Evan sat in his room, his head in his hands. Joe’s mindlink did little to settle the storm of emotions raging in him. At least Kari was safe with Joe and her sister, but it did nothing to solve the bigger issue at play.
Atlas was restless beneath his skin, snarling at him, calling him a coward. She’s our mate, his wolf growled, furious. We protect her. We don’t run.
Evan had no fight left in him. Not against his wolf, not against himself.
A knock came at the door, but he didn’t move.
“Evan?” Max’s voice was quiet, cautious. When there was no answer, the door opened, and his father stepped inside. “Mia said you weren’t doing too well.”
Evan let out a harsh laugh. “That obvious?”
Max shut the door gently behind him. “You’ve never been good at hiding it.” He crossed the room and sat dow
