Even though Caroline tells him he's "free" it doesn't feel like it. It's still on Klaus' terms. His decisions. So he stays away. He networks with other wolves, he tries to make a plan. He wants Klaus to suffer the way he has. He only comes home for Bonnie's funeral -- she's been his friend his whole life, he can't miss that. But his decision to continue to go after Klaus is the straw that breaks both their backs and he and Caroline break up.

It's fine. He's made his choice. He can't just go back to his life and pretend like nothing happened. Like his pack isn't dead. Like his mother isn't dead. Klaus still has power over him. He's always going to. This freedom is conditional. He can't live like that, on Klaus' terms.

Which is why he's set up camping in the bayou to try to figure out a plan when he sniffs the air, scenting a familiar wolf.

"Cora?"