We continued on our way as soon as we woke up. By lunch, I was panting in effort. Wolf slowed down and glanced at me with what I presumed was concern, but I pushed forward. I wasn't stopping. I wanted to find Xavier and then get back home.

Wolf barked and a familiar scent hit my nose. I quickened my pace with aching muscles and when a backpack on the ground caught my eyes, my heart jumped. The blood next to it made me stumble and I tumbled on the snow, rolling over my head.

Mate stopped next to me, but I ignored him and approached the abandoned backpack. My...