In the Shadows of the Past (MXM)

How Could He?!

Chapter 7 - Past - Callum

"Dad! Uncle Ray!" Full of life, the two little boys called for the older men. Their faces flushed from the icy winter winds, even if it didn't seem to be enough to stop them as they ran around everywhere.

Layers and more layers of clothing protecting them from the cold as their mother smiled from the balcony with a baby in her arms, watching as the four of them made their way to the lake in the most natural picture she could see.

... Fishing might not be the most enjoyable activity for the little ones, especially during the wintertime. Still, they would never reject the idea of the trip if their parents mentioned Uncle Richard's name...

And it was a very pleasing thing as it gave Juliana a little moment to rest with the newest member of her family as the man helped his friend, tiring the boys before dinner.

"Do you know, Ray? I don't know what would become of Juliana and me if it weren't for you always being by our side." Unexpectedly, Callum ended up splitting his thoughts as he watched Justin and William playing with the snow from afar... Both of them being already bored of waiting for some fish to hook their bait...

"What are you talking about, Cal? I'm your friend, Juliana's friend, so that's the least I can do for you two." And in that simple way, Richard answered him, even if he lacked honesty in his words as everything he did was just to be in his Mate's life as his friend at least.

"I know you are, Ray... But everyone else who hung out with us in high school and during our early years in college said the same, but where are they now?" Momentarily allowing his eyes to look at his friend, Callum commented. "You are the only one who stayed with us despite everything and who helped us through the most stressful and awkward times when Justin was just a newborn..."

Hearing such words was not easy for the Werewolf, especially when he looked at the little one who had subtle resemblances to his Mate and who he hated so much when he found out about his existence...

Even if he didn't feel that way anymore.

"This is nothing, Cal. As I said, I'm your friend, and this is the least I could do for you guys... So in case you need any help in the future, don't be shy about asking." A subtle smile on Richard's lips as he was completely frank with his other half now.

And just like him, Callum ended up smiling too before he asked for something that left the young Alpha without reaction before he told him not to say that as it would only bring bad luck, making the Human laugh before saying that he was just stating things that could happen...

After all, they never knew what fate had stored for them or what might happen in the future, so both he and Juliana would like him to take care of the boys if something happened to them, considering that Cal also didn't felt they would be safe with his own sister if she took care of them for more than one night.

"Okay, I will! But now, let's stop talking about it." Getting up, Richard ended up agreeing with him before calling for Justin and William. "Besides, we should go back now, or Juliana will be the one who will end our lives if we don't show up with her pups soon."

Once more, Coleman's Alpha made Callum laugh before correcting him by saying that his sons were not dogs while following him back to the cabin they were renting for the weekend.

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Opening my eyes again, I didn't know if I should feel happy about it or not when I saw the same roof that I saw earlier after that peaceful dream from a few years ago...

Caleb was still just a baby as Justin and William began to express their opinions about the things they liked and those they found boring more and more as each day went by...

These were peaceful days... Yet they seemed so far now, just like the dream I had.

... I knew that this harsh reality was real no matter how much I didn't want to accept it, like Richard's older version that made me think about how long I had forgotten about the world around me and trapped myself within the world inside my mind...

No, I didn't need anyone to tell me that I had been in a coma after seeing the white strands mixed with my friend's dark hair.

... And again, as much as I didn't want to admit it, just a year or two didn't seem to be enough for someone to change this much...

I had been in a coma for only God knows how long, and the thoughts of being there alone now started to scare me, bringing back the fear I felt earlier in my chest as I took a deep breath, going to run a hand through my hair in an old habit if something hadn't stopped me...

At first, I must honestly say that I didn't want to believe what I was seeing, but then, it was hard to deny when I tried to move my wrist a second time, feeling the chains that held me to that bed.

Yes, chains! Like the ones used to trap dogs and other animals were keeping me tied up there like some kind of beast before I start to shake myself in bed trying to free me while the anger I felt earlier also started to return, but this time directed at only one person... Ray and the thoughts about how he had allowed them to do it to me.

"DAMN! How could he?! I can't believe he said to be my friend!" Writhing against the bed uselessly, I kept trying to release myself until the door was opened by someone who said something that I couldn't understand amind my stupid battle against the simple furniture.

Allowing my eyes to meet his, at first, I had no idea who he was. But looking better at his face, observing each one of his traits... It was impossible not to recognize him right away then...