Chapter 17

6/11/2040

Dr. Evan examined Luca while Patrick sat in a chair next to the bed.

"Will he ever be the bubbly, happy boyfriend I knew?" he wondered.

"When a child dies, people react differently," "Just be there for him when he needs you," the doctor advised.

"I lost our baby, and I feel like I'm losing him as well," Patrick said, frustrated.

"Be brave for him," Evan advised. "When Luke lost our baby, he completely cut himself off from me," he explained.

Patrick inquired, "How did you deal with the pain?"

"It took a long time and a lot of coaxing to get him back," Evan explained.

Patrick's father entered the room through the open door.

"I need to get back to the pack, son," Ken explained.

"Are you positive?" Patrick had inquired.

"They'll retaliate if I don't return," he said.

"This is my father, Dr. Evan," he said.

"Hello," "I'd like to make a request," the doctor explained.

Patrick and his father both inquired, "What is it?"

"Do you think Patrick and his companion can stay with you?"

"I can't force him to come," Ken explained. "It has to be his decision." Patrick asked the doctor, "Will it help my mate's recovery?"

"He needs to be in the company of people who will keep him calm," Dr. Evan explained.

"In that case, I concur with your suggestion," Patrick said.

That afternoon, Luca was released. There were strict rules that Luca's father was not to visit his son or Luca's residence. Given Luca's mental state, the doctor advised against leaving him alone for too long. When they returned to the apartment, Patrick informed the landlord that they would be moving. While Patrick was packing everything they owned, Ken informed Thomas, the pack's beta, that he would be returning with his son and mate.

"Babe, we're going to stay with my dad," Patrick explained as he assisted him into the car.

They drove out of town, everything packed in both cars. Ken was the first to leave, with Patrick close behind.

"Babe, I hope you remember this," Patrick said, reaching over and turning on Luca's favorite station on the radio. The radio station played the song Time by NF. "I'm going to give you all the time you need to recover," Patrick said, looking over. They drove until the sun went down. They found a less crowded area away from the road to rest. Even in his sleep, Luca appeared restless. Patrick removed his own jacket and draped it over Luca.

When Patrick awoke the next morning, he rummaged through his bags and discovered Luca's medicine. He took a bag of trail mix from the glove box.

"Wake up, babe," he said, slightly shaking his shoulder. "You need to eat and take your medications," Patrick advised. Luca opened his eyes and stared blankly at Patrick. Patrick ripped open the small package and handed it to him. Luca stared at the bag for a few seconds before pouring a small amount into his mouth and eating it. The bag was empty after four repetitions of this motion.

"All right, now you need to take your medicine," he said, placing a pill in Luca's hand and handing him a lukewarm bottle of water.

Luca sipped his water and made a sour face at it.

"Sorry, babe," Patrick apologized. "All we had was warm water," he explained. When Luca lowered his hands to his flat belly, a tear welled up in his eyes.

"It'll be fine," "The pain will fade with time," he said. "Are you ready to continue our journey?" Ken asked as he approached the driver's side.

"Luca just needed to take his medication," Patrick explained. While Ken watched the cars, Patrick went to the restroom with Luca. Ken did his business when they returned. Everyone was soon in their cars and on the road.

When they pulled into the driveway, Luca had dozed off.

"You can stay there," Ken said, pointing to the guest house.

"It's good to see you back," Thomas said as he approached them. "Hello, Alpha Patrick," he said to the brunette, nodding.

"Hi, Thomas," Patrick said, a tired smile on his face.

"Do you require assistance?" Thomas inquired.

"Could you assist Dad in bringing our belongings in while I take my mate inside?" Patrick nodded.

"Sure, I'd love to help," he eagerly replied.

"I'd help, but leaving my boyfriend alone for too long is risky," he explained.

Patrick unbuckled Luca, picked him up, and carried him into the house in bridal style. He entered the bedroom and walked over to the unmade bed. Patrick laid Luca down, removed his sneakers, and wrapped him in a blanket. He sat in a chair, watching Luca sleep. Patrick yawned, closed his eyes, and fell asleep. Patrick awoke from his sleep when he heard "My baby" and Luca whimpering through their link.

Patrick slid under the covers and reached over to comfort Luca. However, as soon as he touched Luca's belly, Luca whimpered and turned away from him. Patrick sighed and rolled over onto his other side. He wasn't the one who caused this mess, but Luca was giving him the cold shoulder. Patrick shook his head angrily and closed his eyes once more. That night was long and lonely. Patrick awoke the next morning to an empty bed. Panic gripped him until he heard crying coming from the bathroom. He got up and went to the bathroom. Luca was sobbing and clutching his flat belly.

"Precious," Patrick said softly as he approached Luca.

"I lost our baby," Luca said, slumping to the cold floor.

"I know, baby," he said, taking a step closer and kneeling down.

"It's all my fault," Luca said, raising his eyes. "I am such a moron,"

"This was not your fault, Luca," "Your father is to blame," he stated sternly.

"Perhaps dad is correct," Luca said softly. "I am a whore."

"You are no whore," Patrick said, cupping Luca's cheeks. "Get that stupid thought out of your head," he advised. Tears streamed down Luca's cheeks as Patrick pulled him close and hugged him tightly.