Chapter NINETEEN-ZEKE&CASEY

Two days.

Well, technically, forty-nine hours and twenty-three minutes since Avery told me Casey left for town.

Not that I’m counting like some lovesick teenager or anything.

Okay, fine. I’m completely fucking counting.

Because the second she walked out of my life, my world turned gray.

My Dragon—usually a fierce, dominant force of supernature—curled up inside my chest like a dying ember, mourning her absence with every beat of my heart.

He’s quiet now, but watchful. Hopeful.

Because she texted.

And that has to mean something, right?

At first, I lost my damn mind.

Punched a tree so hard it split.

Torched half a cornfield.

Took Max using his Alpha voice to drag me out of the spiral.

Even then, it was Dante sitting on my chest in full Bear form that finally made me yield.

Furry Grizzly fucker.

“She needs time, Zeke. You owe her that!” Max had barked, glaring at me like I was some rabid mutt.

They were right.

I claimed her without explaining.

I let my instincts lead.