CONFLICTION

whatever you think you know about KALEB RAYNE, the 38 year old, PANSEXUAL, NEW COMER, it is likely time for you to start reconsidering. the rumored WEREWOLF is often described as PRAGMATIC + EMPATHETIC, but don’t let them fool you; they can also be MILITANT + CONFLICTED, which often has them regarded as THE GUARDIAN. they are a BAKER at GEEKS&FREAKS, but it’s also said they are the ALPHA of the RAYNE PACK.

There was a lot Kaleb was unsure of, a lot of things he needed to figure out even though he had no idea of where exactly to start. However, there was one thing he had no doubts about. One thing that had been clear since the night of the storm and had remain so after. And now that Razor was gone, now that he wasn't part of the Blood Moon Pack, Kaleb had no reason to question it or hide it. All he hoped for was that things hand't changed for her during his disappearance. That whether she had planned to leave with him or not, her feelings for him hadn't been affected.

After reuniting with Kitty, Kaleb tried to wait for Eponine at her house, choosing to stay there since all he got was her answering machine when he tried calling. The wolf wasn't exactly in a patient mood though, deciding to clean up and go to the diner instead a few minutes later. When he arrived at Three Spoons, he didn't bother to check if she was alone inside before stepping in, far too focused on Eponine to pay attention to anything else.

When he saw her behind the counter though, Kaleb was suddenly at a lost for words. "Hi..." What exactly was one supposed to say in these situations anyways? "...I wanted to wait until you got out of work but..." A smile curled his lips. "I really wanted to see you."

Not a Long Time [Open]

@risingpeaksreblogs​

The Light Faye hadn’t been feeling all that ok since the storm and the days that followed it. Even after his rescue, reuniting with his coworkers, family and Princess… Things still felt odd. He also hurt, knowing Flick was gone in such brutal way right under their noses… How could he approach Kayla now? Or Flick’s family? What would he say to Kaden?

He should had gone to work, but he felt unable to. Thankfully, he was allowed time off. Might as well, seeing how they had—right off the bat—offered it to him after everything they believed he’d gone through… Still, instead of staying home and resting, instead of seeking his fellow Light Faye, he’d end up sitting on a bus stop a mile or so away from My Alibi. “Mara, please…” he found himself praying before footsteps cut him off. “Careful!” he warned the other, pointing right in front of them. “They haven’t fixed it all up since the storm.” The sidewalk was cracked there, although it was anybody’s guess what exactly happened.

.

During the storm, even if it had felt impossible to achieve, Kaleb's plan had seemed so clear to him. Killing Razor, becoming an Alpha; it was the only way they'd be able to earn their freedom. The only way they would be able to maintain it. Once Razor was gone, once their ties to the Blood Moon Pack were severed, things were supposed to fall into place. Things were supposed to make sense. As an Alpha, as someone who'd been trained to be one since childhood, Kaleb was supposed to know what to do.

But whatever training his father had provided (or whatever he could have learned from his time under Razor's command), none of it genuinely prepared Kaleb for the responsibility of leading a pack.

They wanted answers, they wanted reassurance, but Kaleb couldn't provide them with either. For the time being, all he could do for the wolves who decided to stay with him was make sure they had a place to sleep and food to eat. He was on his way back with more supplies when he caught sight of Marshall, glad to see the light faye had not only survived the demons, but also the arrival of the Spear agents.

Kaleb approached the other, brow furrowing at the deputy’s words. "Thanks for the warning," he replied, stepping over the crack he'd already been aware of and in the process of avoiding. Brown eyes inspected the other for a moment. "You look..." Tired? Worried? Like he'd just survived being kidnapped by demons? "...Like shit."

Closed starter for @xwolfism​

Kitty waited until she was sure her housemate had already left for work before she headed downstairs with Pig under her arm, his leash already on for her to take him for a walk. She had a duffle bag thrown over her arm, deciding that she was finally going to try and go to the trailer to get the last of her things. She’d heard the missing had been found, but not having seen her brother yet, she was more than a little anxious. 

Heading towards the woods, she let Pig take the lead, the hand that wasn’t holding onto the leash shoved in her pocket, keeping her head down with her headphones on - she didn’t want to see anyone, or talk to anyone. It was how she’d missed Pig’s barking, though she noted how he was pulling on his leash. Looking down at him, her hand slipped on the leash and she panicked as he darted into the tree line.

