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I blow out a breath. She’s been trying to get hold of me, and I’ve been blowing her off for months. I’m sure she’s worried, but I can’t face my old life yet.

I tried keeping in touch right after I changed, but it was too painful.

I type out a quick text that I hope will appease her.

Sorry I missed you! I was at work and I’m exhausted. Going to bed now.

Sent.

Hopefully, that keeps her happy for a few days.

My bed is calling my name.

Nine

Aksel

“Where the fuck is he?” I shout at Blaze and Felix.

An hour after I left Griffyn here alone, I came back to find Blaze and Felix waiting next to the spot our car was parked.

It took me longer than I would have liked to get close enough to sense the female I was tracking. As soon as I was within range, I knew she was human and left her behind.

I did not expect Griffyn to take off and leave us stranded while he went rogue.

Blaze and Felix are both worried, their emotions like a feast to my powers.

I pick up my phone and redial him for the fiftieth time. It keeps ringing through to voicemail, and I swear my blood pressure goes up every time I hear it.

“It’s Griff. Leave a message… or don’t.”

“Griffyn. This is Aksel which you damn well know. Answer your fucking phone and tell me where you are so I can strangle you.” I slam my finger on the end call button before facing Blaze and Felix again.

“He could be in trouble,” Felix says, gnawing on his bottom lip.

“Maybe we should try to find him,” Blaze suggests, looking around for clues.

“Is there any scent to follow? Clearly, he left in the car,” I ask.

Both of them shake their heads.

Headlights shine in my eyes as a car comes down the road straight to us. I recognize the make and model right away as my SUV.

Griffyn pulls next to us, stopping the car and unlocking the doors.

I rip the driver’s side door open and glare at him, but he barely notices. His eyes are glazed over. He’s completely dissociated.

“Where have you been?” I snarl.

He looks over like he’s shocked I’m standing here. Blaze and Felix have both gotten in the car, silently watching us.

“I was following my girl,” he answers slowly before pushing himself out of the car.

I step in front of him, blocking his exit.

“You could have answered your damn phone or left us the car. We had no idea where you were. Those two were even worried about you. Maybe you should be a little more considerate of your team. Don’t think your carelessness will go unpunished.”

He doesn’t even roll his eyes or display any of his usual snark. Alarms bells sound as I discreetly check him for injury.

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