The Prey (LGBT+)

Chapter 20: By the Goddess

Parker

It has been one day, six hours, ten minutes and eight seconds since Faust cut the tie between Mickey and me. I can still feel a burning feeling. It is like heartburn all over my body. It has been circulating through my body since we left Olympus.

I have not moved from my bed since.

I can hear the wolves outside of my door, discussing me. Mickey seems to be faring better than I am. I find it surprising, given the wolves' stronger connection. I feel pangs shooting through my body every hour. The pain causes me to cry out.

"Hey, are you okay?" Cassandra's voice asks.

I am unaware I am crying until I must sniffle to a stop. I can see her head peeking in. I take a deep breath to stop. Her body slips through the door and slowly approaches. I feel a dangerous feeling going up my spine. It is like someone is setting off explosions. Cassie stops in her tracks.

"What was that?" Cassie asks.

"I don't know." I say quietly.

"Is there anything I can do?" Cassie asks, "I don't know what to do."

"There's nothing you can do, Cassie." I say softly, "Are Mickey and Kohl alright?"

"Worried. I cannot blame them. I'm a little worried myself."

"It hurts, Cassie. It feels like death."

"We should get Dr. Pavius. He may know a way to help you." Cassie says, "Maybe we can—"

I chuckle as I turn on my back. I stare up at the ceiling. I know nothing can help me. Dr. Pavius has already been here and he could not find anything truly physical. He does not have experience with someone having their bond cut.

Not cut, severed.

"I need to rest, Cassie."

"Yeah, of course." Cassie says softly, "If you need me, or us, we're out there."

I listen to her footsteps as she disappears and closes the door softly behind her. I close my eyes, thinking back to Olympus. Faust slaughtered Demi-Gods before cutting my bond with Mickey.

It almost killed me.

The Ashwoods

"See what I mean?" Kohl asks as he paces behind the sofa.

Cassie and Mickey are watching him calmly. The youngest Ashwood is noticeably uncomfortable. Cassie walks over and stops her brother in his tracks. Kohl takes a deep breath as Cassie wraps her arms around him. Cassie breaks their hug and looks over to Mickey.

"How do you feel?" Cassie asks, "It is your connection."

"It hurt a lot at first but now it's like this aching. It's there but it's just like static now." Mickey explains, "It's complicated. Nothing compared to him, apparently."

"I'm not sure how to handle it. Physically, there is nothing we can cure. It's metaphysical." Kohl says angrily, "When I get my hands on that asshole, I'm going to rip him apart piece by piece."

"I'll help." Cassie frowns, "But we have to figure something out for Parker right now."

The howl of a group of wolves calls their attention. The three exchange confused glances before Kohl heads towards the door. The other wolves follow him as he descends the stairs and strides out of the pack house. The three stop in place when they see a woman heading towards them with her hands up in surrender. The Scouts are trailing her carefully.