“Pig stop!” She yelled, coming to a stop as she saw him standing in front of someone, and finally catching the scent herself she whimpered, looking up.

.

The moment he was able to, Kaleb separated from the others and ran from the mountains. He didn't care to wait around for answers and explanations. He sure as hell didn't care to give any himself when the armed humans decided to turn their attention to those who'd been held captive. As confusing as the whole ordeal had been, and as much as he wanted to understand why any of it happened in the first place, the newly turned Alpha had more important things to worry about.

Kaleb entered the woods with the intention of going back to the trailer settlement, but was stopped by one of his youngest packmates before he could reach it. The boy explained what had happened to the Blood Moon Pack after Razor's body was found, leading Kaleb back to the small group of Betas and Omegas who decided to leave Keira's command but not abandon Creation Peaks. They had been waiting for Kaleb, having heard rumors that he'd been the one to challenge Razor during the storm, the boy convincing the few others the fact Kitty stayed in town was a sure sign Kaleb would come back for them.

Though Kaleb wanted to provide them with the reassurance the wolves so clearly needed, his only concern at that moment was to find his sister. He told them to get further away from what was left of the Blood Moon Pack, to wait for him somewhere closer to town and keep hidden, turning back to search for any sign of Kitty's scent. By pure luck, he caught a trace of it only a few yards away from the entrance of the forest, his pace quickening when he heard the sound of her heartbeat followed by the excited barking of Pig.

The dog was the first to greet Kaleb, the wolf allowing him to lick his face as he knelt down to pet him. "Good to see you too, boy." When his gaze lifted again, brown eyes settled on familiar blues, Kaleb quickly reaching out to hold Kitty.

Razor narrowed his gaze, locking it with his eldest Rayne Beta. As Kaleb began to speak, however, the Blood Moon Alpha seemed to relax. “Have we?” he questioned with an amused chuckle, his gaze slowly tracing back to the supply bags—silently counting them. Ungrateful, the lot of them were, preferring to face a storm from Hell rather than embrace the true way of the werewolf… Rather than being part of history.

He could wonder who the others were, beat it out of Kaleb even… Yet, it only hurt that Kaleb was included. The Beta who showed the most promise and took initiative. The werewolf that Razor had put so much into… Perhaps that was what having a prodigy was. After all, as long as Kaleb was around: his own son would be measured against the eldest Rayne.

“Silly… This is kind of hurtful,” Razor noted curiously, as if he’d never felt it before. Although Flick keeping his daughter from him had hurt, this was different because they were pack… Because it came from someone he’d never expected would. Sad. Especially because Razor was barely keeping the human mask together as it stood. 

.

For years, the idea of challenging Razor had terrified Kaleb. He had witnessed unimaginable levels of brutality, had been at the receiving end and helped deal it on more than one occasion. From the very beginning, he understood a quick death was the best possible outcome when facing Razor Lorenz. Because even if one survived, even if somehow one managed to get away, they would never find peace. Not as long as he was alive. But even knowing all of that, it wasn't his own fate that scared him the most. Kaleb feared what would happen to Kitty if he was gone, what she would be forced to do and who she would be forced to become.

At that moment though, Kaleb didn't feel scared. Not because he was confident he could win, in fact he expected to lose his life that very night. He wasn't scared because it was finally clear there was no other choice. Because he could either die running, or he could die doing something that actually mattered. That would actually help. 

This was how he protected his sister, how he made sure Razor couldn't do to her what he'd done to him. This was how they finally earned their freedom, his life irrelevant compared to the safety of the others. He just had to make sure he took the Alpha right down to hell with him.

"More like a long time coming," Kaleb countered when Razor proclaimed to be hurt by his actions, a bitter chuckle escaping his lips after a moment. "--And possibly a little too late." So many had already been hurt. So many had already died. There was so much Kaleb stood by. So much he allowed to happen...

The Beta stared at the supply bags, well aware the Alpha knew what he'd been planning. "It wouldn't have worked, I know that." Brown eyes met the other's gaze. "A desperate attempt to avoid the inevitable, I guess." Kaleb pushed on the exit doors behind him, the strong winds forcing them to remain open, snow quickly accumulating at his feet. "There's only one way to end this..."

