Dieter's Prize

Twenty-Three

Dieter POV

I decided the first thing I was going to do was tell Crispin. 

Once we are home,  I need to tell him. I can't keep this from him any longer. Knowing that if I do it will only add more tension to our bond. But I guess that's the point right? That's part of my sacrifice. 

The airport was borderline empty at this time of night which I was overwhelmingly grateful for. I knew Crispin was a man that prided himself on his appearance and if what Rena said was true then I don't think I'll be seeing him in his usual attire.

I parked the car and walked inside to wait for him. I also bought him a new phone seeing as now he won't be there to get the one he ordered. 

I waited impatiently at the entrance, just like Rena told me. I had Danielle give me her number so I could text her and get updates on Carter. Danielle was leaving later this morning. She and I grew up with the same training. Though we knew she would never be the alpha of our pack that never stopped her from showing up. Now I'm glad she was persistent. She has the skills and the mindset to lead that pack. 

I took a deep breath and relaxed as I waited. But his smell hit my nose before I saw him. I turned quickly and there he was. And it broke my heart to see him like that. He looked like my mate but at the same time didn't. 

His hair was strewn all over the place, and he wore a full sweatsuit. His eyes were puffy and dull, and not bright and welcoming like I know them to be. He seems to have lost some weight, he looked slightly skinnier.

'You can't tell him yet. Our mate needs us right now.' Carlisle spoke. 

I knew he was right. I can't tell Crispin yet, not until he was fully back to health and we were at a better place.

It took a few moments but then he finally noticed me and I heard him let out a deep sob. I practically ran to him and pulled him to me. His arms wrapped around me so tightly and in this moment I realized just how much I had missed him. Just how much I was barely living without him. 

He let out a deep shaky breath in my neck as I held him close. His suitcase was on the floor and forgotten. I was thankful that there weren't too many eyes around. Knowing how humans are and their ideas of gay relationships. 

"Hi, baby," I whispered to him and he let out another choked sob. 

My Crispin. My mate. 

"I missed you so much. Don't leave again." I could hear his pain in his words as he spoke to me. It tore me apart.

"I won't. I promise you. We will figure it out." I sighed as my grip tightened. But I knew we couldn't stand here all night. "Come, let me take you home."

Home. He was not leaving my side ever again. And whatever we have to do to make it work between us I'd do. 

Crispin nodded and pulled away slightly. His hand finds mine immediately. I leaned over and grabbed his suitcase and we walked out quickly. It took some time to get to the car seeing as I decided to park in the back of a parking garage on an empty floor. Why? Because I didn't want to be around any humans. 

The walk was silent but I didn't mind it. I don't think there was much for us to say anyway. I opened the trunk and set his suitcase inside but Crispin stood there staring at me.

"What's wrong?" I asked as I closed the trunk. I grabbed his hands and mine and pulled him close to me. But instead of answering he wrapped his arms around my neck and put his lips on mine.