“I swear Lil…” He broke off as his foot brushed up against something soft.
Caleb looked down and his entire world came undone.
No… no… It was the only word that he could think or say.
Not Lil. Anyone but Lil.
Dropping to his knees, he gathered her body up in his arms and cried out in anguish. He cupped her face in his hands and sobbed.
How could she be gone? How?
Why was he still alive? He had no reason to live without her.
All he knew was that he was going to rain hell down on all those who had a hand in this. No one would be spared. No one would have mercy.
If it took him a million lifetimes, he would destroy them all.
7
CHRISTMAS 3250
Caleb still wasn’t sure how he’d let Ambrose and crew talk him into this. He hated Christmas and anything to do with this time of year.
Solstice …
It could all burn for what he cared.
Xev should remember why. Yet he’d been instrumental in forcing Caleb to attend their stupid holiday at the bar and grill, Sanctuary, that was owned by a family of shape shifters.
I am out of my mind.
Only a fool would agree to this. Yet here he was, half a block away, staring at the building. Holiday music filled his ears as the Howlers sang carols. It was a wonder the humans weren’t complaining about the noise. But then, they were talented. The music actually calmed him.
Even though it reminded him of the revelers from centuries ago. An image of Lil laughing taunted him. She would love this …
He started to turn around, then stopped himself. He’d made a promise. The least he could do was fulfill it.
“I hate myself.”
Right now, he was hating his brother more.
You might as well get this over with.
Stop in. Say hi. Leave.
He could do that.
Steeling himself, he crossed the street and went to the door where Remi Peltier stood guard. The huge, blond werebear was actually wearing a Santa hat.
“Did you lose a bet?”
Remi snorted. “Close. My wife made me. She said I looked …cute.”
Caleb would mock that, but it hit a little too close to home, so he made no comment. He merely grunted and walked inside.
Wow. He had to give the bears and wolves credit. The place looked as if the North Pole had exploded. Aimee Peltier came up to him with a cup of… he had no idea. It was yellow, hot and frothy.
“Glad you’re here, Caleb.” She kissed his cheek and handed him a cup.