From a sheath strapped to the back of his belt, Kaleb grabbed a hunting knife, pressing the blade to his palm and cutting it open. He closed his hand tightly into a fist, holding it between him and Razor, blood dripping onto the floor before the wound healed. "I challenge you," he declared, throwing the knife at the Alpha's feet. "For the Alphahood and the Pack."

Change of Plans [Razor||Kaleb]

@xwolfism​

After finishing speaking to Kitty and his son, Razor had exited the bathroom as clean as water and soap would get him. Walking through the halls he noticed the commotion and realized the howling must’ve attracted quite the attention. Perfect, no one would see him assemble the Omegas to start out an attack… One that would take even his own Betas if they weren’t on their toes. It was time, it seemed, since the Blood Moon Betas had become rebellious as of late. Hell, even his own son gave him lip. It was fine, however. After all, he’d just found out he had an eldest child he’d had to find within the medical center.

Diverting away from where the commotion was concentrated, the Alpha werewolf froze before a hallway where a familiar scent lingered. It was midnight, and it was the hallway that led to the southeast exit—opposite of the way he’d entered. Tilting his head, Razor slowly made his way down the wide hallway. He could sense Kaleb and heard him counting supply bags. Interesting since once they killed everyone in the hospital, they’d have all the supplies they needed…

“Always the best,” Razor said with a smile, standing at the doorway, looking at his towering Beta. “You knew I’d had a change of heart?” he questioned.

.

Kaleb locked the bathroom as he exited, placing an 'out of order' sign on the door before bending the handle just for good measure. Though the Omega was unconscious, and it was doubtful they'd be waking up any time soon, the Beta preferred to ensure no one would find themselves in close quarters with a pissed off wolf rather than leave it up to chance. He walked down the hallway and turned the corner, intending to continue his search for the Blood Moon Alpha. However, the howl that echoed through the medical center forced Kaleb to stop immediately, a chill running down his spine.

He didn't recognize the howl, a part of him glad it hadn't come from Kitty or Morgan. Still, the pain it carried, the unsettling silence that followed--Kaleb took it as a warning. The snow storm was no longer the only threat the citizens of Creation Peaks had to worry about...

Kaleb followed the crowd, walking towards the source of the commotion. But at the sight of the local wolves gathering, the Blood Moon Beta turned around, hurrying to the southeast exit of the hospital. It was clear whatever Razor had been planning was just set into motion, Kaleb needing to make sure Kitty and the others were already on their way out. However, no one was at the meeting spot when he arrived, the bags of supplies he left for them still laying there. He was about to go look for them when he sensed Razor nearby, muscles tensing as the older wolf stood in the doorway.

Unlike he usually did, Kaleb didn't lower his gaze when he turned to face the Alpha. "Quite the opposite," he stated, allowing his senses to inspect the area. They were alone, isolated from the rest of the people stuck in the medical center. "Seems like we’ve both become quite predictable...”

Kaden really didn’t like being practically forced down the hallway with the man’s grip on his shoulder the entire time. He liked it even less when he noticed him shaking his head towards another individual moments before. Yet, he knew that trying to argue with him on this was just going to rile up tensions that were better left as calm as they could stay at the moment. Instead, he grit his teeth and followed orders like an obedient individual.

The way the man referred to Kayla as ‘your Alpha’ instead of ‘ours’ was enough of a sign to let him know that he wasn’t dealing with some new pack member that had joined up when he wasn’t aware. “You don’t really think I’d just tell you where my Alpha was, right?” He questioned finally. “Why are you even concerned about me to begin with? Figured everyone in your pack would be rooting for the chance to off one more wolf from the opposition.” He grumbled slightly.

.

Kaleb could sense the tension within the other, not needing verbal confirmation to understand the young wolf didn't appreciate being pushed around. The local wolf had no reason to trust him, no reason to believe a total stranger had the best intentions in mind. He could sympathize with that, and had the circumstances been different, he would have probably been more considerate. Maybe even took the time to explain what was going on. But neither one of them could afford that luxury, not when it came to the Blood Moon Pack, Kaleb well aware one wrong move could easily provoke a fight.

The Beta kept his hand on the other's shoulder, his senses focused on keeping track of the Omega following them. Kaleb frowned at the wolf’s answer. "I commend your grit, buddy, but it's really not the time for that." He could care less where the local Alpha was. The point was to get the damn kid to safety. "You are better off keeping that mindset," Kaleb advised, brow furrowing as they turned into an empty hallway. The only way out was the door that lead to the emergency staircase. Kaleb sighed.

