LOGIN“They just moved here last week.”“Wow, you didn’t waste anytime,” Erika laughs. “At least give us local girls a chance. There’s not many single men our age around here, and you’ve somehow managed to bag four of them. You have to tell me your secret.”“Actually, I knew Leo and Jake before I came her
** Poppy’s POV **“All four?” Erika tries to whisper, but it comes out more like a hiss.“Keep your voice down,” I say, glancing over my shoulder to check we haven’t gained the attention of the entire shop before turning back to her.She stares at me, blinking slowly. “Poppy. Four?”I blow out a bre
“Are you okay?” he asks.“Yeah.” She nods. “It’s strange being back.”Alaric peers through the window. “Crazy coffee girl has returned.”Poppy snorts a laugh.“Are we going inside? Or just standing here, drawing attention to ourselves?” Mason asks, his eyes scanning the street.Poppy nods and pushes
** Leo’s POV **The village is quiet. The sun shines over the street, reflecting off the windows, leaving patches of gold on the cobbled road. It’s very similar to the one on the edge of Phoenix, actually. Maybe slightly more modern, with a mix of old and new shopfronts. People walk slowly, stopping
“Nope, that’s why I was coming here. I was going to ask to borrow a quad.” I narrow my eyes at her. I don’t believe her for a second.Poppy shuffles closer to me, keeping a small distance between us. I look down at her. She’s smiling that smile again. The one that makes me agree to things that I’d
** Bastian’s POV **The mind-link is silent for a moment. Then Leo speaks.“Who the hell are you, and what have you done with Bastian?”“Very funny.”“I’m being serious. Is she holding you hostage up there? Blink twice if you need help.”“Leo, shut up,” Alaric says. “We can’t even see him, so how wo
“Leo didn’t react this badly though, his biggest issue was the wound itself.” Callen shakes his head.“I think that’s the key.” Poppy’s eyes flick between the two men. “Leo was actively bleeding, which means most of the toxin would’ve drained out with the blood. Ryder has no open wounds, it’s trappi
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
** Paige’s POV **I feel something stirring in my chest that’s not nerves or self-doubt; it’s purpose.“I want to be there,” I say.All four heads turn toward me.Ryder frowns, worry creasing his brow. “Paige…”“I’m serious,” I say, stepping closer. “I want to be part of the meeting.”Callen exhales







