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. “
Cora hands me a small paper bag that she pulls from behind a cushion. “This is the only real option you have for right now, until you can visit a human doctor to arrange something long term, which I don’t suggest you do until your current heat cycle is over.”I open the bag and peer inside to find a
I suck in a shaky breath, lifting my head just enough to meet Callen’s eyes again. He gives me a small, knowing smile as he brushes away the last of his tears.“Go on, baby,” he whispers. “Let them help you now. We’ll be right here.”Callen kisses my head, and Ryder leans over to press a chaste kiss
** Paige’s POV **Remy carries me into the bathroom, which is already filled with steam. Ryder was right. I am in fact unable to walk. When I had tried to stand, my legs were like jelly. Parker had caught me, steadying me, before Remy had scooped me into his arms. I had protested that I’d be fine to
My heart squeezes at that, and I take a breath before I speak again. “I am ready. If you are sure you can wait for me to decide if I want more kids, that you are okay with it if I decide I don’t want any more, then I’m ready to complete the bond with you both.”“Shit,” Callen curses, and I look at h







