I blink. He didn’t want to combine his pack? My head pounds.
A deep sadness washes over my body, goosebumps prickling my skin. The feeling is intense and sudden, leaving me confused about where it’s coming from. Caleb’s chest heaves, and his eyes glass over.
That’s when it clicks. These are Caleb’s emotions.
My mouth falls open in surprise, and the way they float through my body. The only person who can break him down is his dad. The only person who can make him feel worthless is his own flesh and blood.
Join the club.I subtly scratch the back of my neck.
Nausea creeps through me, and I have the sudden urge to comfort him, maybe because I can relate and see myself in him.
“You’ll be hearing from me soon,” his father grumbles before turning away. “I can’t have my son making a mockery out of ourname. We’re Vellas, and this is nothing short of pathetic. You’re not their friend, Caleb—you’re their leader. Start acting like it.”
His words hit me like a tonne of bricks. Pain filters through my body, and I almost wince.
Caleb’s hurt continues to leave me numb. I watch him as he slips by me and heads inside. I give it a minute before following him and dashing to find the bathroom for some space.
The second I shut myself inside, I splash cold water on my face and stare at myself in the reflection. My eyes are dilated and skin flushed—and not in a good way.
After gathering myself and my thoughts, I exit the bathroom and head down the hall. My feet come to a halt outside one of the bedrooms. I inhale a big breath, and I’m filled with my mate’s scent.
I glance at the door, and my fingers start to twitch. The smell is so overwhelming, I can’t stop myself when I press my hand to the door handle and step inside.
I’m faced with Caleb’s bedroom. It’s a little messy, but well organised. A black king-sized bed in the middle of the room with dark bedding. A wooden desk covered with paper and pencils. My eyes slowly float over the pieces of art. There’s a detailed drawing of a brown wolf sitting on top, and I’m immediately stunned by his talent.
My fingers brush over the paper to reveal another drawing of the moon beneath. I don’t know how long I stare at them, but I can’t look away. They’re breathtaking.
I step away from his desk and move closer to his bed, where a black hoodie lies on the sheets. I reach for it gingerly and roll the material of the sleeve between my fingers. Then I bring it up to my nose and take in a deep breath.
His scent surrounds me, and I invite it. There’s not a single logical thought in my brain right now. But when everything relaxes inside me, I realise what I’m doing.
I open my eyes and drop the sleeve as it dawns on me how bizarre and creepy this is. I quickly turn towards the wall and stare up at the framed painting above me.
One half is of a woman, the other a brown wolf. The details aremind-blowing.
“What the hell are you doing in here?”
I jolt and back away into the wall.
Caleb shuts the door behind him and heads straight towards me. I try to formulate a sentence, but nothing comes out of my mouth.
“I’m talking to you,” he spits harshly.
“Nothing.” I shake my head. “I’m sorry, I just…I just?—”
Caleb’s stone-cold eyes pin me to my place.
“I-I was curious about the paintings and the drawings,” I admit.
He doesn’t move an inch.
“I saw the art around the house, and then I saw these in your room.” I gesture to his desk as I continue to blabber on, desperately trying to get myself out of this situation. “I was intrigued.”
Caleb’s chest heaves as he watches me.
“You’re very talented,” I blurt because it’s true, and I’m trying to save my ass. “You could be a professional.”
He lowers his eyes to the floor and rubs his forehead with his fingers. No one says anything for a while, and I silently swallow.
