The world is spinning out of control before my eyes.I’m afailure.I don’t deserve to be alive, let alone an alpha.How am I supposed toprotect a pack when I can’t even protect my family?Casey… my babies….
“Let me out.Let me out!”
Charlie taps on the window, and Brick pulls over.I hop overthe side and run into the woods, falling to my knees.The struggle of keepingmy wolf contained mixed with the emotions running through me is like nothingI’ve ever felt before.The growl I let out is filled with anger, pain, loss—somany things I’m feeling in this moment.Why should I hold him back?I shouldjust let him take over.Totally.Anything is better than feeling like this.BeforeI can give in, Brick’s voice slices through the fog.
“I can’t imagine how you feel right now, but think of howshe must feel.You’re all she has now.”
Something snaps inside me as his words register.He’s right.She’s been attacked by wolves, lost her father and her babies.I have to getback to her.Wehave to get back to her.He pulls back slowly,reluctantly, and I rise to my feet.
“Let’s go.”
***Casey***
Gone.Daddy’s gone.My baby…babiesare gone.I havenothing and no one.What do I have to live for anymore?I should just end itall right now.Who would even miss me?Sandy?She’d get over it.Ethan?He’salready over me.Maybe Clara, but we’re not family.She’d get over it, too.Thetears haven’t stopped since I opened my eyes and realized this wasn’t a dream—aterrible, horrible nightmare.I lay my palm on my now-empty stomach and crysilently into my pillow.
The door opens, and I know exactly who it is without evenlooking.I can’t bear to look at him right now.He’s just another thing I’velost.
“Casey.”
The sound of his voice is more than I can take.I breakdown, sobbing hysterically, my body shaking.In a second, he’s by my bed,gently pulling me into his arms.
“It’s okay, love.I’m here.I’m not going anywhere.”
I lean into him, needing his comfort, his strength.He coosin my ear, telling me everything is going to be okay and that he won’t leave myside.I cling to him desperately, wanting to believe his words.His scentsurrounds me, calming me.His arms are like a haven, offering warmth andsafety.As they tighten around me, I feel the weight of my troubles lifting.Ihold him tighter, accepting all he’s giving.
“Shh.I’m here.”
“Ethan… Daddy—”
“I know, honey.”
Of course he knows.He’s the sheriff; that’s probably whyhe’s here.He’s not here for me.I break away from him reluctantly and settleback into my pillow.The moment I leave his arms, everything comes crashingback down on me.He hands me a tissue from the box next to my bed and pulls upa chair.
“So… what do you need to know?”I ask.
“What do you mean?”
“You’re… conducting an investigation.Right?”
“Casey, I’m here foryou.I haven’t even thoughtabout that.I’ll have the boys take care of it.Right now, you’re all thatmatters.”
Fresh tears pool in my eyes.He’s here for me.“Me?”
“Of course.I’m sorry, Casey.I should have protected you… protectedour…” His voice trails off as his gaze falls to my stomach.Oh, God, heknows!“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Tell you what?”
Yeah, that’s it, Casey.Play ignorant.Sheesh….
“About the babies.”
He looks so hurt.I guess he has every right to be.I can’timagine how he must feel, finding out the way he did.He’d lost them before heeven knew about them.I didn’t think it possible but I actually feel worse.
“I couldn’t.”
“Why?”
Because your mother would have killed me.“I didn’twant to trespass on your new life.”
