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A xel watched Alice get in the car and leave.

He hoped with all his heart she’d look back, but she didn’t.

Desperation clawed within him. His lion dug its claws into his chest, and he grimaced.

Pain unlike anything he’d known before twisted his innards.

He didn’t realize he was shifting until it was too late.

His clothes ripped and tumbled to the floor. He set after them at a run.

Alice.

He picked up his pace, roaring her name in a frantic plea. “ Alice !”

His heart hammered her name in his chest and mind. She couldn’t leave him. She was his mate. His one and only. After forty years he’d finally found her and now she was driving away, leaving him forever. She couldn’t.

Scarlet must have spotted him because she stepped on the accelerator and the car sped forward. His paws hit the asphalt, the hard cold ground burning them as he sped up. He would run all the way to the city. He would catch up with them and drag Alice back home with him. Baby Girl.

The car turned a bend, and he lost them from his sight for an instant.

It was enough to bring him back to his wits.

He slowed down, easing into a softer gait.

His breath came out in short spurts. Tension ebbed from his shoulders.

His limbs turned heavy. Grief embraced him in a heavy hug, and he shifted back into his human form. He fell to his knees.

Come back, please.

Throughout his life he’d made many mistakes, but he’d never messed up so badly as he had now. Somehow, he had managed to conquer and lose his mate in less than twenty-four hours.

He covered his face in desperation. Reality struck him across his back like a belt whipped at him. He yelled out his frustration. He knew even if he had caught up with the vehicle, he’d never be able to bring Alice back with him forcefully. She’d hate him and they’d be miserable forever.

No. Even though the animal within him was whimpering in despair, he had to think reasonably.

It was time for the human to take charge.

Slowly, he got to his feet. Alice needed time.

They would both benefit from a few days away from each other.

He would come up with a new plan to win her over.

After all, he was a hunter, and he would not so easily give up on his prey.