The gathered crowd quiets and I look through the brush to find myself in direct sight of Cross's profile. His hair is longer and disheveled. His clothes sag on his frame. But he's still Cross. Then the worst thing happens.
He turns in my direction.
He doesn't see me and I duck behind a tree to keep it that way.
The crowd buzzes with another round of whispers and then it quiets itself again when Alpha Cross's voice rings out firmly across the clearing. “Tonight we welcome Pack Barrett to – “
“Hang on,” Cross interrupts. “Wait.” His father quiets and Cross continues. “Parker,” he calls, loudly and clearly.
My heart leaps into my throat, but I stay in the brush.
“Parker, I know you're here somewhere. You are still my Second. Come here.”
I swallow. I can't.
“Parker,” Cross, barks, every bit the alpha I know he is. “Come here.”
I take a heavy breath and force my feet to carry me through the trees and brush and into the clearing in front of him.
Cross looks at his father. “We can continue with the ceremony.” Then he looks straight into my eyes. “You stay right fucking there.”
I swallow again, but I nod.
Alpha Cross continues his speech, but I don't hear it. I'm too busy taking in every inch of Cross's gaunt and ragged face and form.
“I present Eugenia Barrett, heir of Pack Barrett and future Luna of Pack Cross.” Alpha Barrett's voice calls out, then the crowd parts and she's suddenly there.
She's older. Stronger. And somehow even more gorgeous than she was the last time. She's wearing a pale blue dress and her hair is tied up to show off her perfect neck and shoulders. She takes a few steps into the clearing and then stops when her eyes meet mine.
First they widen. Then they narrow into frozen slits. I watch her mouth form the word no. Her father urges her forward but she shakes her head and continues glaring at me.
I take a step backwards. I will leave. I won't cause a second rejection.
Cross's hand shoots out and wraps harshly around my arm. “Don't you dare leave me again.”
“Cross,” I say softly, never taking my eyes off of hers. “Drew. You have to claim her. She won't if I'm –“
“Do not leave me,” he snarls loudly enough for everyone in the clearing to hear. More than a few of them let out horrified gasps.
“Cross,” I try again, gently twisting my arm. “We can talk later. She's right there. Claim your Luna. For the pack.”
“No,” he growls. “Don't leave me again.”
Her eyes close and the salty scent of her tears is suddenly the loudest thing in the forest.
She turns on her heel and walks away without looking at me again.
“What have you done?” Alpha Cross hisses.
“I'm sorry,” I stammer. “I tried.”
Cross's hand tightens painfully. “You can not leave me again, Parker.”
Chapter Eleven
Parker
“I don’t need to go to Recovery.”
