MasukSorry for the lack of updates. I had a migraine and had to limit my screen time for a couple of days.
“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. “
“He adores you,” I tell her. “And he’d love to see you this morning.”The sound of clattering pans and Ryder’s voice carries up the stairs as we make our way down. Poppy’s steps are confident, but she doesn’t let go of my hand.The moment we step into the kitchen, Jaxon spots us. His whole face ligh
Finally, I can’t stand the silence anymore. “She’s not just your mate,” I say quietly, breaking the air between them. “She’s my sister, and she’s scared of this new world enough as it is. When she wakes up, she’s going to need both of you to be patient, not territorial.”Jake looks at me, then, real
I nod slowly, gripping Parker’s hand tighter while Ryder keeps his warm palm over mine. “Yes,” I whisper. “Please. I need her safe. At least until we can figure something out for her.”I replay the scene from earlier. Seeing my sister handle the situation so professionally filled me with pride. Afte
I look up, meeting his eyes, and in them, I see the same quiet determination reflected back in every man at the table. I realise then the weight of what’s stirring inside us, the bonds, the power, the pull of something older than any of us. And somewhere deep in my chest, beneath the fear, a spark o