"Go," he ordered, standing in front of the young wolf as the Omega turned the corner. "Don't stop until you find your pack."

Teddy looked over at Kaleb, studying him as he spoke. He and the other wolf had never gotten along, half the time he was pretty sure Kaleb barely tolerated him. Especially when it came to Kitty, but now, as Kitty slept here they stood talking about things she deserved. 

“I’m going to try, I want to do right by her. I’ve… I’ve never cared for someone the way I care about her. It’s new to me and kind of terrifying. But I’ll do whatever I can to make sure she stays safe.” 

As he studied Kaleb again he shook his head, “Why are you talking like someone who isn’t planning to run, Kaleb…” The way Teddy said the words it wasn’t a question, but a confrontation. “You’re planning something else aren’t you?” 

.

Despite the need to distrust that still lingered in the back of Kaleb's mind, Teddy's words managed to dissipate some of the older wolf's worries. Maybe the apple hadn't fallen so close to the tree after all. Maybe there was still hope for the young wolf to not live and die under his parents' shadow. Either way, it was too late to turn back. Kaleb would have to trust Kitty's judgement. Would have to accept Teddy's word. Otherwise...he hoped Morgan and Eponine were around to protect his sister.

"That's good to hear," he assured Teddy, offering him a half smile. Kaleb was about to end the conversation there, deciding it was about time he put his plan into motion. But then the young wolf spoke again, making it clear the older wolf wasn't hiding his intentions very well. Kaleb had to chuckle.

"Listen," he said, stepping closer and meeting the other's gaze. "I know what it's like; to be forced onto a path, to be beaten into believing that's what you want, to try desperately to achieve it just for an ounce of validation." Kaleb paused, swallowing hard at the memories of his own father. "...I know what it's like to want to be the wolf your parents would be proud of..." He shook his head. "But that path, the one they want for you, isn't a life at all. It's a death sentence. You need to want better, Teddy. You and Kitty deserve better. Don't let anything make you doubt that."

She was injured, but she was alive. A crushing weight was pushed off his shoulders and Marshall realized he was breathing again—although he couldn’t remember when he’d starting holding his breath. The storm and demons came to mind right after as he began to attempt to formulate questions while Kaleb spoke about her injuries. “Razor?” the Light Faye questioned, visibly confused. He knew the invading Alpha was a dick, but he’d been too tunnel focused on demons and angels to count him as a real threat. 

Anger flared within the Light Faye as he silently followed after the werewolf, teeth grinding. Marshall stopped, reaching out to stop Kaleb by grabbing his shoulder. “You went against your Alpha to help her? Why should I believe that?” he questioned, looking into the Blood Moon Beta’s eyes. He didn’t have his swords on him, but magic would do the trick just right too. “I don’t think you understand, Rachel and I would gladly give up our lives to take his now… He attacked the Royal Heir, Kaleb.” Marshall closed the distance between them. “Every Light Faye will be gunning for him.” And if he called the Crown as he should, Creation Peaks would soon be flooded with his brethren. 

.

Kaleb could sense anger rising within Marshall, trying his best not to allow his own to do the same. He sympathized with the other, understood why he'd react negatively and would question the motives of someone he barely knew. Someone who belonged to the pack under the command of the Alpha that had just attacked the Princess of the Light Faye. But when the deputy touched him and insinuated he was lying, the wolf couldn't stop a low growl from escaping his lips, turning around to face Marshall. "Because if this was a ruse, you'd already be dead."

The wolf's gaze remained on the light faye's, jaw clenching as Marshall insisted he and Rachel would die for Eponine. "I've seen him kill humans, vampires, witches, and older Alphas without even taking a hit. And that's if his fucking wife doesn't decide to join in." Kaleb shook his head. "This isn't an encounter any of you will win..." Brown eyes faltered slightly, the wolf arching a brow. "...Or one you'll even need to start."

