LOGIN“For a bit.”“A bit?”“Ten minutes.”“You said you’d shift!”“I lied.”“I hate you.”“No, you don't.”“I'm reconsidering.”I grin and head into the forest. For the first few minutes, Poppy complains about the incline and the mud and the fact that nobody thought to mention her new home required ‘fuck
** Alaric’s POV ** Leaving Phoenix was harder for them than I expected. There were tears. Too many hugs. Several threats about how often Paige intended to visit, and one from Callen that sounded suspiciously like he planned to move in if Poppy didn't come back often enough. Eventually, we got in th
I pick up the bag. Leaving Phoenix still hurts, but Poppy was right. Leaving doesn't always mean running away. Sometimes it means choosing where you're going next.“Please tell me that's not all you're taking.”Poppy stands in the doorway to her room, a bag hanging from her shoulder and a suitcase b
** Jake’s POV ** I have absolutely no idea how to pack up a life. My first attempt involves three medical textbooks, two pairs of jeans, my stethoscope, four chargers, a first-aid kit, and my lab coat. I stare into the open bag on my bed. This is ridiculous.The cabin feels different already, but n
“You absolutely have,” Leo laughs.I point at him. “You're still my patient.”“Terrifying.”I look back at Alaric.“What equipment does he have?”“I have no bloody idea. Medical shit.”“Of course you don’t,” I sigh.“I can ask him.”“Don't bother. I'll see when I get there.”The words leave my mouth
** Jake’s POV **A knock sounds at the clinic door.“Come in,” I call. The door creaks opens, and Alaric steps inside.Leo groans. “Oh good. Another Alpha, we just got rid of the other two.”“Nice to see you alive too,” Alaric smirks.“Everyone keeps saying that. It’s getting old.”“Probably becaus
** Paige’s POV **I wake up with that prickling feeling that I’m being watched. It doesn’t feel creepy or scary though, it feels comforting somehow. Like I’m being watched over by one of my mates. I try to guess which one before I open my eyes. I’m still new to this whole mate-bond thing, but I’m de
The mug of tea she barely touched sits forgotten on the table beside her. The soft glow from the laptop screen casts light across her face, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything as peaceful. I stand and cross the room quietly, reaching to slide the laptop off her lap and close it gently. She d
** Paige’s POV **The house falls quiet again.Parker is still upstairs with Jax, and Ryder is brooding silently at the kitchen island.“What happened out there?” I ask, sitting next to him.Ryder doesn’t answer right away. He lifts his gaze to meet mine, and then his eyes drift to my neck. I don’t
“Then when I’m ready, I’ll let you know.” I smile.“I’ll be ready,” he whispers, pressing a kiss to my temple. “No pressure, but just so we are clear, I am not even going to try to pretend I'm not insanely jealous that Remy mated with you."I know now that this is no longer a matter of ‘if’; it’s a







