I make a mental note to try and find his family so they can be aware of his passing, but right now, I’m running out of energy, and I need to make it home.
My legs carry me for what feels like days. Dehydration kicks in as my vision becomes hazy. Using only my instinct for direction, I start to doubt myself.
After weeks, if not months, of lack of food and water, my body begins to shut down, but I keep going. I have to. The last drops of energy come down to this.
Too weak to mindlink from such a far distance, my only choice was to walk and think about seeing Evan again, my pack, my home—everything I’ve missed so dearly.
As soon as I get close enough to my territory, my legs start giving out. My chest heaves, and when I spot one of my perimeter guards charging towards me, calling out my name. I crumble to the ground, knowing I’m finally home and safe.
“Alpha,” I hear. “Alpha.”
The next few moments are a blur. I’m being tugged up onto my feet and dragged towards the house.
“Caleb?” Zara’s high-pitched voice screeches. “Goddess.”
They take me into the house, lower me down onto the floor, and prop me up against the kitchen counter. I blink up at Felix, seeing double of him.
“Shit,” he curses. “Get him some water.”
My eyes fall droopy as a glass is placed against my lips. I let the liquid slip into my mouth before coughing.
“Come on, Caleb,” Zara says with shaky hands. “Drink.”
My mouth opens again as I take small sips. After a few moments, my head falls back onto the counter, and everything fades to dark.
I snapmy eyes open as I lurch forward. My heart races as I look at my surroundings to find myself in the infirmary. I blink over and over to make sure I’m not dreaming.
That I really escaped.
My father is dead.
The door creaks open, and I glance at Zara, grogginess taking over my body.
“You’re awake,” she says as she beams, bringing me a plate of food and fresh water. “We were so worried about you.”
Felix follows closely behind her as they approach the bed. “We’re so glad you’re back,” he says sincerely. “How are you feeling?”
“Crap,” I rasp, the word barely audible. “How long have I been gone?”
Zara purses her lips. “Well over two months.”
Fuck.
“Evan,” I murmur. “Where is he? Is he okay?”
“He’s—” she pauses, and it fills me with dread. “He’s okay. I mean, not okay, okay. He’s been struggling. He was here yesterday.”
“Yesterday?”
“He wanted to look for you,” she whispers. “And he did.”
My nostrils flare. “I know. Ryker broke his leg. Please tell me he’s recovering.”
Felix frowns as if wondering how I know. “He’s recovered well, considering. We tried to be careful.”
“Careful?” I blurt. “There is no such thing as being careful around Ryker. He could have killed you both.”
Felix sighs. “Caleb, he was in despair without you.”