Swallowing hard, Kaleb took a deep breath, meeting Marshall's gaze once again. "My sisters and I...we planned to use the storm to leave the pack. I spoke to Eponine..." He paused, sighing. "...She needs to leave as well. That's the way to protect her. To make sure she isn't hurt again." To hell with Creation Peaks. To hell with the fucking Light Faye Court. "You are the only one that can convince her. The one that can get her and my sisters out of here."

it  wasn’t  as  if  morgan would’ve  found  a  better  solution, in  fact,  all  she  would  have  done  was  pissing the  alpha  enough so  he  ended  up  the  job  and  kitty  wouldn’t have  to  go  through  that.  even  if  losing  another sister  figure  would  be  devastating. “  nothing  can’t  be  perfect, kaleb,  it’s  perfect enough  so  at  least  we  have  time  to  run  away  after  that  …  well  ”  morgan  started, not  knowing  how  to  finish that  sentence.  after  running  away  all  they  would  be  able  to  do  was  keep  hiding away  from  the  alpha.  morgan shook  her  head  as  he  mentioned  she  would  be  the  one  losing  more  if  they  stayed.  “  i  think  that  would  be  kitty, if  he  hadn’t given  her  that  order  i  would  go,  you  two  would  not  have  any  problem,  but  if  she  doesn’t  do  it  …  he’ll  find  a  way  to  get  to  me,  and  both  hurt  her,  and  that’s not  happening  on  my  watch  ”  she  sighed.  “  teddy  ?  ”  she  furrowed  her  eyebrows,  it  was  true  she  had  told  to  her  about  him,  but  he  was  razor’s  son.  “  do  you  think  he’ll  come  ?  or  most  important, are  you  sure  he  won’t  tell  his  father  ?  ”

.

"We'll figure out what to do next later," he said, offering Morgan a small smile. "First, we need to get the hell out of Creation Peaks." Kaleb and Kitty had always talked about going back to their childhood home, of rebuilding there and trying to live off the land. That wouldn't be a possibility if Razor remained alive, the old Rayne home probably the first place the Alpha would think to look for them. Maybe if Eponine did come with them, his suggestion of going to France would actually be a possibility. Brown eyes remained on the younger wolf as she spoke about who she believed had the most to lose, his hand squeezing her shoulder gently. "Or on mine either," he assured her. "I won't let anything happen to either of you. I promise." Morgan's reaction to Teddy's name was not surprising, Kaleb himself holding plenty of reservations about the pack's heir. "I don't know," Kaleb admitted, sighing after a moment. "But Kitty trusts him. And I trust her." He had to believe in his sister's judgement. Kaleb eyebrows rose and relaxed again, remembering the last interaction he and Teddy had. "We have to hope he's no longer his father's biggest fan after the recent unprovoked beating he got."

She leant into his embrace, closing her eyes and clinging to him, wordlessly. She felt so small in that moment, so powerless, not used to being so lost. She wasn’t a damsel in distress, and hated being treated like one. But she could lose so much, the man still out there. She could lose everyone she cared about, her diner she’d put her heart and soul in for so long…

And then Kaleb was talking about leaving, and she felt her heart breaking in two. He’d told her to run once before, and she had told him all the reasons why she couldn’t. Marshall was here, the nemeton was here… There were so many things tying her to this town. But to know he’d be gone by the morning…

“I-I don’t know.” She stammered, looking at him tearful. “My… The queen would want me here, Marshall is here, the town needs me…” She added pitifully, closing her eyes. But she’d been here for so long, it was getting hard to hide what she was. Too many people staring at her, confused as to how she was still alive, how she wasn’t aging. Maybe a fresh start was needed.

“… I have to think about it. I can’t… I’m too emotional to know.” She whispered, her forehead against his. “… I shot him. With a wolfsbane arrow.”

.

Kaleb knew Eponine wouldn't say yes right away. He knew she would hold onto the reasons she couldn’t agree and not want to let go. Still, he had to try to convince her, had to make her realize none of it would matter if her safety wasn't a guarantee in town. "Eponine, please--" he whispered, desperate to make her understand. "You survived his attack. My sister and I disobeyed direct orders. We will all die if we don't leave." His jaw clenched, shaking his head. "Fuck what the Queen wants. Do what will keep you alive." Kaleb paused, taking a moment to think. "--I...I’ll talk to Marshall, he can come along too. We...we get away from the pack and the court. We leave the country. We go to France, to your real home!" His hands cupped her face, eyes stinging from tears. "Just come with me. Please, I don't...I don't want to lose you..."

