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
I swallow hard, throat tight. I’ve been so busy trying to protect myself that I didn’t stop to consider that maybe he’s been doing the same thing. That maybe we’re not that different after all. Now I don’t know if he’ll ever trust me again, but I have to try. I glance at the door once mo
A door slams upstairs, and I flinch. I hope he didn’t wake Jaxon. “Sorry, he doesn’t like changes much,” Parker says. “I’ll talk to him.” “It’s fine,” I lie. “I’m going to crash soon, anyway. If you need anything, you know where to find us.” Parker smiles and I nod. “Good night, Parker.”
** 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 tr
I press my forehead to his again, catching my breath, but I don’t pull away. His eyes are glassy, lips red and kiss-swollen. I don’t know where we go from here. How we navigate this with Paige in the picture now. I only know that my feelings for him are real. Right now, in this moment, he’s as r







