The cabin door creaked open with a slam, and I stumbled inside.

I was drenched and exhausted, with Selina close behind me. The air inside was thick with the metallic scent of blood that made me feel sick to my stomach.

My heart hammered in my chest as I rushed toward the bedroom, dreading what I might find.

Cara was still there, hovering over Nate's pale, motionless body as she tended to his wounds. The sight of him sent a fresh wave of dread through me—he looked worse than before.

His skin was a ghostly shade of white, and his breathing was a hallow and labored. But what was worse were his wounds.

They were deep and angry, and had bled through the bandages. Staining them a dark, ominous red.

Cara looked up as we entered, her face etched with concern.

"Where the hell were you?" She almost burst into tears from the emotional toll it must have taken for her to keep Nate alive.

Her eyes were ringed with exhaustion and brimming with tears. "He almost died on me. Twice!"

"But you kept him alive," I thanked her as my heart swelled. "I owe you, Cara."

"Don't thank me yet!" She wiped her eyes, leaving streaks of Nate's blood on her cheek. "Selina's had better be a match or Nate's going to die, tonight!"

"I'm a match!" Selina stepped forward, shoving me out of the doorway.

Normally, I would have hissed at her for shoving me, but now wasn't the time to fight. Not with Nate's life on the line.

"Here." She pulled back her sleeve to offer up her arm. "Where do you need me?"

Cara snatched Selina's arms and pulled her down into the chair next to the bed.

While I stood frozen in the corner of the room, my back pressed against the wall, staying out the way as I watched Cara move around Selina and Nate.

I felt utterly useless. My hands were shaking, and my heart was pounding in anticipation as I waited.

Waiting felt like a lifetime. And the guilt once again tormented me as it consumed my chest with a thick phlegm like feeling, making it hard to breathe.

Nate lay there, pale and still, barely hanging on. And all I could think was: This is my fault. I wasn't there when he needed me most.

The entire time Cara remained calm, as she quickly set up the transfusion equipment.

"Selina," she said in that no-nonsense tone of hers. "You ready?"

Selina nodded. "I'm ready."

I wanted to say something, anything to make this better, but the words were stuck in my throat. Cara was talking about blood pressure, and how they had to act fast, but all I could hear was the steady beeping of the heart monitor.

After disinfecting Selina's inner elbow with an alcohol wipe. Cara prepared to insert the needle.

"Sharp scratch."

"I should've been there," I muttered, my voice cracking as I watched. "I should've stopped Donavan before he got to him."

Selina winced as Cara inserted the needle, but she turned to me. "Lucius, not now. This isn't about you."

"But it is about me!" I couldn't hold it in anymore, I was breaking down with all the emotions I'd managed to hold back until now.

I liked to act like the tough, strong alpha who knew what he was doing, but truthfully, I hated being alpha. I couldn't handle the responsibility of looking after a pack. I was a soldier not a leader.

I was the General Wolf to the Wolf King.

I gazed down at Nate, my lips trembling as a dam burst within me and it all came flooding out.

"I knew Donavan was dangerous. I knew he was coming after Nate, and instead of being by my mate's side in his time of need, I was catering to the needs of my pack by committing to Cara and our engagement. And all for what? To make my beta, Xavier, happy!" I swung my arms in the air as I paved the room. "I only became alpha to make myself stronger, so that I could protect Nate and I failed!"

"Lucius!" Selina shouted over me, but still, I continued.

"I didn't go with Nate. I wasn't there when it happened, Selina! I wasn't there when Donavan..." I couldn't finish the sentence. The image of Nate, beaten and bleeding, flashed in my mind, and it made me feel like I was drowning.

Cara rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath, shaking her head as she connected the tubing from Selina to a bag then more tubing to Nate.

The blood flowed slowly between them. Cara adjusted the equipment, checking the monitor, and glanced at me briefly.

"I haven't even told Nate–"

"Shut the fuck up, Lucius!" Cara shouted. "Stop acting like a bitch and start acting like an alpha!"

