32. Liam
Chapter 32
Liam
A s 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.
The rest of the question lingers between us.
Does mom know about Selene?
About my connection to her?
“Not yet, but I will tell her as soon as I am back. I just need to get more information, okay? Please keep it that way.”
“You got it. You know I have your back, bro.”
“I know,” I whisper.
I just hope I am not putting your life in danger by asking you to keep this secret.
We share a quick bro hug, our brotherly bond intact. As I head toward the school gates, I feel like Selene’s eyes are on me, watching my every move from one of the classroom windows.
I resist the urge to look up and acknowledge her presence.
“Take care, Gray, and call me if you need anything,” I call out over my shoulder.
He nods.
The drive out of town is a blur as my mind is consumed with thoughts of Selene, Marco, and the growing tension in town.
As I drive, my thoughts lead me to my friends and family. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect them, even if it means facing the truth about myself and my feelings for Selene.
Even if it means finding a way to get over them.
I drive into Cedar Creek for the first time. The streets are lined with towering trees, their branches reaching out as if to welcome me. It seems peaceful here, and despite the circumstances of my visit, I’m thankful for this bit of respite.
Here, there is no Selene or missing persons to think about.
My first stop is a gas station at the edge of town. As I step inside, the bell above the door chimes, and the cashier looks up, offering me a friendly nod.
“Hey there, what can I do for you?”
“Just grabbing some gum,” I reply, scanning the shelves. As I reach for a pack, I pull out a photo of Elias, showing it to the attendant.
“Do you know this guy?” I ask, hoping for some information about Elias’s kin.
The attendant studies the photo for a moment before nodding. “Yeah, I know him. Elias and his biker gang used to come by here all the time to refuel.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Biker gang, huh? You know where I can find his family?”
The attendant scratches his chin thoughtfully. “Last I heard, he was living with his grandmother out in the Whispering Pines Trailer Park. But I haven’t seen her around in months, so I’m not sure if they’re still there.”
“Thanks,” I say gratefully. “I’ll check it out.”
I pay for my gum and head back to my car. The sun is beginning to set as I drive towards the trailer park. On my way, I decide I’d better stop somewhere for dinner.
I pull into the parking lot of a quaint diner, the neon sign flickering to life in the fading light. Inside, the air is filled with the delicious aroma of comfort food, and I can’t resist ordering a plate of chicken and waffles.
As I wait for my order, I take out my phone and send a quick text to my mother.
LIAM: Hey, Mom, I’ve made it to Cedar Creek and have a lead on where to find Elias’ family.
JADE: Hi, Son. Glad you made it safe and sound. All’s quiet here for the moment. Stay safe, and we’ll see you in a couple of days.
LIAM: Will do. You stay safe, too.
JADE: Don’t worry about us! Your father and I will handle whatever comes up.
LIAM: I know. I know. Tell Gray I said hi.
JADE: I will. Love you!
LIAM: Love you too!
After paying the bill at the diner, I step out into the cool evening air, feeling a mix of anticipation and apprehension about what lies ahead. “Whispering Pines Trailer Park,” I mumble to myself and get into the car.
As I pull into the trailer park, I’m greeted by rows of mobile homes, their exteriors weathered by time and neglect. It’s quiet, except for the distant sound of chirping crickets and the sound of my footsteps crunching on the gravel.
Approaching one of the trailers, I can’t shake the feeling of trepidation that grips me.
It smells of wolf…and something else.
I knock on the door, but there’s no answer. With a sense of unease, I try the handle, and it turns. Pushing the door open, I step into the dimly lit interior. The furnishings are worn and outdated, and the air is heavy with the scent of dust and neglect.
“Hello?” I call out, with little hope of a response.
I move through the cramped space, searching for any sign of Elias or his grandmother. The place feels abandoned and I realize this is a dead end. As I turn to leave, I notice a photo album lying on a dusty shelf.
Curiosity piqued, I pick it up and flip through the pages, my heart skipping a beat when I come across a picture of Elias and what must be his grandmother. They look happy, the photo capturing a moment of simple joy. But it’s the next photo that catches my eye—a picture of a young boy, his smile wide and infectious. “And who are you?” I murmur.
Just then, I’m startled by a sudden rustling outside the trailer. My pulse quickens, and I step outside, coming face to face with a young black wolf. Its eyes lock with mine in a silent exchange.
For a moment, we just stare at each other. Then, with a flick of his tail, the wolf turns and disappears into the darkness, leaving me alone with my thoughts and a few unanswered questions.
What the fuck?