Mason's POV
The pack lands were eerily quiet as we returned from the hospital, the usual bustle of activity subdued in the earthquake's aftermath. My mother sat beside me in the car, her face etched with worry and exhaustion. We had spent hours searching for my father, our hope dwindling with each passing minute.
I saw a crowd near the entrance as we pulled up to the pack house. My heart leaped into my throat, a mix of hope and dread coursing through me. Had they found him?
I barely waited for the car to stop before I was out, pushing through the crowd of pack members. Their faces were grim, and a hush fell over the crowd as I approached. That's when I saw him.
My father's body lay still on a stretcher, covered by a white sheet. The world seemed to tilt on its axis, and for a moment, I
