Calhoun's POV~
Weeks had chewed Carmela down to bones and shadows. When I pushed open the basement door, the stench of damp concrete and her rotting perfume clung to the air. She was curled in the corner like a broken thing, trembling, eyes wide in the sudden light.
The moment she saw me, she scrambled forward on hands and knees, filthy nails clawing the floor, reaching for me like I was her salvation.
"Calhoun please… I'm sorry," her voice cracked, ragged from thirst and sleepless nights. "I swear I'll disappear. I'll leave the Pack, you'll never hear my name again. Just… just don't leave me here. I can't take it anymore!"
Her face was a ruin. Mascara smeared in black rivers down her cheeks, lips split and trembling, designer silk now nothing but rags.
Once, I had thought she was bea
