Chapter 22
But happiness was not for everyone.
The early morning light streamed over Shadow Pack territory, as Caleb paced back and forth, his jaw set with frustration. Marissa’s sudden departure had sent his life spiraling, and he had gotten no answers from anyone. He kicked a loose rock in his path, his frustration boiling
over.
“Where could she have gone?” He muttered, running a hand through his hair.
“It’s like she vanished into thin air.”
Caleb’s eyes were hard as he glanced toward the packhouse where his father, the previous Alpha, George, had spent the last hour dodging his questions. “I know he knows where she is, but damn it! He isn’t telling me,” Caleb said bitterly. “He‘ s silent as fuck.”
Caleb clenched his fists, his wolf stirring
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angrily within him. Marissa had always been there, close enough to reach out. Now she was just… gone. He wasn’t sure whether to feel anger, sadness, or the gnawing fear that something had happened to her. “She wouldn’t have just left without a reason,” he said, his voice a low growl. “And I don‘ t believe for one
second that Father doesn’t know where
she is.”
Caleb nodded, his gaze steely. “I‘ ll find out one way or another.”
As if on cue, George emerged from the packhouse, his face unreadable as he took in the sight of his son waiting by the door. His eyes flickered with a hint of annoyance, though he didn’t try to avoid him this
time.
“Father,” Caleb began, his voice firm, “I need to know what happened to Marissa. She’s gone, and no one is telling me anything.”
George‘ s expression remained calm,
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Chapter 22
though his gaze hardened. “What Marissa does is her business, not yours,” he replied curtly. “It’s time you focused on your duties as the Alpha of the pack. Focus. on Ivy too, and your unborn child.”
Caleb stepped forward, his jaw clenched. “I’ve always focused on the pack. But Marissa is my girlfriend. And if she left-” He took a steadying breath. “If she left, she must have had a reason. Don‘ t I
deserve to know?”
George’s eyes narrowed, a warning glint in them. “Let me tell you this, son,” he replied, his voice carrying a hint of finality.
“Marissa’s path is no longer tied to
yours. I knew she broke up with you, yes? Let it go.
Caleb’s wolf surged in anger at his father’s words, the dismissive tone grating against every protective instinct he had. But one look at the hard line of
George’s mouth told him it was pointless. to argue. His father had made his decision,
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Chapter 22
and nothing Caleb said would change it.
“Fine,” Caleb said through clenched teeth. “If you won’t help me, I’ll find out on my own.”
As Caleb turned to leave, a figure stepped into his path. Ivy stood there, a satisfied smirk curling on her lips, though it wavered as Caleb brushed past her without so much as a glance. She quickly caught up, trying to keep her tone light.
“Alpha,” she said sweetly, sidling up beside him. “You look so serious. Is everything all right?”
Caleb didn’t respond, his focus solely on his own thoughts. His mind was already racing with ideas on how to track Marissa, while his emotions churned. Ivy’s smile. faltered, annoyance flashing in her eyes as she realized he was ignoring her. Now that Marissa was gone, his attention was slipping from her grasp as well. That
wouldn’t do. Not at all.
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