130. A confidant

Ignorant of the potential threats, Sterling dashed into the depths of the woodland. From a distance, Nate saw him and started to go after him. He caught the child, who was writhing as though he was in a trance. With gasping breath, he yelled, but Nate quickly calmed him down.

"Sterling, please calm down. It is I, your father's beta, Nate."

Nate realized something was seriously wrong when the boy turned to him and gave him a very tight hug just by hearing the whisper. He sat beneath a massive tree and waited for Sterling to settle. The boy accepted the water that Nate had offered and watched as his countenance changed over time.

"Sterling, why were you running through the forest by yourself?" The youngster drew back at the inquiry, anxiety taking over his innocent face once more.

But Sterling was unable to respond.

"Were you at your dad's place?" When he inquired again, he received only a small head shake in response.

"Would you like me to give him a call here?"

Sterling let out a sca