Jeremy found it downright peculiar how, ever since their last knock-down, drag-out brawl, he started seeing Kent in a whole new light.
The guy had gone from being as pleasant as a thorn in his side to someone he could actually stand. It was like their clash had magically wiped away the bad blood between werewolves and rogues, and now they were all in this weirdly cozy place of understanding.
See, the rogues used to think they were above the wolf pack, strutting around like they were hot stuff and that the wolves were just dead weight. But after a brutal fight that ended in a draw, those rogues probably realized that werewolves weren't just a bunch of no-good slackers. They had earned a smidgen of respect, of all things!
And the werewolves had been cautious as hell around those rogues, too. The rogues were a bunch of cocky know-it-alls, and it rubbed the wolves the wrong way. But now that the rogues had changed, the wolves were willing to let go of their skepticism and started blending in with the rogues like peanut butter and jelly.
Now the werewolves finally got to know each other, burying their misunderstandings in a flurry of punches and bruises. But all that energy they gained from surviving the hunters got sucked right out of them in the blink of an eye.
Jeremy couldn't help but notice the weariness etched on everyone's faces and the scars they wore. He knew he couldn't push them to keep going without some much-needed rest. And Kent was right. Charging ahead blindly would be like serving themselves on a silver platter to the enemy.
Thankfully, werewolves had some next-level healing abilities. Plus, many of them made it out of the battle with nothing more than a few scratches. And their hearts were on fire, burning with an urgent desire to bring their loved ones back. So, after a short but well-deserved night's rest, the werewolves wasted no time, eagerly embarking on their journey to Wolf Town.
But Jeremy pulled an all-nighter, unable to find any slumber. Each time he shut his eyes, his mind involuntarily hit the play button, replaying the heart-wrenching scene of Celeste being whisked away. The imagery grew more vivid with every flicker, etching itself into his consciousness.
Closing his eyes now, Jeremy could almost witness the shock and despair swirling in Celeste's gaze. He even caught a glimpse of his own wolf racing alongside the wolves, reflected within her eyes. But then, that damned car door slammed shut, tearing them apart, leaving him feeling as if an impenetrable barrier had materialized between their fates.
Ever since Jeremy and Celeste had had sex, their bond had grown inexplicably stronger. Wherever Celeste ventured, Jeremy could sense their connection, crystal clear. But now, it seemed like a fragile thread, translucent and barely there, as if a mere gust of wind could sever it completely.
He had attempted it countless times. Since the moment Kent snatched Celeste away yesterday, Jeremy had desperately delved into the recesses of his wolf, searching for any trace of Celeste's whereabouts. But that connection, once so palpable, had dwindled to a feeble echo. Restless, he tossed and turned throughout the night, his mind relentlessly grasping for that tenuous link with Celeste. Yet, to no avail. Now, their connection felt like a wispy thread, ready to snap at the faintest breeze.
He knew those hunters must have done something to prevent Celeste from directly reaching out to him. But those cursed hunters were beyond his feeble control, and it frustrated him to no end.
"She'll be alright," Kent assured Jeremy, his voice resonating with understanding as he peered into Jeremy's tormented mind.
Jeremy turned around to meet the concerned gazes of the other werewolves. Worry lines etched their faces, and their eyes held a flicker of genuine care. Taking a deep breath, Jeremy exhaled, as if releasing the weight of his burden, and nodded in silent acknowledgment.
He shut his eyes once more, attempting to tune into the ethereal connection between him and Celeste. It remained as elusive as ever, but at least it persisted, providing temporary solace for Celeste's safety.
As Wolf Town loomed closer, Jeremy sensed a subtle surge in the connection between him and Celeste. Though the shift wasn't overt, it tingled in his awareness, causing his heart to thump with anticipation.
Well, at least they hadn't stumbled upon the wrong spot.
Jeremy's gaze shifted back to the hunter in the corner. Raymond kept his head lowered, fixated on his own worn-out boots. The guy looked as if he'd been utterly defeated.
Raymond seemed to catch Jeremy's stare and lifted his head, guilt and concern evident in his eyes. Jeremy didn't miss a beat. "Can you feel her presence? Is she here?"
Jeremy nodded slightly. He locked eyes with the hunter, searching for any flicker of deception. Trust didn't come easily when it came to the fucking hunters.
However, as Raymond witnessed Jeremy's nod, the tension in his hunched shoulders seemed to dissipate a little, and he let out a quiet sigh of relief. A faint smile graced his lips momentarily before he glanced down again.
Jeremy watched him, emotions swirling within. So, this hunter before him genuinely had no intention of harming Celeste? Why was he willing to go to such extraordinary lengths for her?
With no time for further contemplation, Jeremy clenched his fist, determination coursing through him. He would find Celeste without delay, no matter what.