Kareen's pov
I head towards the palace as quickly as I can, my fear of losing Zander seems to give me wings. My only thought is Zander's pale face and pain filled eyes as he told me not . . . to . . . return. It suddenly hit me, there is only one reason he would tell me to stay behind, he did not believe he would be alive when they found him. Forcing away an irritated growl, I turned back the way I came, connecting to my sire with the pack link.
'Papa, please hurry . . . Derrick has gone feral and must be stopped! He has wounded Zander . . . I am going to heal him as much as I can, but I cannot save him alone . . . please bring Subaru, I cannot lose him now!'
'Kareen, don't use your power, we're on our way, let Subaru handle it.'
'I cannot do that, papa . . . if I do not heal him now, he will not be alive for the Subaru to save.'
Knowing my sire would quickly wear down my resolve, I closed the pack link and focus on retracing my steps and soon I reach the clearing where I had left Zander.
"K-Kareen? What are . . . What are you doing here?"
"You would let yourself die and leave me to bear the guilt of your death?"
"I didn't want to die in front of you, please just walk away and let me die alone."
"Do not speak anymore."
"Kareen__________."
"Be silent!"
Drawing energy into my hands, I pressed them against Zander's chest. He immediately lifted his hand, trying to push mine away, but I refused to budge even when agonizing pain went through my nerves, disturbing my concentration.
"S-Stop it! You know what'll happen if you use your power on me!"
"I-I do not mind sharing your pain, Zander, if it means that I would not lose you."
I shuddered slightly as a burning pain spread across my back, clenching my teeth until blood dripped from my lips as I struggled to maintain my strength.
"That's enough, Kareen."
"I cannot lose you Zander. I need you with me."
A fog was steadily clouding my head and I could feel my fingers trembling as my energy flooded Zander's body.
"Stop Kareen!"
I weakly shook my head, determined to heal Zander despite the cost. With a grunt of effort I forced one last burst of my strength into Zander, who let out a loud gasp.
"Subaru, now!"
I was jerked into a pair of familiar, strong arms at the same time that another healing signature filled the clearing and through my rapidly fading consciousness I heard my sire's grim voice.
"Heal him enough to move and then bring him to the castle, we need to have a little talk."
I felt myself whimper a protest as I was carried away, but the arms wrapped around me refused to relinquish their hold on me and I quickly surrendered, falling into a dreamless sleep.
Zander's pov
I sucked in a deep breath, pushing myself into a sitting position.
"Kareen . . . where is he?! Is he alright?!"
Subaru, the palace healer watched me silently, not offering any help as I slowly struggled to my knees and then to my feet.
"The Alpha wishes to speak with you."
