The sun had just begun to peak above the horizon when the beta shifted into his human form. Kip's chest rose and fell as he frantically followed his fellow beta's trail. As faint as it was, Kip would never mistake Calix's scent for another's. Kip broke into a run as the trail became stronger; he was nearing the lost beta. 'Please be okay...'
Kip's mouth hung open as he gasped for air. He had broken through the line of trees to find himself in a small, secluded meadow in the forest. The figure of a male sat in the center of the meadow as the morning rays began to pierce between the dense trees. The man turned his head at the appearance of the green-eyed and stood to his feet when he saw Kip standing at the edge of the meadow.
Calix's face was stained with tears, and his eyes were red, indicating he had been crying extensively. Kip's eyes swelled when he saw the sorrow and pain that filled Calix's expression. Calix remained still as he watched Kip walk to him. Kip found himself walking faster and faster the closer he got to the green-eyed until he finally broke into a run. Before he knew it, Kip had taken Calix into his arms and was crying into the beta's shoulder.
Calix blinked his big, cow eyes as he recovered from the beta's sudden embrace. Calix had never seen Kip cry like that much less feel the beta hug him so intently. "...Kip..." The beta's name was the only word that was able to leave Calix's mouth as he wondered at his friend's sudden show of affection. 'Does he know?' Calix's heart began to race as he feared that the beta had become aware of his situation.
"I'm so sorry," Kip let out between sobs as he continued to hold the grey-eyed. Calix released a breath when he heard Kip's words, confirming his suspicion. "I'm okay, Kip," Calix assured the man who refused to let go. The green-eyed let out a sigh at Kip's insistence to hold on and brought his hand up to the back of the beta's head before petting the crying man's soft brown hair.
Once Kip's crying had slowed, Calix said, "I'm really okay, Kip." Kip nodded into the beta before pulling away and checking on the green-eyed. Calix's lips curled into a small smile as his friend made sure he was alright. "I'm not hurt anywhere," Calix assured the grey-eyed before he furrowed his brows and placed his hands on his hips as he sucked his breath through his teeth. "What are you even doing here, hm? Why in the moon goddess' good world did you run your ass all the way out here? You should be resting, Mr. Chivalry," Calix said as he glared at the beta affectionately.
Kip released a slight snicker at Calix's loving beratement. "I had to make sure you were okay," the beta answered, his expression growing serious. "The last time I saw you, you were doubled over in pain. How could I not worry?"
Calix's gaze dropped to the ground as he moved back a step. "Bev told you," the beta concluded in a low voice.
"How could she not? Don't take this out on her," Kip told the man in front of him who kept his eyes lowered. "Hey, look at me," Kip said softly as he placed his thumb under Calix's chin and gently tilted the beta's head up. "I don't think any less of you, Cal."
Calix's eyes filled with fresh tears when he heard Kip's words. "How could you not?" Calix asked as hot tears rolled down his cheeks. "I'm...I'm mateless, Kip. I'll forever be alone. I lost my bond before I could even meet my mate." The beta took a shaky breath before continuing, "Not only does the wolf I love love someone else, but my one shot at finding a mate is gone. There's no way someone would want me. Don't you get what I mean, Kip?" Calix turned his water-filled gaze back up to meet Kip's eyes as he completed his statement.
Kip closed his eyes and released his breath, a single tear escaping the corner of his eye as he squeezed his eyes shut. "Cal, I'm sure you'll find someone, just-"
"No, Kip, you don't understand," Calix spoke up, cutting off the grey-eyed. "I lost my bond. You have Lili; you are happy. You still have your bond, as well. If you and Lili don't work out, you still have your fated one. I don't have anything anymore."
"Calix, please-"
"Please, leave, Kip," Calix requested of the grey-eyed as he felt his throat swell with a fresh round of sorrow and heartache.
"Cal-"
"Please, Kip. I need some time."
Kip's heart ached at Calix's words. Not once had Calix asked Kip to leave him when he was in pain. The grey-eyed swallowed his tears and slowly nodded his head as he said, "Okay. I'm sorry. You know where to find me if you need anything." Kip's voice was low as he backed away from the green-eyed before turning from Calix and making his way toward the tree line.
Calix released a shaky breath as he watched Kip approach the dense woods. 'I'm sorry, it's just so hard to think about you right now. Please understand. I'll come to you when I am ready.'