“Hey, handsome,” I murmur, my cheeks tight from my dried tears.
Evan’s face is expressionless for a moment before he frowns. “Wha?—”
“Here.” I lean over to take a cup of water. “Have something to drink.”
His dry lips latch around the straw as he takes a small sip.
“How are you feeling?” I ask as I place the cup back down.
He doesn’t respond.
“Talk to me, pups.”
Evan’s lifeless eyes flick over my face. “What is there to say?”
I don’t know, but I want him to say something.
“I want to know if you’re okay.”
“No, Caleb, I’m not.”
My eyes close in defeat. I never know the right thing to say.
“It’s not your fault.” I take his hand again. “And those things you hear in your head, they’re not true.”
Evan’s eyes begin to glass over. “It’s not just voices. I hear their screams for help. The sound of their crying and begging.”
My chest tightens.
“I needed them to stop,” he croaks. “I’m broken.”
“No,” I state heavily. “You’re not.”
“I’m sorry.”
“No, don’t you dare apologise.”
He inhales thickly. “Why am I not getting better?”
“It’s going to take time.” I kiss his knuckles. “But we’re going to do everything to help you get through this. If you want me to sit in on your therapy, if you have a bad session and you needtime to take your mind off stuff, I’m going to be there. It’s you and me now, we’re a team.”
“But you’re busy,” he whispers sadly. “I can’t take you away from your pack.”
I flick my eyes slowly between his. “What do you think about coming to stay with me instead?”
Evan blinks. “What?”
“That way I can keep an eye on you, where I know you’re safe, and I want you by my side. I hate leaving you—it’s the worst part of my day.”
“I thought you said you didn’t want anyone to know…” he trails off.
“It’s our business,” I say without hesitation. “I can tell Felix and Zara, and keep my section of the house closed off to those who aren’t close to me. Only those I trust. What do you think?”
He’s silent for a few seconds. “But I live here.”
“I know.” I nod. “But I need to take care of you.”
“What about Gemma and therapy and?—”
