bI /bwrap my hands around his, sliding my fingers gently between his hands and hair. He surprises me with how easily he gives up his stimming.

    “Stand up son.”

    I keep my voice gentle and reassuring, waiting for him to respond. He fights me briefly as he stands, trying hard to get out of my hold.

    “No, Cole. ept the contact.”

    I persist as I refuse to let him run from me. Surprisingly, it seems he wants to run towards the van picking him up, not back into the house.

    “Stay with me a moment son. Allow me to calm you.”

    He relents to my desire, slowly giving me the calm I know he needs to make a rational

    decision.

    “I know you heard the conversation. I need to know your thoughts.”

    “Dad sent him.” He whispers, his voice fearful.

    “I know. Your dad requested the change but the council honored it so the n remains the same. You have pack members at White Ridge which gives your father no excuses for picking

    you up.”

    He nods against my shoulder before slowly pushing himself away. Jamie finallyes out the front door followed by Mica, Lilly and the twins.

    “Cole!”

    They shout in unison grabbing a hold of both his legs causing him to rock briefly. He takes his hands from mine once he has his bnce.

    “Hey, what are you two doing?”

    “We came to say goodbye.” Madisyn starts.

    “We don’t want you to leave.” Madilyn sniffles through.

    “I don’t want to leave either, sweetpea. But there’s something that I need to get from home

    b1/3 /b

    that can’t be reced here.”

    He ces his hands on the backs of their heads, petting them gently,

    “So you’re still going?”

    I ask with as little pressure as I can. He nods.

    “Yes sir.”

    “What’s going on?” Jamie asks.

    “Dad changed the n. Prospects got dropped off at White Ridge so he requested that White Ridge pick us up.” Cole exins softly.

    “Is the rest of the n staying the same? It would be really easy for him to just leave us there with the other prospects.” Jamie expresses concern for the change as well.

    “To the best of my knowledge it is. Delta Ashman, are you aware of Alpha Redmen’s ns for picking them up from White Ridge?” I try to rify.

    “I wasn’t given any additional details outside of picking them up at noon. My apologies sir.”

    I nod, appreciating his change in demeanor and honesty about the situation.

    “We’re taking a big chance, Cole. Any ideas on what will happen if you’re out of the territory beyond the deadline he gave you.” Cole simply shakes his head no.

    “It can’t be much worse than what he’s already done but I also don’t care to find out.”

    “Are we still going?” Jamie asks, cuddling Mica even closer.

    “I need to return onest time.” He sighs as he looks towards the ground.

    “I’m sorry. I don’t expect you to understand but I promise I will return. For the first time ever, I not only have a reason to run but a ce to run to.”

    He looks up in time to see Damian pull up to the garage with Jessa in the passenger side, it’s a first to see him driving. I watch a smile slowly form across Cole’s face before he gently pries the girls from his legs. I follow him down the stairs and stop a foot or so away from where they

    embrace each other.

    “I’m so sorry I was so mean.” I remain silent as they embrace each other.

    “You’re in a difficult ce right now.”

    “That’s no excuse for the way I treated you. I’ll do better when I return.”

    The remorse in his voice is as genuine as the tearsing from his eyes. I struggle myself to hold back the tears that letting him go will produce. He doesn’t have to die for us all to be in mourning once he leaves. I look away towards the porch as I hear the screen shut.

    It’s a momentary shock to see Lucas on the porch walking towards the stairs before he sits down upon them. The familiar tug of his link calls my attention even further to him.

    ‘What are you doing out here?‘

    I ask gently as he appears almost in a daze and quite confused.

    ‘I want to apologize before it’s toote.‘