She was heaving for air as she glared at me with her no nonsense stare. I immediately fell silent. I don't think I've ever heard Cara shout or curse before.

"Nate's not dead. He's still fighting for his life, but he has a better chance of survival with his you by his side. He needs all of you right now. Your presence and your warmth." Her tone softened as she gazed away from me as a sadness washed over her. "Mates empower each other, especially in times of crisis. Stay by his side and give him your love. Guilt won't save him."

I swallowed hard, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to spill over. She was right, but it didn't stop the ache in my chest.

I walked over to Nate's bed, dragging a chair closer and sitting down beside him. His face was still pale, his skin still so cold it felt like ice.

"I should've protected you," I whispered, my voice barely audible. I reached out and took hid hand, squeezing it gently. His fingers were limp, unresponsive, and it made my stomach twist even tighter. "I'm so sorry."

The heart monitor beeped again, its rhythm still uneven. Cara checked the flow of the transfusion, her eyes darting between the machine and Nate's face. "Once he's stable we'll begin draining the wolfsbane from him."

I stayed by Nate's side with my heart in my throat as I waited in tense silence.

As he stabilised, the risky part began, and created a second line draining the wolfsbane from Nate's system.

The minutes dragged on in silence, the only sound were the steady drip of blood and the faint sound of Nate's laboured breaths.

I could see the strain on Selina's face, her eyes locked on Nate, willing him to fight, to survive.

While Cara busiest herself with keeping an eye on Nate's vitals, and swapping out the bags of contaminated blood with a fresh empty bag .

And then, slowly, something changed.

Nate's fingers twitched, it was just the faintest of movements, but it was enough to send my heart racing with a glimmer of hope.

I stood up rapidly, waking Selina from her snooze when my chair smacked against the floor.

His wounds, which had been an inch deep, closed up, his skin having knitted itself back together with an unnatural speed.

Cara's eyes widened in shock, which turned into curiosity as she observed Nate's impossible healing.

"Wow..." she murmured. "I've never seen a werewolf heal like this. His abilities... are you sure he's not a vampire?"

"He's not a vampire."

I shot her a warning look.

Cara seemed to understand, and reluctantly she turned her focus back on Nate's recovery.

Despite the wolfsbane purged from his body and his powers working again, Nate didn't wake up. His eyes remained closed, his body unmoving.

"Why isn't he waking?"

"His body is exhausted, give him time." Cara cleaned away her medical supplies. "But he's poison free."

Selina let out a soft sigh, her face pale and drawn with fatigue as she disconnected the IV line from her arm. Much to Cara's disapproval for not taking it out the safe way.

"It worked," Selina said, her voice tinged with relief, but with a hint of tiredness. "He's alive, but..."

She trailed off, her eyes meeting mine with a look that made my stomach twist.

"But?"

She shook her head slowly, and a sad smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

"Selina?" I growled. "But what?"

"It's not just the physical effects we have to worry about. I'm just worried about the psychological effects the wolfsbane will have had on Nate, and mixed with my blood. I think Nate is stuck. Trapped in a nightmare he can't wake from."

I felt sick to my stomach.

"Like I said earlier, he's most likely reliving his suppressed memories from his time with Sebastian."

"Is there anything we can do to help wake him?" I asked, the desperation creeping into my voice.

"I wish there was more I could do, but this is something only Nate can fight through. All you can do is be there for him when he's ready to wake up."

I swallowed hard, managing a nod in thanks for everything she did to help Nate. Both of them.

Selina gave Nate one last look, as she lingered at the door. Her silver eyes softened as she smiled down at him and then moved her gaze to me.

"Good luck, Lucius," she whispered, almost apologetically. "I have to go. I need to make sure Sebastian hasn't breached the borders."

I nodded, unable to muster the strength to say anything more. She turned and left the room.

Cara finished packing away her equipment, her expression solemn as she glanced at me.

"I don't know Nate, but I can tell he's strong. Stronger than you realize," she said, trying to offer some reassurance. "If anyone can fight through this, I believe it's him."

