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“We can go search for him,” my father offered as my eyes widened. “If I find him, I’ll send him home right away.”
Elena relaxed. “Thank you. There’s a small group gathered outside with Rinnick.”
I jumped up and headed toward the door when my father stopped me. “Why is Theo running, Bec?”
“Don’t ask questions, Daddy. It’s better this way.”
He shook his head, pulling me closer into a hug. “I know I’ve been harsh, but I only want what’s best for you. You know that, right?”
“I do,” I confirmed, “but sometimes a girl knows her own heart better than her father.” I reached up and placed a kiss on his cheek. “Don’t worry. I’m not a little girl anymore. I’ll have to fix my problems without your help.”
“You can always use my help,” he contradicted, “it’s my job. I love you. A father is always protective over his daughter, no matter her age.”
“I know.”
He let me leave as I ran outside and straight to Rinnick, concerned when I saw the look on his face. This wasn’t like Theo. He didn’t ditch his family or responsibilities. He didn’t run off and avoid his problems. We both knew the only reason he would leave had to do with me.
“Becca, why don’t you stay with Elena? She could use the companionship.”
I read between the unspoken lines and knew that if Theo returned home, it was best I was with his cousin. The search lasted another two days before Cole found Theo. He had been in wolf form this entire time. Stripped to his base nature, Theo was nearly feral.
By the time Rinnick commanded his return the large gray wolf resembled something much more animal than man. Only the orders of his alpha brought Theo back to his humanity. Realizing I was to blame for his current state, I ran forward as Rinnick held up his hands.
“Don’t be foolish, Becca. He barely understands who we are right now.”
“He knows me,” I whispered, shaking my head. “Theo.”
Theo’s wolf snarled and nearly lunged in my direction as the powerful beast began to pace back and forth, his canines dripping saliva and oozing hate. Rinnick must have ordered him to return home. Theo whined slightly and shook his massive head. Our eyes locked for a few brief seconds as pain sliced through each one of us. As his paws thudded across the ground in departure, I yelled pathetically after him.
“I’m sorry, Theo.”
Once he was gone, I was finally able to inhale a deep breath. Rinnick and I both stayed where we were as everyone else headed home. A few seconds lapsed before he cleared his throat.
“You need to make this right, Becca. One way or another. Theo can’t take much more.”
“I know,” I answered softly as he placed a hand on my shoulder and squeezed. “It’s just not that simple.”
“Isn’t it?” He contradicted. “If your heart knows, how complicated can it be?” His hand dropped away as he turned toward the creek. “Theo isn’t the only one suffering. I care about you, too, Becca. Don’t make him wait any longer. He’s loved you as long as I can remember.”
