Derek caught that familiar heavenly scent—his mate was the only one he wanted to see, same with his cubs. No one else.
"Travis!! I thought I wouldn't see you, but here you are." Derek let Travis carry him onto his lap while patting his head against his chest. He sighed and watched as his cubs scrambled up to him, struggling to reach him at the same time as Travis, who kept crying silently.
"I can't let you die! You're not dying!" Travis began circling his hands to perform a spell, but Derek held him back.
"If you do that, your energy will be completely gone. Remember the portals. If you're not strong enough to close them down, it could get you killed. None of the mission will come to pass, and everyone will die." Derek explained, his voice becoming fainter with each passing moment.
