The diner was immersed in a tense atmosphere as I, Hunter, and Caleb found ourselves between the two tables. My eyes were wide at the unexpected figure of Caleb, a werewolf who had been banished by Alastair on the same night my life took a turn.
Caleb, now smiling mischievously, greeted us as if nothing had happened between us. A strange sensation ran down my spine as Hunter, with his typical impassiveness, greeted Caleb. It was hard to believe he was there, and even harder to understand why he had decided to join us.
“Wow... How did the mighty Alpha King Hunter not sense my arrival? And you, Fierce, as the mighty wolf, didn't recognize my scent?” Caleb teased, enjoying the impact of his presence.
Hunter looked at Caleb with a serious expression. “Didn't expect to have to track you down, considering you've been gone for years.”
Caleb raised his fingers as if counting. “Six years, to be precise. And, indeed, I was banished, as you well know.”
Hunter sighed heavily. “I'm sorry for what happened.”
Caleb laughed, a bitter sound. “No need for pity, Hunter. I didn't expect anything less from Alastair.”
I was still processing Caleb's presence, trying to understand what the heck he was doing here. Caleb noticed my hesitation and addressed me.
“And what about you, Fierce? Always so stunning... Surprised to see me again?”
I shook my head, trying to regain my composure. “Surprised is an understatement.”
The tension in the air grew as Hunter eyed Caleb suspiciously. Caleb, interrupting the tension, stood up from his table and decided to join us.
Sitting beside me, he embraced me, causing even more perplexity. His nose was buried in my hair, and I could feel the unmistakable sensation of Hunter's eyes fixed on us.
“You still smell as good as ever,” Caleb murmured, releasing me after the hug.
Hunter crossed his arms, still exercising caution. “Caleb, where have you been all this time? What have you been doing?”
Caleb shrugged, maintaining his smile. “Around, you know. Got banished, had to find my own way.”
Hunter, eyes still fixed on Caleb, inquired about his journey. “I searched for you everywhere after Alastair banished you along with the other guys. Where have you been?”
Caleb smiled knowingly. “In places where Alastair's pack wouldn't be able to find me.”
Hunter remained silent, assessing the situation with a closed expression, suspicious of the intentions of the banished werewolf.
“What are you doing here, Caleb?” I asked, seeking clarification.
Caleb laughed, a burst of laughter full of mischief. “Isn't it obvious? I came to help my old friends rescue Fierce's lost pups. Just didn't expect the great Alpha King Hunter to get involved.”
The mention of my children made my heart race, but Caleb's presence raised questions that needed answers.
“How did you know about the boys?” I inquired, keeping a watchful eye.
Caleb laughed as if the answer were obvious. “Wolves have a way of sensing these things, Fierce. Besides, an information network is always handy.”
Curious, I asked, “What rumors?”
Hunter looked at Caleb. “It seems Caleb turned into a mercenary, as I was informed a few years ago.”
I stared at Caleb, seeking the truth. “Is that true?” I asked, hoping for an honest answer.
“That I became a mercenary, is that it?” Caleb replied, a scornful smile on his lips. “Well, I'm not exactly a pack protector, if that's what you want to know. I became a tracker and hunter out of necessity.”
There was a mix of sadness and resignation in his eyes, as if he regretted the choices he had to make to stay alive.
“However, hearing about the triplets and your situation got to me. I couldn't just ignore it. After all, we're friends, aren't we?” Caleb looked at me with a smile that seemed to carry a load of nostalgia.
I didn't know whether to believe Caleb's intentions or not, but one thing was certain: I needed all the help I could get to find my children.
“And how do you plan to help?” I asked, trying to maintain a firm posture in the face of uncertainty.
Hunter intervened, still distrustful. “Why should we trust you, Caleb?”
Caleb raised an eyebrow, challengingly. “You don't need to trust, Hunter. Just accept the help. I might be your best chance of finding the triplets and bringing them home.”
I pondered Caleb's proposal. Involving him in this could be a risk, but in the absence of other options, perhaps this was a chance to locate Cassian, Dorian, and Kane. After all, I wasn't in a position to refuse help from anyone, especially from a banished werewolf who had become a mercenary, right?
Hunter growled softly beside me, but before he could say anything, I raised my hand, asking for silence.
“Let's cut to the chase, Caleb. How much is your 'collaboration' going to cost?”
Caleb raised his hands in a gesture of peace. “I don't want anything in return, my lovely Fierce. Just thought it was time for me to make amends with my past. And, of course, helping a beautiful lady in distress is a bonus.”
Hunter furrowed his brow, clearly suspicious of Caleb's intentions. “You always have ulterior motives, Caleb. What do you want in exchange for this 'help'?”
Caleb laughed, a sound loaded with mischief. “Always suspicious, Hunter. I want nothing in return, just the chance to help my friends.”
If he could truly help us find the triplets, it would be worth accepting his offer, uncomfortable as it might be. Hunter still seemed wary but agreed to go along with Caleb's suggestion.
“All right, Caleb. Help us find the triplets. But if I find out you're deceiving us, there'll be no safe place for you.”
Caleb laughed again, genuinely amused by Hunter's distrust. “You haven't changed a bit, Hunter. Come on, we have work to do.”
My intuition still warned of the need for caution, but something in Caleb's eyes made me believe that, somehow, he was genuinely interested in helping. The situation, however, remained complex and full of secrets that only time would reveal.