Waiting for Lucien to pick up had been torture. He knows he ought to call Sybil as well, she must be worried sick, but the wolf in him is desperate to talk to his brother. To be reassured by him that everything will be okay.

And he does. As unsure as Lucien sounds at first, his voice alone is enough to give Eli comfort. It feels as good as the cold cloth stroking his skin and allows Eli to close his eyes for a moment, simply listening.