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. “
“Sh*t,” I hear Callen breathe as I storm off towards my house. When I get home, I slam the door closed and lock it behind me. With my back pressed to the door, I slide to the floor, finally allowing myself to break. Fat tears roll down my face as the last bits of hope for Ryder leave my body.
Even if it breaks me. I open my eyes and stare out at the treeline. The forest stretches far beyond what I can see. How many creatures are out there that I don’t know about? Is Dracula going to show up next, wanting to suck my blood? Are fairies coming to grant me wishes? Hell, puff the magic dr
We don’t get to talk for long before I hear a commotion in the woods at the back of the house. It’s hard to hold a conversation with her while trying to figure out what is going on with Callen and Remy. I’m torn between checking in on them or staying present with Paige and leaving them two to fight,
Jaxon goes quiet as he focuses on his race. The sheer determination on his face and the way he sticks out the tip of his tongue when he’s concentrating are adorable. I may be biased, but Paige and I have created a good-looking kid. I hear Paige and Parker talking outside, and I tune in just enou







