MasukI press my hand to my chest, trying to steady the sudden, spiralling unease. Leo watches me carefully.“You want to tell me what you saw?” he asks.I hesitate because I don’t know what to say, or worse… I’m not sure if I want to know. I drag in a slow breath, then another, forcing my lungs to cooper
** Poppy’s POV ** I don’t remember falling asleep. One second, I’m wrapped in Leo’s arms, warm and steady, the bond humming softly between us like a quiet reassurance, and the next, I’m cold.The shift is instant and violent. The warmth is gone, ripped away so suddenly it steals the breath from my
“She chose this,” I remind myself quietly.My wolf huffs in agreement, and that matters more than anything.I tilt my head slightly, pressing my lips briefly to the top of her hair, the gesture softer than anything I’ve allowed myself before.I have to be careful with her. Even now. Especially now.
** Leo’s POV **For a moment, I can’t move. Not because I don’t want to, but because I don’t trust myself to.The bond settles slowly, like something ancient weaving itself into place, threading through my chest, my lungs, my bones. It’s steady, deep, and unshakable.Her… She’s there. Not just besid
The awe-filled look in his eyes and conviction in his voice make me believe him. I think this man could make me feel sexy in one of those god-awful giant hot dog costumes. Feeling extra confident now, I reach behind me and unhook my bra, letting it fall away. Leo sucks in a breath, his eyes flashi
** Poppy’s POV **Leo’s mouth crashes back against mine, and this time there’s nothing restrained about it. No hesitation, no careful distance, just heat.His hand slides from my jaw to the back of my neck, fingers tangling in my hair as he deepens the kiss, pulling me fully against him. I gasp soft
“Mummy?” he calls, voice cheerful and sweet. “I’m done with the bath!” I stand quickly, wiping my clammy palms on my jeans just as the door swings open. Jaxon barges into the room, his damp hair sticking up at odd angles and wrapped in a towel that almost drowns him. Ryder follows, a wet t-shirt
His words strike something in me. Has Ryder really been suffering that badly all this time? Has he been missing me as much as I’ve missed him? “You have no idea how important you are to us, Paige, but I promise, if you give us a chance, we will make sure you understand.” I nod, unable to speak
“So you already feel it that strongly?”Parker nods. “From the minute my wolf scented you.”“And how does that feel?” I dare to ask.Parker sets his beer down and leans forward slightly, his voice quieter now, more thoughtful. “It’s hard to explain, but I’ll try. It’s a pull. Like your soul recognis
The silence between us stretches, but it isn’t uncomfortable. It’s full of everything we’re both thinking but not saying. Ryder glances at me now and then, and I can feel the weight of his gaze even when I’m not looking back. I let out a breath. “He’s really okay?” “He’s still healing,” Ryder







