The Hybrid Curse [MM]

Chapter: 13

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Roman's POV

The tension in the room kept rising as I watched silently, different thoughts running through my mind, wondering what was happening. The truth of the matter was that I didn't know—I had no idea. The only thing I was sure of was that I was scared, deeply and inexplicably so. It was a fear I couldn't fathom, no matter how hard I tried. And it only grew with every passing second, ever since Dr. Elias Vaughn had entered the room, sniffing the air, and now, as he examined Liam.

Aside from my fear, I couldn't help but worry about the entire situation. To make matters worse, my wolf was just as restless, warning me desperately that something was wrong. I could feel it even without his words. Even though I tried to cast away that feeling, to not acknowledge how deeply affected I was by it, it still clawed at me from the inside.

In the midst of examining Liam, Dr. Vaughn stiffened, making every nerve in my body go on high alert. I watched his every move. He stepped back abruptly, his eyes widening. I knew fear when I saw it, and that was exactly what was written all over his face.

"This… This isn't possible." His grave voice resonated through the living room, sending shivers down my spine as I feared the unknown.

"What is the matter, Doc?" I asked, my voice coming out stronger than I intended. I expected an immediate response, but instead, he hesitated, as if he were trying to hold back his words. My frustration grew.

"Will you say something, Doc?" I pleaded. I didn't know why, but I was desperate to understand what was happening to him.

Finally, he uttered the words that made my blood run cold. "Liam… has been marked and claimed by a vampire."

The words echoed in my mind. I wished I were deaf or that something had gone wrong with my hearing, but nothing changed. Everything still looked the same—solid proof that I wasn't hallucinating.

Silence filled the air, and I was left with one thought—this had to be a lie. But no matter how much I tried to deny it, everything pointed to the truth.

Memories of how Liam had acted over the past few days flooded my mind—the distant behavior, the pain, the unnatural energy I could sense, the mark he had hidden from me. Everything clicked into place naturally, effortlessly.

I was about to object, but Dr. Vaughn beat me to it, already anticipating my reaction. "Beta Roman, I understand your skepticism, but I know what I see. And to make matters worse, this vampire who claimed him isn't just any kind. His presence is mixed with something I can't decipher, but he is ancient, powerful, and unnatural."

He locked eyes with me, and I could tell he had more to say. I gave him a nod, urging him to continue.

"When I closely examined the mark on his wrist, the level of dominance radiating from it was beyond comprehension. I strongly doubt that even doctors who have studied supernatural cases for centuries can not fathom the depth of such terrifying power."

I saw Liam flinch at those words. That was when I realized—he knew. He had known all along that he was marked and claimed. And the one responsible was none other than my suspicion—Zeke. Yet, he had kept it from me.

"The only vampire who matches this description is Lord Ezekiel," the doctor concluded, confirming my worst fears.

I clenched my fists in anger. All I wanted to do was punch a wall, but I forced myself to remain composed. I had no idea how much longer I could hold on.

It didn't take long before my body started shaking, not from fear but from sheer rage. I had asked Liam countless times what was wrong. I had given him every chance to tell me the truth, yet he had chosen to lie, making me look like the biggest fool alive.

And the worst part? I loved him. I had always loved him, even though I never said it aloud. And he knew. Liam was well aware of it because we shared the same strong bond. Or at least, I had thought we did. But now, everything was crumbling, falling apart into pieces I could no longer hold on to.

"Why didn't you tell me?" My voice was barely above a whisper, but the pain in it was undeniable. Liam avoided my gaze, knowing he had no excuse.

I couldn't take it anymore. My emotions erupted, my voice rising. "Do you have any idea what you've done? You let something—someone—sink their claws into you, and you said nothing. I would've fought for you, Liam! I would've—"

Liam retaliated, his own voice sharp with frustration and desperation. "You think I wanted this?! You think I had a choice?! Roman, I was trying to protect Alexis and you, to cover up every mess I made!"

His words stung, but they only fueled my anger.

Protect Alexis and me? That was a joke. I shoved a chair aside, pacing, my wolf raging within me.

"And what about me, huh? What about Alexis? What about how I feel? What about the fact that I—" I stopped myself. I almost said it. That I loved Liam. That every moment of worry, every sleepless night, every ache in my chest was because Liam meant everything to me.

But I chose to hide the truth instead.

The doctor cleared his throat, trying to get our attention, but we ignored him. "I think I will be on my way now. Thanks for everything you've done." With that, he briskly walked out, carrying his briefcase.

As soon as the doctor left, I grabbed my jean jacket from the couch, along with my car keys, and walked away. I was done talking to him. Liam believed that what he did was right, and that alone—setting aside everything else—pissed me off. My steps were heavy as I clenched my fists, opening my car door and starting the engine.

Just then, I heard Liam's voice—almost pleading. "Roman, wait…"

But I didn't stop. I didn't even look back at him. The only thing on my mind was where I was headed.

I arrived at a familiar gate, and as soon as the gateman saw me, he greeted me with the usual respect, opening the gate. I wasn't surprised—it was normal, given my connection with Zeke.

I parked the car and stepped out. The sight of everything ignited a fury inside me that I could barely contain.

I pounded on the door.

No answer.

I kicked it open. The room was empty… but the air smelled off.

Then—I noticed something.

A bloodstain. Fresh. Smudged on the floor, as if something had been dragged.

A sinking feeling gripped my chest.

Something was wrong.

Just as I turned, a whisper brushed against my ear.

"You're too late."

Blackness.