9. If Only

Alpha Callum went downstairs and joined Grandpa Eliezer for breakfast. "How is she, Pops? How is her condition?" he asked. "Her body is responding well to the antidote and medicines I gave her. I'm impressed with her recovery. Her iron will to continue living is remarkable. Clarice is a born fighter. Since she refused to die she can only continue living, for her son I guess," Grandpa Eliezer stated in awe while sipping his coffee. "That's great, Pops. I will see my son soon," Alpha Callum smiled, delighted with the news. The sooner Clarice can walk on her own, we will begin our journey because I'm dying to see my son," he added excitedly. His eyes glistened with love and longing for his son. Grandpa Eliezer nodded his head. "I can guarantee you that Clarice will make a full recovery soon. Her cooperation and willingness to take medicine helped tremendously with her healing process." "So, how many months do you think she can be up on her feet and able to travel safely?" Alpha Callum asked. "Please give me a definite time," he said impatiently, not used to waiting. Grandpa Eliezer smiled. "Calm down, son. Relax. You will see your son soon. Let Clarice heal first." "OK." Alpha Callum sighed. "Now let's eat breakfast in silence," Grandpa Eliezer said, putting a hefty serving of delicious vegetable stew and rice on his plate. Alpha Callum ate in silence. After they finished eating, Grandpa Eliezer addressed his grandson. "Aren't you going home now to your wife? Luna Viviana will worry why you haven't come home yet..." he reminded him of his status in life. Damn! Alpha Callum groaned at the mention of his wife's name. He stood up. "I'll go home after I'm done talking to Clarice." Grandpa Eliezer raised a brow and shot his grandson an inquiring glance. "Did something happen last night during the wedding ceremony?" "Yes, but nothing serious. They had already found out that Clarice and her maid were missing. Instead of finding her whereabouts, they made a fake burial and buried Luna Clarice in the grave six feet under," Alpha Callum explained grimly. "The coffin is empty, of course," he added. Grandpa Eliezer shook his head sadly. "Poor Clarice, no more husband and home to go back to. Just like our pitiful situation before. It's time we helped her just like she helped us before. She and her maid can stay here as long as she likes, so that she can have a place to call home and a family she can count on. I could use some company. This place is too big for an old man like me," he said cheerfully. "Yes. Let's help Clarice, Pops. She desperately needed all the help she could get, and we are willing to give her that and so much more." Alpha Callum was pleased with his grandfather's acceptance of Clarice and her maid. One of his biggest worries had already been eliminated. Now that the women's accommodation is finally secured, he can focus on getting his son back. That's the next big step to take. "Alright, go back to Clarice's room and don't stay long. You need to go home to your wife," Grandpa Eliezer reminded him again. "I know, Pops." Alpha Callum left the table and returned to Clarice's room. Grandpa Eliezer was shaking his head, wondering what would happen down the road if Callum and Clarice kept seeing each other. Would the old spark between them return, especially when they are going to be co-parenting their son together? And how would Viviana deal with the bitter truth that her husband had impregnated his fated mate, and they were reunited once again? Somehow, the thoughts of what the future awaits between Clarice and Callum cast a shadow of doubt and worry on his heart. Based on Luna Viviana's fierce personality, it's not going to be a walk in the park for Callum. Luna Viviana once had an innocent Omega servant killed just because of her groundless jealousy. That woman is a ticking time bomb! With a heavy sigh, Grandpa Eliezer put the dirty dishes in the kitchen sink and left the house to gather herbal medicine from the nearby forest. Meanwhile, upstairs in Clarice's room. Lorey gathered the dirty dishes, put them back in the food tray and left the room to give the couple some privacy. Alpha Callum settled in the chair, facing the bed, gazing down at Clarice. "Are you ready to hear the bad news?" he asked. "I'm ready. Bring it on," Clarice replied bravely, bracing herself for the bad news. Alpha Callum cleared his throat. No need to sugarcoat his words. "While your husband married another woman in a lavish ceremony, a few men were digging your grave in the cemetery, burying an empty coffin in it. Then an epitaph bearing your name was placed on your grave after the burial was finished. In short, in Alpha Bruce's household you are declared officially dead." Clarice gasped in pain. She closed her eyes, trying to block the avalanche of tears from leaving her eyes. She told herself that no matter what bad news he would hear from Alpha Callum she would not cry. Pain, anger and sadness came at once, overwhelming her senses, squeezing her heart painfully. Alpha Callum observed her face closely. He knew that she was holding her tears back. "Are you okay? Don't bottle it up. Cry if you must. Let go of the pain..." he said softly. Clarice could no longer hold back the pain. She burst into tears, weeping hard. Alpha Callum sprang into action and joined her on the bed. He cradled the distraught Clarice in his arms, gently rubbing her back, consoling her. "Trust me, everything will get better in time," he whispered reassuringly in her ears. Clarice's loud cries echoed around the room. "I already lost everything," Clarice said between tears. Her heart was broken. "You didn't lose everything, you still have our son," Alpha Callum reminded her gently. Clarice continued crying as she sank into the depths of despair. In the entire Bloodhound Pack's eyes, she is already dead. Nooooooooooo! This can't be! She howled in pain. This is a nightmare. A nightmare that is real. The former bedridden Luna is already dead. She will soon be forgotten by everyone. The pain of betrayal cuts deep, leaving an empty shell of the woman she used to be. She can no longer return to where she used to be. She must start all over again and embrace the uncertainty of her future. Alpha Callum continues to hold Clarice in his arms, providing her strength during the lowest moment of her life. Clarice couldn't stop crying because of the severity of her situation. She lost her husband, her best friend and her pack. She feels empty inside. She has no home anymore. She's like an injured dog abandoned in the desert. Her fake burial was the fatal blow. It made her feel useless and worthless. "I have no home to go back to," she cried miserably. "Please don't say that. We are still here for you. Our son still needs you. Grandpa told me that you and Lorey are welcome to stay here on the farm for as long as you want. You are safe here. I will assign some of my men to guard this place so you can recuperate safely and peacefully. No one can hurt you again," he assured her, wanting her to feel alright again. Clarice loved the way Callum comforted her, giving her assurance that he would never abandon her, he would protect her. For her, it's a sign that the Moon Goddess has never totally forsaken her. She still cares for her deeply and sends Callum to help her. She looked deeply into his eyes. "Thank you for helping me. I don't know what to do with my life anymore. I'm completely lost," she cried, her tone filled with despair and hopelessness. "Stop crying. I will help you rebuild your life again," he assured her. Alpha Callum carries a lot of responsibilities on his shoulders and he is also a married man. Clarice no longer wanted to add more burden to his shoulder. She wiped her tears with her hands. "I will stop crying now. Thank you for your reassurance. I feel guilty for taking so much of your time. You may go home now to your wife," she said gloomily, reminding herself and him that he was a married man. Callum can't stay by her side 24/7 even if she wants to. Alpha Callum reluctantly let go of Clarice's hand and rose to his feet. He looked at her for a few seconds then sighed heavily. "I will get busy in the coming days. I will visit you as soon as I have free time. You take care of yourself." "You too," Clarice said, smiling a bit. Alpha Callum walked to the door and exited the room. Clarice burst into tears again. If only Callum was not a married man she would beg him to stay by her side because his presence could make her feel better. Too bad he's already a married guy.