Michael P.O.V

It's been several days since I've seen Charlie. I loathe myself for leaving him the way I did. It was cowardly of me to just stop talking to him completely. Charlie deserves an explanation. Unfortunately, it's too dangerous for me to give him one.

Charlie stopped texting me after a few days. Each time I open my phone I want to talk to him. Unfortunately, I know I can't do that.

With everything that's going on, it's better that we don't talk. The full moon is only getting closer. The battle for Pack Master travels at the same pace. I need to focus on the fight, even if it should be an easy one. You should never underestimate a fight. That's asking for failure.

Training is the only method of distraction that seems to work for me. It's the only time I can keep my mind off Charlie. I'm too busy punching a bag full of sand to think about anything else.

I throw several hard punches at the bag. It swings violently from the force. I steady it so it won't come back and hit me when I don't expect it.

Sweat drips from my body as I continue to beat the punching bag. The longer I continue the session, the better I feel. I'm letting out the emotions that I've forced myself to keep bottled up.

I steady the bag and let out a deep sigh. I'm calling it a night. I wrap a towel around my shoulders and use it to dry my hair.

"Don't overwork yourself," my father says from the doorway.

"I'm not," I huff out.

"Is something bothering you?" he asks.

"No," I lie, pulling my T-shirt over my head.

"There's something. Come on, spit it out," he urges.

"You wouldn't understand," I mumble while walking past him.

"If it's because of that human, you're better off forgetting him entirely," my father practically barks.

"I told you, you wouldn't understand," I mutter.

I walk back to the house and slam the front door closed with my foot. James and one of his many female companions scramble upstairs, barely covered as usual. I roll my eyes as I head to my room.

James should be training. Unfortunately for him, he's too busy with bitches to focus on the fact that he has the opportunity to become Pack Master. He has the opportunity to do something with his life and he's throwing it away.

I walk to the bathroom to take a quick shower. After a long night of training, a nice shower will feel great. I'll be able to relax for a few minutes.

After my shower, I decide to try and get some sleep. Unfortunately, once I'm in bed I can't seem to fall asleep. I'm physically exhausted, but I can't get to sleep. The nagging thought of Charlie has burrowed deep in my mind. I need to see him.

With a heavy sigh, I get up and go downstairs. James is still occupied with his fling and our father is asleep in his recliner. It's a typical night around the house.

I exit the house quietly before shifting and running into the woods. I know that going to see Charlie is a bad idea. It will only make staying away from him harder. It puts both of us at risk, but I have to see him. Even if it's the wrong thing to do for the pack, it's the right thing to do for Charlie.

I run through the forest until I reach his house. I sit at the edge of the property for a few moments. The lights in the house are on. Charlie is still up. It also means that he got his power back.

I walk up to the deck and sit outside the sliding glass door. Charlie is on the couch. I scratch at the door to get his attention. After a few moments, Charlie looks up. He smiles and gets up.

I'm glad to see Charlie smile. I wish that I could be myself around him and not have to hide who I am. Then we wouldn't be in this situation.

Charlie opens the back door and slips out. "Hey, Mikey," he says while scratching behind my ears. "I was starting to get worried about you. It's been a while."

I nuzzle up under his chin. It's a sign of trust and affection. Charlie laughs softly and smiles.

"You're lucky my mom is asleep. She'd probably scream if she saw you." He touches his nose to mine. "Little does she know that you're a total sweetheart."

It feels nice to be close to Charlie again. It puts my mind at ease, even if it's just for a little while. Charlie seems to be doing okay. That, or he's good at acting like he's okay. With his mother in town, I wouldn't be surprised if that were the case.

I lay my head on Charlie's lap. He smiles and pets my head. He seems genuinely happy right now. If only he knew the truth.

"I'm glad you're here," he admits softly. "I've had a rough few days."

I whimper softly in sympathy. I am the cause of Charlie's sorrow. I forced myself to abandon him when he needed me most. Charlie deserves better. He deserves someone who can be there for him. He deserves someone he can trust with his heart. I wish I could be that person.

"Things will get better, eventually," he tells me quietly. "I just have to focus on the positive side of things a bit more. That's what my mom tells me at least." Charlie lets out a soft sigh. "I'm talking about my life problems with a wolf."

To Charlie, I'm just a friendly wolf that hangs around his property and visits him at every opportunity. If only Charlie knew that I was the very person he's been wanting to talk to since I took him to the hospital. I wish I could tell him the truth, but I can't. I have to keep him safe.