attacks, maybe even moved on.
“I have been out most nights.”
Except last night.
“Son, it’s bad. People are beginning to notice. We have not had this many dead bodies turn up in such a short time in more than a decade. There is a lot of talk and concerns whirling around.”
Alyssa steps forward. “For now, most of the bodies have been classified as animal attacks. The mayor is organizing a search party with the rangers to search out the aggressive animal, but we all know they will find nothing. The attacks were all from vampires.”
Elara speaks next. “There are reports that two more vampires have been spotted.”
“Who? Where?” I ask.
“Mostly around the hospital,” Alyssa explains. “I think they are drawn there by the blood.”
“We have no explanation or identity yet, but it’s clear that we need to track them down before more lives are lost,” Elara adds.
More vampires?
Selene might swear that she is not feeding on humans, and I have every reason to believe her, but her counterparts are killing people.
We need to stop them, and fast.
“Do we have any missing persons reports?” I ask.
Alyssa nods gravely. “Six. Including Marco, your line cook.”
My heart lurches at the mention of Marco’s name. He’s been missing for days now, and after my discovery at the warehouse, I’m afraid Marco may not make it out of this alive.
Just like Andrea.
I failed to protect them.
I failed to protect any of them.
Dad steps forward, his gaze meeting mine with understanding. “Do you need help roaming the city? Maybe we can divide and conquer?” he asks gently.
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.
For the town’s people.
For all of us.