Derek drove tirelessly, never stopping for long in one place. They barely spoke and Cory preferred it that way. Although the tension mainly dissolved after many hours in the car, it still bubbled under the surface threatening to flare up again. The last thing Cory wanted was to leave the country on bitter terms with his father.

As evening fell, they stopped in a small town for fuel and food. Cory had no idea where they were and didn't ask. Derek used the public phone to call Sarah while Cory sat in the car watching and eating a burger. The fresh bun, thick beefsteak and salad was mouth watering, and the smell filled the car. Cory was starving but with every bite the sensation he might throw up grew. The effort to swallow and keep his food down made Cory give up after his third bite. He repacked the burger in the bag it came in and dropped it on the floor at his feet. Still watching, Cory lost count of the number of time he saw his father run a hand through his hair. Not once did he look up, his head bowed, his back slouched over.

Cory’s desire to protect his family remained fierce in his veins. Thoughts of fleeing the car and taking matters into his own hands were becoming hard to resist. As Cory internally struggled his father looked up and stared directly at him. A distance of twenty metres separated them, but the message Derek sent was strong – protecting Cory was his main priority. Cory closed his eyes and bowed his head. Fear once again took over.

They slept in the car in a parking bay on the side of the highway. Convinced he wouldn’t be able to sleep, Cory drifted off without a fight.

When he woke confusion startled him and he panicked.

“It’s okay, Cory.” Derek reached out and held Cory’s arm tightly.

“What time is it?”

“Three am.”

Cory stared out into the darkness. “Where are we?”

“We passed through Albury twenty minutes ago. I’m making my way towards the airport now.”

Cory settled back in his seat watching his father.

He had both hands firmly planted on the steering wheel, his eyes staring into the darkness ahead of him.

“Are you okay, Dad?”

Derek turned and gave him a smile. “I’m fine.”

“I’m sorry...”

“You can’t tell me what’s going on?”

Cory shook his head. “I can’t. I don’t want you or Mum or Molly to get hurt.”

“And what if that happens because of our association with you?”

Tear welled in Cory’s eyes, falling down his face. “They will know if you know. I have no doubt they'll investigate you. But I believe they won't harm you in any way because you're ignorant of why it was I had to leave. They’re not stupid Dad – they won't kill people unnecessarily if they can help it. If I don’t tell you the truth, then you’ll be safe.” At least I hope so, Cory mentally prayed.

Silence followed and Cory went back to staring out the window.

“I love you, Cory.”

He didn’t want to cry again, but the tears came regardless how much he fought them.

“I love you too, Dad. Will you… will you tell Mum I love her, too?”

Derek reached out and took Cory’s hand. Cory held it tight, refusing to let go even as his father’s turmoil flooded through his body.

The orange sky welcomed the new day as they finally arrived at the airport terminal and parked the car. They arrived early and grateful to be out of the car. The terminal was quiet, the aroma of coffee lured them to the small café. Derek offered to buy breakfast but food was the last thing Cory could stomach.

They sat quietly as Cory surveyed his surroundings. He remained vigilant, but the tension grew. Every person who moved within the area visible to him, he checked. There remained the possibility they would find him before he could board his plane.

Werewolves... the term didn’t sit well with Cory. His image of werewolves – based on stories and movies created – was far from the truth. How wrong history had been, if only ignorance had not been the excuse for the myth. They became monsters during a full moon if they didn’t mate, but their bodies never transformed. All those false memories from those who didn't understand what they had seen had led to a lie.

How many werewolves now lived within the world? How many bred for the purpose of controlling more and more of the world? Australia became a prime example of that – with only one family controlling the entire country. Cory realised he wasn't sure of the extent to which Neve’s family had control over the country and that thought frightened him.

So close he was now to freedom that he wouldn’t allow himself to be killed without a fight. Cory’s eyes darted around constantly, being drawn to any movement or sound. When Cory spotted Nikali relief flooded over him. Their eyes met and Nikali gave a slight nod.

Cory looked at his father also watching the people around them. When Cory looked back toward Nikali, he was gone.

As the morning grew later, the terminal became a hive of activity.

When it came time for Cory to check-in, Derek accompanied him. Once again, from deep within his father, Cory sensed his determination and strength. These feelings Derek produced lifted Cory to a level of love he'd never reached before. All the while he fought his condition, it was Derek who had controlled it. Derek’s love for Cory was a force more powerful. Cory was afraid he would never experience it again.

The constant pain in his chest now took its toll.

Unable to go with Cory through to the international terminal, Derek paused outside the doors.

“Do you have everything you need?” Derek asked.

“Yes, I do.”

“You’ll contact us as soon as you can?”

“If I can’t I’ll get someone to. I’m sorry, Dad.”

Derek placed a hand around Cory’s neck and pulled him close.

“We love you. I wish…” Derek trailed off and let out a deep breath. “I don’t know what to think about this Cory but I trust you. You wouldn’t be doing this if it wasn’t serious.”

Cory fought back the tears and embraced his father for the last time. They held each other tight and this time, when Cory pulled away, his father was crying.

Cory took in a deep breath. “Tell Mum and Molly I love them, and I’ll contact you as soon as I can, I promise. When I’m safe, I’ll try to contact you.”

“Come back when you can.”

There was no possible way Cory could ever return, but he wasn't going to tell his father this. Instead, he hugged his father one last time.

“I feel so helpless,” Derek said, the defeat in his voice apparent. Cory was too heartbroken to reply.

“I love you, Dad,” Cory said one last time.

“I love you, too. Contact us as soon as you can.”

Cory nodded. “I will.”

The effort of walking away from his father and towards the doors tore deep within Cory. Every step he took killed the kind and caring person he was, replacing his love and kindness with hatred and resentment. He would never forgive those who forced him to leave his family, his home and everything he loved. He vowed he would return home one day – his determination and revenge ran deep.