Just because his stepsister claimed something had happened and my brother had become the accused did not mean Caleb could simply destroy our marriage… or the sacred bond tying our wolves together.
I needed to speak with him.
I had to make him understand.
I remained seated in the quiet chamber of the packhouse for a long time, my thoughts spiraling endlessly. Finally, gathering the last of my courage, I closed my eyes and reached out through the mate mindlink that still connected us.
My wolf stirred anxiously.
Caleb…
For a moment, there was nothing but silence.
Then the link opened.
He had heard me.
But neither of us spoke.
Silence stretched between our minds like thick fog drifting through a dark forest—heavy, suffocating, impossible to escape.
I squeezed my eyes shut as tears slipped down my cheeks.
Through the bond, I could feel his presence.
His emotions were turbulent.
Rough.
Unsteady.
Like a wolf barely holding itself back from losing control.
Caleb… I whispered again.
A long breath echoed faintly through the link.
Aria.
His voice sounded hoarse, raw with emotion. Beneath it, I sensed the bitter taste of strong liquor dulling his senses.
My chest tightened painfully.
Please don’t do this, I pleaded softly. We can resolve everything else first. Let the truth come out before we make a decision like this. Breaking our bond does not have to happen now.
Caleb… please.
For several heartbeats, the mindlink remained silent.
Then he spoke again.
I don’t want this either, Aria.
His voice cracked.
Believe me, I hate this. I still love you. The Moon Goddess knows I do.
My wolf whimpered softly at his confession.
Then come back to me, he continued, desperation creeping into his voice. Stop defending him. Leave your brother out of this and stand beside me instead.
Please.
The desperation in his voice twisted painfully around my heart.
I closed my eyes, fighting another wave of tears.
I can’t do that, I whispered.
Marcus is my brother. He’s the only family I have left. How can you ask me to abandon him?
A sharp scoff echoed through the link.
And Clara is my sister, Caleb snapped.
Before my father returned to the Moon Goddess, I promised him I would always protect her. I swore it as his son and as the future Alpha of this pack. I cannot betray that promise.
His voice hardened.