Chapter 1182: Chapter 1281

A bitter smile twisted her lips.

“Gale just wants to stall, to bleed us dry, to break the Thorn Edge Pack completely.

”

Her voice grew weaker with each word, punctuated by a racking cough.

She locked eyes with Carlos, her growl laced with desperation.

“Don’t be a fool! Leave with Caleb!”

After that, her breaths came shallower, each one a struggle.

Carlos watched the battle unfold, then turned to me, his face etched with conflict.

Finally, he placed a hand on my shoulder.

“Caleb, Debra’s right.

This is a trap.

We can’t face Gale now.

Let’s regroup, find another opportunity to avenge Debra.

”

A cold dread settled in my gut.

This couldn’t be Carlos, the man who always stood by my side, the man who understood me to the deepest level.

Was he suggesting I abandon Debra? To leave my mate to preserve our strength?

“No!” I roared, flinging his hand away.

Fury choked my voice.

“Carlos, how can you be so heartless? I can’t just leave her!”

Carlos opened his mouth, but I cut him off, my voice thick with despair.

“If Debra dies today, I swear I’d rather die with her!”

Caleb’s POV:

Carlos’ eyes reddened instantly.

He looked devastated and whispered, “Caleb, I want to help Debra too, but let’s face the reality here.

”

He gestured towards the busy area near Gale and said with a heavy heart, “In these past couple of days, our pack has suffered greatly.

We’ve barely held off the first attacks from the Xeric Pack.

Right now, it may seem like we’re evenly matched, but if this continues, we might not make it.

”

My hands clenched tightly.

Carlos went on, “Like Debra said, Gale hasn’t finished you off because she’s waiting to trap us all at once.

”

His voice grew more serious.

“Caleb, things are worse than you think.

It’s been hard enough rescuing just you.

If we wait any longer, we’ll all be doomed.

Please, listen to Debra and come with me.

Our pack needs you more than ever.

You’re the one who can guide us through this fight.

You have to hurry and come with us!”

I didn’t reply but kept my eyes fixed on Debra.

Strangely, I felt calmer in such a tense moment.

I spoke to Carlos, my mind clear and determined.

“Carlos, I can’t leave.

If I can’t protect my own mate, how can I lead a pack?”

“But…”

Carlos tried to say more, but I interrupted him immediately.

Concerned for Debra’s safety, I didn’t want to waste time and stated firmly, “Stop trying to convince me.

I can’t leave Debra behind.

I’ll do whatever it takes to save her.

”

Ignoring Carlos’ reaction, I dashed towards the fire once again.