** Paige’s POV ** I stand at the bedroom window, frozen. I hadn’t meant to watch. I’d just wanted to look out at the trees. To look at anything that might slow the spin in my head after everything that’s happened. Instead, I saw them. Callen and Remy. Kissing… still kissing. It’s not just any kiss. It’s a claim. An unspoken promise that I swear I can hear from here. My stomach flips, confusion and something else twisting through me. I don’t look away. I can’t, because this… this changes everything. I should look away. I should. But I don’t. My hand grips the window frame so hard my knuckles ache, but I don’t move. I just watch. Callen’s pressed against Remy like he’s trying to become part of him, his body firm, claiming and dominant, just like he had been with me last night. Remy’s not pushing him away. He’s not angry. He’s melting. Letting himself be kissed like he’s waited a lifetime for it. Like this is the first time he’s allowed himself to
** Callen’s POV ** I find Remy where I knew I would. Not far into the woods, just beyond the clearing where we used to meet up to be alone. He’s sitting on a fallen tree, elbows on his knees, head down. The hoodie he wore earlier is bunched around his arms, like he pulled it off in frustration. He doesn’t turn when I approach, but I know he hears me. “Don’t,” he says, voice hoarse. “I’m not in the mood.” I ignore that and sit beside him anyway, far enough to give him space, close enough to make sure he knows I want to be near him. There’s a heavy silence for a moment before he exhales and gets to his feet. I look up at him, his eyes bloodshot and raw. Has he slept at all? He opens his mouth as if about to say something, then thinks better of it and turns away, walking with purpose back towards the house. Classic Remy… fight or flight, there’s no in between with him. I catch up to him just before the tree line thins out near the cabin. He slows when he hears
** Paige’s POV ** After breakfast, Callen heads upstairs to shower and Jaxon starts begging to use the big bath before school this afternoon. “Please, mummy, just a quick one,” he pleads. “Okay, but let me shower and get dressed first,” I smile, leaning over to ruffle his hair. “Yes! Did you hear that, dad? She said yes,” he bounces excitedly on the stool. Ryder smiles at us over his shoulder from the sink where he’s running water to wash the dishes. “I did, bud.” “Are you excited about going to school today?” I ask. “Yes,” he nods enthusiastically, “but not as excited about swimming in the bath.” “I can bathe him while you shower,” Ryder offers, and Jaxon bounces in his chair again, pleading with his eyes and clasping his hands together. I can sense Ryder’s hesitation. He’s unsure if he’s overstepping, worried I don’t trust him enough yet. “Do you even know how?” I ask, raising a brow at Rye. “Believe it or not, I’ve been washing myself for
** Parker’s POV ** I follow Remy through the back door and into the morning chill. The sun is over the treetops, casting shadows across the grass, but the warmth hasn’t reached us yet. Remy’s pacing along the tree line, his jaw tight, hands shoved into the pockets of his hoodie like he’s trying to hold himself together. He doesn’t look at me when I stop beside him. He just stares out toward the forest like it might offer him an escape. “You okay?” I ask. He laughs bitterly. “Why wouldn’t I be?” I shrug, giving him time to decide if he wants to talk. The silence is brief before Remy exhales and shakes his head. “I can’t do this anymore, Parker. I can’t keep pretending I’m fine when I’m not.” “I know,” I say softly. His eyes finally meet mine. They’re bloodshot, like he’s barely slept. “Do you?” “Yes, I’ve known for a while.” His shoulders stiffen. “Known what?” “That you’re in love with him.” He blinks, then swallows hard, his voice crack
** Paige’s POV ** I wake up to warmth. Surrounded by body heat. It’s everywhere. I blink, and it takes a second for my brain to catch up. Callen is behind me, one arm around my waist, his warm breath on the back of my neck. Ryder is in front of me, one leg thrown over mine. I’m sandwiched, naked, and sore in all the best ways. My cheeks flame as I’m hit with the full memory of last night. The things they said. The way they touched me. The way I let them. Crap! What did I do? Panic flutters in my chest, but under the awkwardness and the ‘what now?’… there’s something else. A sense of rightness. Like I’ve crossed some invisible line and found solid ground here between these men… or shifters. Christ. This is all still insane. Ryder stirs, inhaling deeply before his eyes open. For a long moment, he just looks at me. As if he’s scared that if he blinks, I’ll disappear. Then he smiles. “Morning, beautiful.” I make a noise that could be a
** Paige’s POV ** The moment the word leaves my lips, the energy in the room shifts. Callen gets to his feet, far too graceful for a regular human male. He looks predatory as he looks down at me, but when he extends a hand to me, it feels more like an offer than a demand. He’s still giving me a choice, a chance to back out. My breath catches in my throat as I slide my fingers into his. He pulls me to my feet and I almost crash into his chest. Ryder stands behind me, and I feel the heat of his body before I feel his touch. His hand rests lightly on my lower back. The small contact and the feeling of them boxing me in makes my knees weak. Without a word, the pair guide me upstairs. The air feels heavier with every step, charged with a raw desire that threatens to suffocate me. When we reach Ryder’s bedroom, Callen nudges the door open and leads me inside. It’s dimly lit, moonlight spilling across the bed, illuminating it like a stage. Everything in me screams t