Kaleb pressed his forehead against Eponine's, closing his eyes as all she offered him was that she'd think about it. If she didn't agree, there was no chance in hell he could walk away from Creation Peaks. He wouldn't abandon her, wouldn't leave her to deal with Razor by herself. He wouldn’t stand idly by again. He had to fight. He had to win. It was the only way Eponine, Kitty, and Morgan would be safe.

There was no other choice.

When she mentioned having used wolfsbane against Razor, Kaleb nodded, hoping the information would prove to be useful. "You did good," he assured her, separating just enough so he could meet her gaze. "You should keep those at hand, however much you can get. And use it without hesitation." Razor could very well send one of the Omegas after her, so there was no time to waste second guessing.

Seeing Kaleb there wasn’t something he expected. For some reason, he thought that the Blood Moon Pack would hole up in their weird caravan camp. However, before he could crack a joke, the somber look on the werewolf’s face made him freeze. 

“It’s Eponine.”

His fellow Light Faye behind him tapped Marshall on the shoulder and the Noble exited the laundry and followed after Kaleb. “Is… Is she alive?” he heard himself ask as his heart began to race in his throat, mouth drying up and breathing accelarating. He wasn’t even Marshall, he was the Light Faye noble in charge of the Royal Heir. “She’s alive, right?” he had to know before he made it there, remembering how he found Belle… Elijah’s lifeless stare coming to memory. 

.

Though his intention wasn't to scare Marshall, Kaleb knew the deputy would take the matter seriously once he knew it involved Eponine, using her name to avoid any sort of delay. The moment someone offered to cover for the light faye, the wolf led him through the hallways of the medical center, walking towards the stairs so they could hurry down to the Emergency Department. Heightened senses scanned their surroundings, making sure no one was following them, Kaleb hearing Marshall's question the second time it was asked.

"She is," he assured. "But she's badly injured." His brow furrowed, pushing the door that led to the stairs open and holding it for Marshall. "...Razor attacked her right outside the diner. My sister and I found her, and we brought her to the ER." Kaleb's jaw clenched, feeling both guilty and ashamed he hadn’t anticipated such an obvious move from the Alpha, hands balled into fists for a second. "He knows what you guys are now,” Kaleb warned. “Both you and Rachel are in danger."

“H-he….” She lowered her head, feeling sick, and reaching out to the water jug, needing something to calm her down. She looked down at her fingers, still red and blistered from the ice and cold. As she was given the cup of water she sipped it, closing her eyes. Still she shook, not feeling this much trauma since the night her parents were murdered. She looked down at the gauze on her throat, her side, the bandaging to her head… She figured she looked a mess.

“He… he knocked my head into a metal sign, then he grabbed me by my neck, s-said he’d burn down the diner and hunt my employees i-if I didn’t submit, if I didn’t tell him what I am, h-he….” She sobbed, looking over at Kaleb, broken. “You have to warn Marshall, warn…. Rachel, sh-she’s a chef at Seventh Plate, he knows who she is, he’ll go after her too now he knows what we are, who… who I am….”

Another sip of water, and while the tears didn’t stop, she tried to remember anything else. “I… I broke out, he chased me , I-I tried hitting him with a bow, I don’t…. I don’t remember anything after that I kept blacking out. I… I thought I was going to die.”

.

"I'll get it," he offered when Eponine reached out for the water jug, quickly serving a cup and carefully placing it between her hands. He made sure she could hold the drink before letting it go, brown eyes attentively following her every move. When she trembled, Kaleb removed his jacket and placed it over her shoulders, gently rubbing her arms in an attempt to warm her up. Even with the blankets and the central heating of the medical center, her skin still felt ice cold.

Kaleb remained silent as Eponine explained what Razor had done, every word making his blood boil. He'd never seen her so disheartened, so afraid of anything or anyone. It broke his heart. It infuriated him. But most of all it made Kaleb recognize his mistake. Razor would never stop. He would spend his life tormenting, hurting, and killing to his heart content. As he always had. Running away would only delay the inevitable. It would only allow Razor to continue...

"I'll find them," he promised. "I'll let them know." At least he would let Marshall know, assuming such a warning would be better received if it came from a friend rather than someone the cook had only met once. Kaleb's jaw clenched when Eponine expressed thinking she would die, the wolf carefully embracing the princess. "I'm sorry, Eponine." For everything she had endured from his Alpha. For not getting to her in time. For everything his inability to make a stand had caused. "I'm so sorry..."

