THE FALTERED BOND

Cade | Chap. 16

I shift in an instant, heeding no mind to my shredded clothes. My stomach wretches when Ava's cry suddenly falls silent. Did she drown? Has someone attacked her? I cover the distance with a few leaps, heeding no mind to my now shredded clothes falling around me. As I reach the shore, my eyes laser to the turmoiled waters, searching for any signs of life. The water breaks and a pale form emerges from the depths, jaws clamped firmly around Ava's arm. I barrel into the assailant and lock my maw into soft fur before lunging him towards the shore. The wolf crashes into the ground with a thud.

You better stay down if you know what's good for you. My words growl through the link.
At that, I spot her petite form from the corner of my eye, crawling onto shore and coughing mounds of water.

She's alive. I advance to shield her naked body from view, turning my attention to the white wolf ashore.

Icy blue eyes raise to mine. The fuck Cade!?

I now realize my mistake as I recognize the voice echoing through. Zed...?
Yeah, it's me. He scoffs, annoyed. You need your eyes checked man, you nearly ripped me to shreds!

I would've. I scoff tartly. Mistook you for a rogue.

Lucky for you, I'm not. The girl was underwater- had a cramp or something, seemed like she was about to drown.

A cold lump settled in my throat. I swallow thickly, gathering my nerves as I thank him with a nod. I owe you.

He arches his back in a lazy stretch. You can thank me later. I'll see myself out.

Turning back, I find Ava hidden in the brush as she hastily slips on her clothes, chest heaving with shallow breaths.

Ava? She doesn't respond, but her lips tremble with a cold shiver. I step forward and, once within range, press my snout against her arm.

She starts. ''Cade!''

Are you okay?

''I-I l-lost my foot-ting.'' She chatters. ''Wh-who was th-that?''

Zed. The guy you met this morning. Despite my response, she holds her gaze as though waiting for an answer. Doubt begins to settle in my mind; can she hear me? I shake my head and only then she looks away. ''Well... I owe him my life.''

-*-

"Sure she's not ignoring you? I know I would."
A chuckle slips through my lips. "I don't think she's the bratty little sister kind." My elbow nudges into her ribs and she giggles.

"Fine, fine, I'm just messing." She pauses to slip into a fresh pair of joggings. "Seriously though, you'd think her parents would've taught her.

- Not everyone is as fortunate." I reply, pondering on my own struggles. "She may be a late bloomer.

- Maybe." My sister's words, which usually calms my mind, now sparks curiosity. I was once a late bloomer, albeit many years ago and even then, I could never fathom the prospect of a wolf unable to link.

Perhaps she has not been properly taught? But again, linking with their pack is second nature to a wolf and a skill usually acquired during their first years. I loosen a sigh. Regardless of the reason, she'd have to learn. No wolf would respect an Invalid, nevertheless a former Omega; revealing this secret would place her life in great peril.

I take my leave, haste driving my steps back to camp where the rest of the pack remained. Bright flames danced amongst the shadows from a small fire, painting the camp with golden hues. Searching amongst the faces surrounding camp, I came to realize Ava wasn't amongst them.