LOGIN“Hey,” Paige says softly.“Hey,” I reply, my voice cracking. Her smile fades and her eyes narrow as she studies me. “What happened?”“Nothing, I’m okay.”Callen snorts a laugh, and I shoot him a look. “Callen, get out,” Paige orders.“Well, that’s rude.”“Out,” she demands, and he wisely retreats,
** Poppy’s POV **The door closes behind us with a soft click, and I finally take my first real breath in hours. I want to freak out. I want to shout that this isn’t supposed to be happening. But allowing myself to get worked up is not good for anyone or anything. Stuff will break, people will pani
“I was trying to figure you out,” he shrugs.“You were lurking.”Callen gasps. “Shadow boy was lurking?”Bastian’s eyes narrow. “Shadow boy?”“Oh, don’t worry,” I say. “It suits you.”For one strange moment, his expression softens. Not much, but enough that I see it. Enough that my heart skips a bea
** Poppy’s POV **The branch is still lying where it fell. I try not to look at it as we walk away, but my eyes keep finding it anyway. Split wood, torn bark, and leaves scattered across the ground as if it had exploded from the inside out. Because of me.One stupid argument. One moment when everyth
“At least she didn’t pass out this time.”Poppy groans. “Callen.”“What?” he shrugs innocently. “That’s personal growth. I’m proud of you.”“Pass out?” Bastian frowns. “Yeah, when she found out Leo was her mate, she tried to run. But she ran right into Jake, who immediately told her she was his mat
** Leo’s POV **“No, seriously, humour is my thing,” Callen says enthusiastically. “True,” Ryder nods."Aww, thanks, Rye. It's nice to finally be appreciated.""Last week you got stuck in a camping chair," Ryder continues. "I have to admit that was pretty funny."Callen's face drops immediately. “
I take over again, my voice steady. “Any natural water sources, creeks, rivers and ponds, are off-limits until further notice. Whatever’s contaminating them is coming from outside our borders, and we’re not risking anyone’s life until we know where it’s coming from.”A few heads nod. Others glance u
He gives me a weak smile. “I scared myself too.”Callen nudges me gently. “You should’ve seen her, Rye. She was glowing like something out of a movie. It was wild.”“I remember,” Ryder nods, still watching me. “There was this warm light. I thought it was the moon, but it was you. You are my light, P
“You don’t have to be sorry,” I say. “You’re allowed to feel things, Rem.”That earns me a faint, disbelieving smile. “That’s a dangerous thing to say to a guy like me.”I lift my chin. “Then maybe you should start listening, because it’s what I’ve been trying to tell you.”The morning drags on in w
** Ryder’s POV **The quiet after everyone leaves feels heavier than it should. The rain outside has slowed to a drizzle, barely making a sound against the windows. Outside, I can hear the buzz of pack life returning to normal. It’s strange how the world keeps moving when you’ve just balanced on the







