“Tyler will make sure he’s all right,” Addison said as she approached, trailing Mathew. “Teenage boys struggle with control sometimes. It’s why we have to keep them on a strict routine.”
Eva smiled, looking at the trees one last time, before taking Mathew’s hand and leading him away. Yet with each step she took, Eva’s anxiety grew, and it didn’t matter how many times someone told her he would be okay. Eva had seen her brothers’ pain and the internal battle he was raging, and she couldn’t shake the feeling he was slipping away. That he was helpless against the strength of the wolf that had invaded his body.
She’d already lost her mother to an invisible enemy who’d attacked her from within. Eva wouldn’t survive losing another member of her family. It was bad enough not having her father talking to her. He’d left the day before, and she’d only found out he’d made it back to their house in one piece through Zackary. Eva would confront him eventually, but for now, she was hoping some time alone would make her father see sense, because one thing was certain. Eva wouldn’t be turning her back on the small boy clutching her hand as if she was his lifeline. It didn’t matter if she was in over her head or would have to spend years juggling study and long commutes; she’d made a choice, and Eva was sticking to it.
Chapter 35
Bass
“Bass!”
Pausing, Bass inwardly groaned before turning. “Whatever it is, Ty, it needs to wait. I was supposed to meet Katalina two minutes ago.” He’d promised her twice this morning they’d leave on time, had seen the doubt in her eyes. Bass loved his pack, but today was about Katalina, about supporting her as she dealt with the first painful anniversary of her parents’ death.
“I know and I’m sorry, but it’s Zac.”
Bass rubbed his face. “What now?” he groaned.
“He got into an argument with Max and Cory and ran off. When I found him, he was in wolf form, either wouldn’t or couldn’t shift back.”
“Damn it, why today? Where are they?” Bass fell into step beside Tyler as he led him toward the training area. “What was the argument over?”
“They’re not saying. Cooper’s confirmed it was Max and Cory who started it, but that’s as far as he’s going, and Liam hasn’t opened his mouth. John’s with them now.”
“I’ll butt their heads together first, then find Zac. I best message Kat. God, she’s going to love me.”
“I’m sure she’ll understand,” Tyler offered, patting him on the back. “You’ll still go. Just a little later.”
Bass smiled, but the truth was, he was pretty sure Katalina was all out of understanding today. Rounding the corner, the four sullen teenagers came into view, their stances straightening when they spotted Bass.
“I thought you were leaving?” Cooper mumbled as he halted before them.
“Were you hoping I wouldn’t get the truth from your lips, Cooper?” Bass smiled slyly. He wasn’t in the mood for stupid teenagers today. “Now, someone best start talking before I get angry.”
“I didn’t do anything. It was Cory and Max,” Cooper blurted, eyes to the floor.
“And what exactly did you do?” He studied Cory and Max, his wolf at the forefront of his mind.
“It’s not our fault Zac can’t control himself,” Max muttered. “We were just messing.”
Bass growled. “I’ll be the one deciding who is at fault. Now tell me exactly what was said before I put the four of you on dish duty for the rest of your lives.”
Liam groaned. Cory seemed to shrink smaller, and finally, Cooper opened his mouth. “Max called Zac out on his special treatment.”
“Special treatment?” Bass really was going to lose it if this entire mess was over jealousy.
Cooper glanced up, then elbowed Max.
Max sighed. “You know all the one-on-one training he gets, plus extra time with you. He’s not even one of us, and you’re all giving him your time.”
Bass gritted his teeth, his frustration building. “Did you tell Zac he wasn’t one of us.”
“No,” Max mumbled, risking a quick glance up. “Cory did.”
“Cory, look at me,” Bass commanded.
“Well, it’s true. Why should he get extra training when he’s only been here five minutes,” Cory defended.
Bass stepped forward, towering over Cory. “Are you the alpha, Cory?” he asked, voice scarily calm. “Because it’s the alpha of a pack who decides who gets what training and who belongs or not. And if you are then, I’m wondering why you haven’t come to challenge me for the role.”
“I... erm... I….”
“Yeah, I didn’t think so. Maybe one day you’ll be ready to take me on, but until that day, you’ll leave the deciding to me. Understand?”
“Yes,” he whispered hoarsely. “I’m sorry.”
Bass stepped back. “It’s not me you need to apologize too, Cory. It’s Zac. Because he does belong here as much as any of you. In fact, probably more, because I’m pretty certain neither of you four have killed to protect Katalina. So maybe you should remember that next time you’re jealous. And think about the fact he needs extra time because he wasn’t born with this gift. It was given to him against his will.”
“I will. I’ll say sorry,” Cory mumbled.
“Me too,” Max chimed in.
“Good. Now the four of you are off duty today and will be helping out in the kitchen.”
Grumbles sounded all around.
“And,” Bass interrupted, “Max and Cory will be working in there for the next week, and if we go to red alert, you will be staying there and not on the line of defense.”
“That’s bullshit,” Max argued. “You can’t stop us
