Chapter 9 I hesitated for a moment . Daniel , sensing my uncertainty , hurriedly explained , Rue , after Nate returned home the day before yesterday , he hasnt left his room . He wont talk to anyone , hes not handling pack matters . Hes just … lost . My calm was shattered , replaced by an urgent tightness in my chest . What happened ? I asked quickly , my heart racing . Where are you ? Ill come get you . We need to talk in person . Even though Id turned my back on Nate , left the pack , and joined a new one , I couldnt just stand by and watch . I sent Daniel my location , and within fifteen minutes , he arrived . As I got in the car , I didnt waste any time . Tell me everything . It turned out , two days ago had been Kates funeral . Despite her fighting to hold onto life , the illness had ultimately claimed her . Nate had stayed by her side until the end . When Kate closed her eyes for the last time , Nate had cried like a child , utterly inconsolable . After the funeral , Nate and Daniel and the others had tried to drink away their sorrow . Daniel and the others understood Nate was trying to drown his grief , so theyd tried to get him to stop , to move on , but Nate had insisted on drinking , claiming he was fine . Theyd finally gotten him home , and Daniel had stayed for a while , making sure Nate was okay before he left . But since the morning after , Nate had been unresponsive . He just stared at old photos of me , lost in a daze . No matter how much Daniel called or even shouted at him , he didnt react . He was like a shell of a person . Daniel sighed , deeply worried . I could tell something was off , so I called you . Rue , I know what Nate did before . He messed up , he hurt you . But for the sake of what you once had , for the sake of the mate bond , can you help him ? At least help him snap out of this . Hes wolf too weak right now . I agreed to help , despite everything . I couldnt just walk away from a person who had once meant so Chapter 9 1/4 much to me . When we arrived at the Blackmoon pack house , I saw Nate exactly as Daniel had described . He was sitting on the floor , holding a photo of us from the past , his face blank , staring into nothingness . Daniel stepped forward and tried to get his attention . Nate , look whos here . But Nate didnt move . Seeing him like this made my heart twist painfully , my wolf , Mia , also whimpering in distress . I crouched down in front of him , gently waving my hand in front of his eyes . Nate , its me , Rue . Look at me . But still , no response . Daniels voice cracked with concern . Do you think this is from too much shock ? Is he … losing it ? I wasnt sure if this was some deep emotional trauma or if Nate had gone beyond saving , but I had to try . Desperately , I called out his name again , Nate , its me , Rue . Do you remember me ? S Still nothing . In panic , I grabbed his arm and twisted it hard . Nate yelped in pain and finally looked up at me . And then , in an instant , he grabbed me , pulling me into a tight embrace , sobbing uncontrollably . I froze , unsure of how to react . I looked to Daniel for guidance . He seemed just as startled but relieved , laughing softly . Damn it , Nate , you nearly gave me a heart attack ! I thought you … Im fine . Nate pulled away from me , his eyes filled with tears , his voice hoarse with gratitude . Rue , thank you for coming to see me . I studied him carefully , still uncertain . Are you really okay ? The way way he had been acting just moments ago was terrifying . He gave me a shaky smile and nodded . Then why were you so silent before ? Not even a single expression on your face ? He grinned sheepishly . I just wanted to see if youd feel bad for me . Realization hit , and I was furious . I stood up , preparing to leave . 2/4 Nate rushed to catch up, grabbing my arm and pleading . Rue , dont go . Stay, please ? I pulled my arm free , my resolve hardening again . Nate , its over between us . No ! He shook his head violently , his voice breaking as he cried . If its really over , then why are you here ? You still care , dont you ? I could feel a part of me still holding onto him . But that part of me was no longer the same . He was no longer my mate in the way he once was . He was just an Alpha who used to be mine . I turned to face him , my expression cold . Even if I saw a stranger collapse on the street , Id feel some concern . Dont read too much into this . Nates face fell , his eyes full of despair . I turned away , refusing to meet his gaze. My voice was icy . Dont make the people around you worry anymore . How can Kate rest in peace if you keep doing this ? And what about the pack ? Ive moved on . I have a new pack , a new life . Dont expect me to come back and be Kates replacement . As I walked out , I heard Nates broken sobs behind me , his wolf echoing his pain . 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