We both crack a smile, and I’m glad we can be honest with one another. But a moment later, his smile falls, and my heart lurches out of my chest.
“Our bond is gone.”
“Then we’ll accept each other,” I say.
Evan’s eyes light up eagerly.
“I, Caleb Vella, accept you, Evan Wolfe, as my mate.”
“I, Evan Wolfe, accept you, Caleb Vella, as my mate.”
We both stare back into each other's eyes, but nothing happens—not even a twitch of the bond. I frown but recover quickly.
Evan whimpers. “I-it didn’t work.”
“We’ll bring it back,” I whisper sincerely.
“How?” His eyes start to glisten.
“We’ll figure it out,” I say. “But I don’t need the bond to tell me how I feel.”
“Me, neither.”
I tug him into my arms, unable to not touch him for a second. He settles on my lap, legs straddling mine. My hands explore his back as he places his on my shoulders.
“Are you hungry?” he asks, stroking his hand along my jaw. “I can make you something.”
“I’m okay, pups,” I say. “I had a little bit of food before I came. Doctors say I need to take it easy, otherwise I’ll make myself sick.”
His mouth parts. “I can’t believe he did that to you.”
“It’s in the past.”
“No, Caleb,” he exhales. “What happened is seriously fucked up, and I get it if you don’t want to talk to me about it. But you should talk to someone when you’re ready. Don’t let it eat you alive, I know firsthand how much it messes with your head.”
My jaw tenses, and I manage a nod. It’s so fresh and raw that I don’t think I can talk about it right now. All I care about is this moment.
“I will,” I express. “When the time is right.”
“And I’ll be there, like you have for me.”
I lean forward and press my lips to his. It’s a soft kiss that sends a shiver down my spine. I clutch onto him tighter andinhale his moan as I dip my tongue into his mouth. It’s definitely not the time, nor the place, but I can’t help myself.
This is the only thing that’s making me feel somewhat normal. Because I haven’t known normal for months. And yet the calmness that washes over me is instant.
65
CALEB
In the weeks that followed my return, getting back on my feet again wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be. Regaining my strength was tough after feeling weak for days on end, to the point I thought I was ruined forever, but then I remembered not only was I starved for months, I also used my energy on my powers.
Felix kept the pack in check while I was gone, and when people asked questions as to where I was, rumours started to circulate that I had sided with my father after all. But Felix made sure these rumours were destroyed by explaining my situation.
I didn’t expect him to tell me my pack was willing to fight for my safety, and after explaining why they couldn't, to protect Evan, only then did they listen—even if they didn’t want to.
Earning the trust of my pack has been one of my biggest goals, but now, I think I’ve finally crossed that line after they discovered Ryker is dead and what he made me endure. All ties I have to him are now cut. We’ve never held the same reputation, and I’ll continue to prove it.
“Any news on Carson?” I ask Felix as he strolls into my office.
