He was still a mental and emotional mess ever since he had seen her collapsed and depreciated form at the border. Hailey's words haunted him to no end and his imagination spun wildly each time they came to mind. Someone had been drugging Star, for how long he was unsure. He knew it hadn't been healthy and he wasn't sure how much overall damage she had endured. He felt horribly guilty, for letting her go off on her own that whatever happened happened. She hadn't talked about what happened and he hadn't asked because he was more concerned about getting her better. He knew her mental state hadn't been right when she came back, but he was hoping it was getting better. At least she seemed to fully recognize who he was.
He was headed back from hunting again with another meal within his jaws. She needed to put weight back on and to continue to eat. She needed to get better for her sake and for his sanity. He couldn't stand seeing her in this deteriorated condition. He hated thinking someone was cruel enough to drug another. With a sigh he tried to compose himself as he was getting closer to the willow that hid the den. He didn't want to give away how much he was struggling with because he didn't need her more worried and anxious then she already was.
Picking up his pace he carried the fresh meal to his mate his tail wagging as he grew closer. Passing under the draping leaves of the willow his eyes caught her sitting outside of the den, but still under the tree. Moving over to her he placed the kill in front of her before ever so gently nuzzling her shoulder. Moving around her he settled down beside her, blocking the cool breeze brushing through the tree and letting her time to eat.
