The Hunt

Chapter 9

Withdrawals between Soulmates seem to be based on certain variables. The freshness of the bond, the intimacy, as well as family size. In the case of new mates we have found that the bond is not strong enough to withstand long term separation. The physical body breaks down, causing failure to thrive. Mates who have successfully completed the mating ritual suffer depression and have suicidal thoughts before the physical body shuts down. Soulmates who have mated and bore children are able to survive without the other long term if the child is present. More studies need to be conducted in the relations between parent and child. 

Hunter's Codex, werewolf lifestyles pg. 489

    Caden sat on my bed for a moment, processing everything I had told him. I told him everything. Meeting her in town, the wolf attack, my nightly trips out into the woods, all of it. 
    He finally made eye contact and I couldn’t tell what he was thinking, or how he was feeling at that moment. He had me shut out. “Dad won’t let her in the pack.” 
    “I know.”
    “Are you sure she’s human?”
I rub my eyes again, they were really beginning to burn. “Yes, unless I’ve gone absolutely insane.” I stopped rubbing my eyes for a moment. “Maybe I am crazy? I feel like it.”
    Caden sighed, “That’s the mate bond. The longer you go without, the worse you get.”
    I knew that. I didn’t like to think about it, but we all grew up hearing about it. Going crazy, your body shutting down. Wolves weren’t meant to be separated from their Soulmates. It physically and mentally drained them until they just one day gave up. I never thought it would happen to me since it doesn’t ever actually happen. We all knew better. Unfortunately my human mate did not. 
    Caden watched me from where he sat, he knew what I was thinking, and was thinking the same himself. We didn’t know how much time I had. “Well, I for one, as Alpha, would not mind a human in our midst if she is your mate.” 
    I let a small chuckle slip out and leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms. “Is it because you're so accepting of humans, or because you insist on having me as your Beta?”
    Caden smirked at me, “Does it matter?”
    “No, I guess not. I’m going to be with her whether that's here or somewhere else.” I laugh and throw back at him.
    He just shakes his head, holding back a smile. “So operation ‘kiss the girl’ in place?”
    “What even is that?” I laugh at his weird reference. Sometimes you think you know a person. 
    “It’s called we need to get her to fall in love with you. Or at least like you.” He said.
    I spin my desk chair around a little. “Easier said than done. She’s got a boyfriend, or something of the sort.”
    “Which is it?”
    “She says not a boyfriend because he hasn’t asked her. I say what’s the difference with how often he has his hands all over her.” I clench my jaw trying to keep anger in control.
    Caden stands up letting out a whistle. “So we’ve got some work to do.” 
    “I guess.” I stand up to follow him out.
    He stops me, “No need, I know where the front door is.” He puts his hand on my shoulder and gives it a squeeze. “You're officially on temporary leave of absence. No need to come in for work or training anymore.” 
    The corner of my mouth goes up as I hold back a laugh. “You're such an old geezer. Leave of absence? Just tell me you’re forcing me to take time off.”
    “Whatever. Just get your life together okay?” He steps out into the hall and turns back to look at me. “I need my Beta.”
    “Yeah, I know.” 
    He shuts the door and leaves me alone to my thoughts. It was late and time for me to head off so I can at least watch her window as she sleeps. Sometimes I feel like such a creep.