49

CALIFF

“What?” I ignored the pang in my chest at how she answered my call. I understood she hadn’t forgiven me, but it was hard to bear being away from her.

“Baby, I need you here.”

“I was there until this afternoon, Califf.”

I closed my eyes and breathed deeply. “I know, baby, but it’s been a week. Your responsibility is not only for the pack but also for me as my mate. I need you, please. My wolf needs you.”

“Do you think it’s been easy for me? I hope this teaches you a lesson, Califf. I’d rather watch you from afar than watch you die because you think you need to save me. I don’t want you to do something reckless on my account. Your pack needs you more than they need me.”

“Everyone needs us, Shadow, especially me. Please, come back. I barely slept at night for the past week. When you came here, you barely talked to me. You barely looked at me. What do you want me to do for you to come back?”

“Time. I need time.”

“Then that might be a problem?”

“Why is that?” I could hear t