Chapter 30 (Kailer's Arrival)

                                    

                                          
Kailer's pov:
I pulled into the driveway of the Hidden Moon pack house, stretching my stiff muscles after the long drive. The sun was setting behind the trees, casting everything in that warm, golden light that always made this place feel like home. But tonight, there was something gnawing at my gut-something I couldn't shake no matter how hard I tried.
I wasn't just here to see Noah. Normally, coming home to my mate was the highlight of my week, the one thing that could always put me at ease. But this time, there was something else weighing on my mind-Alex. He'd been acting off for weeks now, and I couldn't put my finger on why. He was more distant, distracted...and ever since he stopped taking the meds the organization had given him, things had gotten worse.
I stepped out of the car and stretched again, my thoughts racing. I was so lost in my head that I didn't even notice Noah standing at the door until his voice called out to me.
"K!" Noah grinned, his face lighting up when he saw me. Just like that, some of the tension eased from my shoulders. I walked up the steps, pulling him into a tight hug, burying my face in the crook of his neck.
"Missed you," I mumbled against his skin, breathing in his familiar scent. Everything always felt right when we were together, even when the rest of the world seemed like it was falling apart.
"Missed you too," Noah murmured, his voice soft and full of warmth. He pulled back slightly, his hands resting on my shoulders. "Come on, let's get you inside."
I followed him into the pack house, feeling a bit of that familiar comfort settle over me. The warmth of the house, the sounds of pack members chatting and going about their evening routines-it was soothing in a way that nothing else was. But even as I walked through the halls, I couldn't fully shake the feeling that something was off.
We didn't waste time with small talk. Noah and I quickly made our way to his room, dropping my bags by the door. Soon, we were sprawled out on the bed, my head resting on his chest as his fingers absentmindedly played with my hair.
"So," Noah said after a while, breaking the comfortable silence. "How's everything going at the clinic?"
I stiffened slightly at the question. I hadn't planned on talking about it so soon, but...this was Noah. He was my mate. I couldn't keep anything from him, especially something that had been bothering me this much.
"Honestly?" I started, my voice hesitant. "It's been...weird. Alex has been acting strange. He stopped taking the meds the organization gave him, and now he's having these episodes-like his mind is foggy, like he's remembering things but can't fully grasp them. He won't tell me much, but...there's something wrong."
Noah's fingers froze in my hair for a second before resuming their soothing strokes. "What do you mean by 'wrong'?" he asked quietly, though I could hear the concern in his voice.
I sat up, pulling away slightly so I could look at him. "It's hard to explain, but there's something...familiar about him sometimes. I don't know if it's just in my head, but when I look at Alex...I see someone else."
Noah frowned, sitting up as well. "Who?"
I hesitated, biting my lip. "You," I said finally, feeling ridiculous the second the word left my mouth. "I know it sounds crazy, but...there's something about him that reminds me of you. Maybe it's just because we've been best friends for so long, but sometimes it's like...he could be your brother."
Noah's face went pale for a moment, his eyes widening slightly. "Kailer..."
"I know, I know," I said quickly, shaking my head. "It's ridiculous. Your brother is gone, Noah. I mean, Alex doesn't even have his memories. He doesn't know anything about his past."
Noah didn't say anything for a while, and the silence between us grew heavy. Finally, he looked at me, his expression serious. "Kailer, you need to be careful. I don't want you getting too involved with the organization anymore. They have their own agenda, and if Alex is tied to something bigger...I don't want you caught in the middle of it."
I frowned, feeling a pang of guilt. I knew Noah was just trying to protect me, but the idea of walking away from Alex now...it didn't sit right with me. "I can't just leave him, Noah," I said softly. "He's my best friend. If there's something going on with him, I need to help him."
Noah reached out, taking my hand in his. "I get that, K. I really do. But Alex is in deep with them, and the longer you stay involved, the more dangerous it could get-for both of you. I don't want to lose you."
I sighed, squeezing his hand. "I'll be careful," I promised. "I just...I need to figure out what's happening with him. He's been through so much, and I think...I think there's something he's not telling me. Something big."
Noah's jaw tightened, and I could see the worry in his eyes. He was silent for a moment before finally nodding. "Okay. But, Kailer...if things get too complicated, I want you out. Promise me that."
I nodded, even though I wasn't entirely sure I could keep that promise. But for now, it was enough to ease the tension between us.
Noah pulled me back into his arms, and for a while, we just lay there, listening to each other's breathing. But even as I tried to relax, I couldn't shake the feeling that everything was about to change.