I nodded again, though her words did little to ease my worry that had taken root in my chest.

"Thanks," I said, my voice sounded tight. "For everything, I promise to sort out the engagement between us and put something in place that works out best for both our packs."

She gave me a small, understanding smile and quietly excused herself, leaving me alone with Nate.

I pulled the chair up close to the bed as I sat down beside him, and took his hand and squeezed it tight.

I hoped my presence alone would pull him out of his fever dream. But he was too far gone. His eyes darted beneath his lids and his mouth parted open as he mumbled soft whimpers.

"You remember me being there don't you?"

I brushed his black hair away from his face and he flinched from my touch.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you, that we met." I combed my fingers through his hair. "But you were in so much pain and grief after John's death, so I took away your suffering and made you forget, including me. Leaving only glimpses of your time spent with Sebastian."

My conversation was met with silence.

I spluttered as I finally burst into tears. Heaving deep, sharp breathes, as my chest constrained.

"Nate," I whispered, and my voice cracked with my emotions as I wiped my eyes. "Please, wake up. So I can explain everything. I'm so sorry I lied to you."

But there was no response, no flicker of recognition, no sign that he could hear me. He was there, but at the same time, he was so far away, lost in a world I couldn't reach.

Lost in his fever dream.

***

The next day, the storm had passed, but the air inside the cabin remained heavy. The faint morning light seeped through the curtains of the bedroom where I sat by Nate's side. My hand still wrapped around his.

He hadn't stirred all night, still trapped in whatever dark place the wolfsbane had taken him. His face had pick up a little color but he was still pale compared to his usual golden tan, and his breathing was still shallow.

Isabella was with me, having arrived earlier that morning. Her presence helped to ease my guilty conscience. And she made sure I'd eaten.

"You can't keep hiding here, Lucius."

Isabella was stood near the window, her arms crossed as she looked out into the forest, her brows furrowed deep with concern.

"Things are bad at the pack house, and it's only going to get worse the longer you stay here."

I sighed, my gaze never leaving Nate's still form. "I can't leave him."

Isabella turned to face me, her eyes shining with sympathy.

"I know how much you care about Nate, but you're the Alpha of the Black Wood pack. You have responsibilities to the pack. If you don't go back and explain your actions for attacking Donavan, there could be a war."

"I don't trust anyone else to watch over him!" I snapped.

The thought of leaving Nate, tore at me. What if something bad happened to him while I was gone? I'd never forgive myself.

"I'm your sister, you can trust me," Isabella promised. "I'll keep an eye on him and make sure nothing happens while you're gone. But you have to go back and face the pack. You can't avoid this any longer."

I knew she was right, and that I was only delaying the inevitable. The pack was on the brink of chaos, and my absence was only making things worse. But it didn't make the decision any easier leaving Nate.

"Fine, I'll go," I whispered, leaning down to press a kiss to Nate's forehead. "But you have to promise to keep an eye on him and the moment he wakes up you call me."

"I promise," Isabella reassured me.

"Okay, I'll be back as soon as I can," I murmured to Nate.

Isabella gave me a reassuring nod. But I didn't feel reassured, I felt dread, and my heart felt heavy with the thought of leaving Nate.

But I couldn't avoid my pack any longer. I had to face the consequences of my actions.

***

The journey back to the pack house felt like marching towards my own execution, and it wasn't long before I was met with a hostile reception.

The pack members who had once respected me and looked to me for guidance now regarded me with suspicion and anger. Their unwelcoming gazes followed my every step as I approached the entrance with caution.

As I entered, Xavier was waiting for me in the foyer. His hard expression flared with anger as his eyes narrowed. I knew then that this confrontation was going to be anything but easy.

Especially, since our last confrontation the night of the full moon when he out right revealed he knew about me, my past and my father.

I don't know how he figured out I was from the Novak family or that I was once known as the General Wolf. But I couldn't allow him to reveal the truth.

Even if there was a statue of my wolf in the gardens at the Elder's Institute, there were still wolves out their who resented me for killing the Wolf King.

