Caden POV

At the mention of my mate, I turn away and motion for Mom to move.

If I stay another second and Gareth says one more word about Marissa, I might attack him. I don't trust myself.

Thankfully, mom doesn't argue. Neither does Gareth. He simply follows behind, keeping a respectable distance as Mom and I make our way back to River Howl.

The journey is excruciatingly slow. The older male's presence alone is enough to suffocate me.

From the moment I turned twelve, Gareth Stone poisoned my friendship with Marissa Blue. He trimmed my circle of friends, telling me I was no ordinary kid and it was time...