When we finally sit down, Ryder leans forward, lowering his voice like he’s about to reveal a secret. “Jax, we need your help today.”
Jaxon perks up immediately. “What kind of help?”
“This is a very important mission. You’re going undercover. Think you can handle being a secret agent again?”
Jaxon gasps, eyes wide. “Really? Another mission?”
“Yep, you did so well yesterday that we have another one for you today.” Ryder nods. “Your mission is to keep our secret. Auntie Poppy can’t know about the pack, the cabin, or shifting. You’ve got to act normal, like everything’s the same as it was before. Do you think you can do that?”
Jax’s little chest puffs up. “I won’t let you down, Dad. I’m the best secret agent ever!”
I can’t help laughing as he salutes us all with his fork. Ryder shoots me a smug look over Jax’s head, and I have to admit, he was right. Jaxon is already taking this more seriously than I ever could’ve hoped.
**Paige’s POV **
“I don’t need an entourage,” I argue, standing in the middle of the living room with my arms crossed, glaring at my four very stubborn men. “I’m going to see my sister. That’s it. Five minutes down the road, no danger, no hunters, no apocalypse waiting in the bushes.”
Ryder shakes his head. “Not happening.”
“Paige,” Callen says softly, already pulling on his boots, “you could trip and break your ankle.
Or someone could show up uninvited. Or…”
“Or a squirrel might look at me funny?” I cut in, rolling my eyes. “You guys can’t come everywhere with me.”
Parker, who has been quiet until now, lifts his brow at me. “Yes, we can.”
I throw my hands up. “Do you realise how insane this is? Poppy is going to wonder why I have a group of men sitting in my living room like a pack of…”
“Wolves?” Callen finishes with a smirk.
I glare at him, but he only looks amused.
“Do you know how suspicious you’ll look? Four guys, all hovering, all glaring at my sister like she might attack me.”
“We aren’t worried about Poppy, but there are hunters out there who know where we are now.”
Ryder says softly. “We aren’t letting you or Jax go anywhere unguarded until the threat is dealt with. I know it might feel suffocating and awkward, but it’s what needs to happen for now.”
“It’s much easier to hide us in plain sight than to have literal wolves circling your property,” Remy shrugs.
I open my mouth to argue again but then stop, staring at the four of them. They’re right, I know they are. It doesn’t mean I have to like it.
“Fine,” I sigh, rubbing my forehead. “Come, but you need to act normal, which means no growling, no touching me, no flirting. She has to believe we are just friends.”
“Deal,” Callen says immediately.
Remy pushes off the doorframe. “Told you she’d give in.”
Ryder comes over, pressing a kiss to my head. “Smart choice, Luna.”
By the time we’re ready to leave, Parker has already arranged for groceries to be delivered to my place so we don’t need to risk a trip into town.
They may be overbearing, but secretly, a little bubble of warmth grows in my chest. Because as much as I want to scream about my independence and feeling trapped, there’s something strangely comforting in knowing I won’t have to be away from them, and they won’t let any threat near my son.
When I finally get home, Ryder takes the keys and unlocks the door. He enters the house with Parker whilst me and Jax wait outside with Callen and Remy. When they finally call that it’s all clear, I step inside and pick up the small stack of mail that’s built up in the last few days.
I flick through it, dismissing the flyers, and shoving the envelopes into my bag to go through later. Jaxon flies past me, running straight up to his room to find any toys he’s left behind, and I know we will be carrying them all back to the cabin with us later.
An hour later, Poppy waves to her friends as they pull away, and she turns to walk up the path towards the house. Her smile brightens, and she waves when she sees me standing in the window. I wave back, but my stomach twists into knots. The house might look normal to her, but I know better. There are enforcers posted all around. They hide in the trees at the back of the house, and some walk the usually quiet street, every one of them pretending.they’re enjoying the evening air while their eyes scan every shadow. Inside, my mates have been impossible all day.
“Remember,” I say to the men, giving each of them a hard look, “you’re just my friends.”
Ryder raises a brow, his lips twitching. “Do you kiss all your friends like that?”
Callen smirks. “Some friends come with benefits.”
“Not helping.” I huff.
“I am friendly,” Parker shrugs, setting down the glass he’s polished for the fifth time.
“Maybe a little too friendly. Just remember not to sniff me like I’m your favourite pastry in front of her,” I tease.
“I don’t sniff,” he protests.
“You do,” Ryder, Remy, and Callen reply in perfect unison.
Before Parker can argue, the front door opens, and my heart leaps into my throat as Poppy’s cheerful voice shouts, “Hello.”
She walks in wearing a bright sundress and cute sandals. She is so pretty, just like our mum.
She looks at me as if she hasn’t seen me in years. Then her eyes flick to the four men flanking me, and she raises her brows.
“Well, someone’s been busy,” she laughs.
I almost choke. “It’s not like that.”
“Like what?” She frowns, and I realise my mistake. I’d been too quick, too defensive.
“Nothing, I just meant these are Ryder’s friends. I completely forgot I’d invited them over for dinner tonight. I hope you don’t mind.”
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