"Lucius," Xavier's low voice sounded dangerous and threatening as he stepped forward. He didn't even refer to me as his Alpha anymore.

I held his gaze, bracing myself.

"Let me explain..." I began, but Xavier cut me off with a sharp lift of his hand.

"You attacked Donavan in Silver Moon's territory!" he hissed. "Do you realize what you've done? The Elders are furious, and there's talk of war."

"I did what I had to do, and I don't regret my actions!"

Xavier's eyes narrowed.

"There are rumors," he continued, and his tone darkened as a malice smirk spread across his lips. "Rumors that you attacked Donavan to protect Nate Silverman."

For a moment, all I could feel was the surge of anger that threatened to boil over. I was about to lash out, to grab Xavier and put him in his place, when I felt a gentle hand on my arm.

As I turned I was surprised to find Cara standing beside me, her face composed. What was she doing here?

Don't tell me she told Xavier everything that happened? I swear if she spoke a word...

"That's not what happened," she said smoothly, stepping in front of me and addressing Xavier directly. "During our pack run, I got separated from Lucius. I'm not familiar with Black Wood's territory, and I accidentally crossed the boundary into Silver Moon's territory. Donavan tried to attack me, and Lucius intervened to protect me."

Xavier's eyes flicked between us, but Cara didn't waver.

"Play along," she whispered to me, her voice so low only I could hear her.

Before I could react, she curled her arm through mine, pulling me closer, and pressed her lips to mine in a brief but convincing kiss.

My heart skipped a beat, confusion flashing across my face, but Cara gave me a reassuring smile as she pulled back.

"We're engaged to be married," she announced, loud enough for Xavier and the other pack members to hear.

The shock on my face must have been evident, but I quickly masked it, realizing what Cara was doing. I nodded, playing along with her story.

"That's why I was in Silver Moon's territory," I added, forcing my voice to remain steady. "I was protecting my fiancé."

Xavier's gaze hardened, but the tension in his shoulders eased slightly.

"Do you have any evidence of this?" he asked, still skeptical but no longer as openly hostile.

"Yes," Cara perked up, her voice confident. "Chase Darkmoon witnessed everything."

I shot her a puzzled look, but she leaned in close, her voice a whisper in my ear. "This is Chase's plan. He managed to convince his grandfather and the other Elders," she explained quickly, her eyes urging me to follow along.

"Chase was there," I confirmed, trying to sound as convincing as possible. "He can vouch for everything."

Xavier studied us both for a long moment.

Finally, he nodded, though his expression remained guarded.

"Fine," he said in defeat, though his tone suggested he wasn't convinced. "But this isn't over."

Just as the tension seemed to ease, the doors of the pack house burst open, and Elder Thaddeus stormed in with his entourage of councilmen. Stood to his right was Rafael, his wide eyes locked onto mine. Both of us shocked to see the other.

I gave my friend a quizzical look and he looked back apologetically, warning me not to react.

"Lucius Nightshade," Thaddeus boomed, his voice echoing through the hall. "You are under arrest for trespassing and attacking Donavan Silverman, the heir to Silver Moon."

My pack, despite our current tensions, were quick to surround and protect me. They pulled back as their mouths bared open, revealing sharp, white canines. Then they extended their claws as they snarled, ready to defend me.

"Stand down!" I ordered my pack and they calmed down as they parted out of the way to let me pass. "I will go with them and sort this mess out if it means preventing war."

Thaddeus nodded and Rafael flanked me from behind and took ahold of my wrists as he cuffed me. As he guided me out of the house, I glanced back at him, his expression pained.

As he pulled me away, he whispered. "I tried to stop them," his voice was low and apologetic. "But Silver Moon is out for blood."

"It's okay. You're just doing your job," I reassured my friend.

My mind raced as I was dragged away. I looked back at Cara, who stood frozen in place, her eyes unsure of what to do next as she gripped Xavier's arms.

As I was hauled away from the pack house, the reality of my situation settled over me. I had to find a way out of this.