He pulled away slightly, a hand rising to caress her cheek. "You are safe now," he assured her. "He won't hurt you again. I promise." His gaze settled on hers, his voice low so only she could hear. "Kitty and I...we can't stay in the pack any longer. We are gonna use the storm to leave tonight. That's why we went to the diner..." If he knew she was safe, if he knew his sister would have someone to look after her; he could do what needed to be done. "Leave with us. Come with me."

morgan  shook  her  head,  she  still  thought  it  was  to  risky,  even  if  that  was  the  only  way  for  them  to  survive. “  and  then  what,  we  keep  running away  ?  ”  she  asked  raising  an  eyebrow  at  kaleb.  for  a  second his  words  made  morgan  stay  quiet.  if  they  tried  that  …  they  would  probably  be  able  to  make  it.  morgan  sighed, she  knew  if  she  stayed she  would  probably  die,  one  way  or  another. she  had  always felt  like  a  dead  girl  walking  in  that  pack.  “  and  i  still  have  more  chances  to  get  killed than  anyone  else  ”  she  mused.  “  maybe  we  can  really make  it  ”  the  younger wolf  nodded.  “  what  does  kitty  think  about  this  ?  ”

.

Kaleb eyebrows rose and relaxed again. "Won't be much different than what we are used to." Morgan was right though. They couldn't hide forever, they could never outrun someone like Razor. He would hunt them, eventually he would find them. As long as he remained alive, he would always be a threat. There was only one true way to be free. "I know it isn't perfect," he admitted, making an effort for his words to sound optimistic. "But we won't get another chance." And if Kaleb failed, Morgan and the others would at least have a head start. Her words earned a frown from the older wolf, though he knew better than to try and argue. She was the most at risk; that couldn't be denied. Kaleb's hands settled on Morgan's shoulders, his gaze meeting hers. "You do have the most to lose. Which also means you have the most to gain. So please, trust me." At the mention of his sister, Kaleb nodded. "Kitty agrees. She's downstairs--" He gave a small shrug, his arms crossing along his chest. "Most likely trying to convince Teddy to leave with us."

Teddy had disappeared to give Kitty time alone, knowing that her brother more than likely wanted to see her. Eventually he heard her brother leaving, he moved out to the hallway, meeting Kaleb there and looking up at him. As they studied each other there was a moment of terse silence before Kaleb asked if he was going to stay with Kitty. 

Looking back towards where they’d left her he furrowed his brow, “I want to… I want to protect her, she deserves better than what this pack can offer her. But I don’t know if I’m any better of a choice.”

.

Kaleb's gaze remained on Teddy, carefully studying him as the younger wolf answered the question. A part of him still felt the need to be cautious, to not trust the other and keep his distance. But at that moment, Kaleb did recognize Teddy seemed sincere, vulnerable even, deciding to trust his senses as he couldn't detect any sign of dishonesty. The Beta sighed, jaw clenching slightly as he thought over the other's words.

"Admitting she deserves better is at least a step in the right direction." The corner of his lips lifted a little, but the gesture was brief and held little humor. Brown eyes shifted away from Teddy, settling on Kitty across the room. "--Maybe you aren't," he stated bluntly. "Maybe you won't ever be the best choice." His brow furrowed, gaze focused on Teddy once again. "But if you want to protect her, if you really care about her--you need to try. And never stop trying." To that very moment, Kaleb was still trying himself. And he wasn't sure if he had ever been any better either. "Wherever that gets you, just make sure you are someone she can rely on."

Kaleb watched Kitty as she finally drifted off to sleep, glad she took his advice to rest before they started the journey through the storm. He gently stroke her hair, memories of their childhood, of the time they spent with their family, crossing his mind. Kaleb forced the thoughts away with a sigh. After a moment, he placed a kiss atop her head, eyes closing as he came to terms with what he needed to do and why he couldn't tell his sister about it, whispering he loved her before slipping away from the seat and carefully laying Kitty down on the sofa. He walked towards the exit, sensing Teddy was nearby, meeting the younger wolf in the hallway as he walked out of the emergency area.

Brown eyes inspected the other. "Are you going to stay with her?" Kaleb asked, assuming Kitty had already confided in Teddy about their plan to leave town.