Ronnie clapped a hand on Jake’s shoulder. “Good man.”
I nodded my thanks, then looked down at Paige again. Jaxon was half-asleep, nestled against her side, his small fingers curled into the fabric of her shirt. Her breathing had deepened, each inhale syncing gently with his.
I reached out and brushed a stray lock of hair from her face. The shimmer followed my touch, light catching and fading with every movement. She looked peaceful, as if the chaos had never happened.
Poppy smiled softly. “She’ll wake soon.”
“Yeah,” I whispered, “she’s strong.”
And then, just like that, Paige stirred.
Her fingers twitched, her lashes fluttered, and her eyes opened-hazy but focused. She blinked up at me.
“Hey,” I whispered, my voice rough with relief. “You gave us quite a scare, Tink.”
Her brow furrowed slightly. “Tink?”
“I’ll explain later,” I laughed, the tension breaking. “You’re okay.”
She smiled weakly, her voice a rasp. “You always worry too much.”
“Yeah,” I said, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. “And I’m never going to stop.”
**Paige’s Perspective**
When I slowly open my eyes, the world around me is hushed and still.
The soft, muted gray light of early dawn filters gently through the curtains, casting a pale glow across the bed. For a brief moment, I’m disoriented, unable to recall how I ended up here. Then fragments of memory start to surface-the haunting vision, the surge of fear, and the sound of Ryder’s voice calling out my name urgently. He must have carried me upstairs after Jake had cleared me.
The room smells familiar-warm wood, fresh soap, and the comforting scents of my mates. Around me, I catch the gentle rhythm of breathing. Ryder lies beside me, one arm draped protectively over my waist even in sleep, his palm heavy and steady against my skin. On the other side, Callen curls close, his fingers intertwined with mine. At the foot of the bed, I can just make out Parker’s silhouette, and by the window, Remy’s quiet figure stands framed by the pale morning light.
For a few precious moments, I simply breathe in this rare calm-the closeness, the peace that follows the storm. But then the memory of the vision creeps back in, sharp and chilling.
The water, glowing with an eerie light beneath its surface. A man kneeling by the creek, his hands stained black-was it poison? Or perhaps blood? And then that whisper, echoing so clearly it feels as if it’s still alive inside me.
“She’s the key.”
I don’t understand what it means, or who spoke those words. Was it part of the vision? I can’t quite remember. It’s as if someone shook all my memories up in a jar, mixing them until they’re jumbled, and now I’m struggling to piece them together.
Carefully, I shift my position, trying not to disturb anyone. But Ryder’s senses are sharp-his fingers twitch against my hip, the subtle movement that always gives him away.
“You’re awake,” he murmurs, his voice low and rough from sleep.
“I couldn’t stay asleep,” I admit quietly. “Not after last night.”
His eyes open slowly, searching mine in the dim light. “You scared me, you know.”
“I’m okay.”
“Passing out isn’t okay, Paige.”
I turn toward him, determination settling in my chest. “Then let’s fix it. Let’s go to the creek-the place I saw. If it’s what I think it is, we can’t wait.”
He groans softly, running a hand through his hair. “You and your timing…”
There’s no frustration in his voice, only worry he isn’t trying to hide.
Callen stirs beside us, stretching like a cat waking from a nap before blinking his eyes open. “We’re going, right?”
“Looks that way,” Ryder replies quietly.
From the window, Remy’s voice floats in. “The sun’s almost up. Good light for tracking.”
Parker grumbles as he sits up. “Do I at least get a coffee before we charge into contaminated creeks?”
“If Ronnie hasn’t already drank it all,” Remy sighs.
That comment finally gets everyone moving. We dress quickly, and I pull on my thick socks. By the time we reach the kitchen downstairs, the rich aroma of coffee fills the air.
Ronnie sits at the kitchen island, a steaming cup clasped between his hands, eyes heavy but alert. Next to him, Leo is quiet and solid, the kind of man whose presence alone fills the room without needing words.
Both look up as we enter. Ronnie’s gaze lingers on me longer than the others, assessing. “How’s your head?”
“Clear,” I say. “But I need to go to the creek.”
He studies me for a long moment, then nods slowly. “That’s what I thought. Jake went back to the healer’s cabin a few hours ago. A pup came in last night with a fever, but Poppy’s still here.”
He gestures toward the couch, where, sure enough, Poppy lies curled beneath a blanket, a book resting on her chest. The peaceful sight brings a small smile to my lips.
Our voices must have roused her because she blinks awake, sitting up and smoothing her hair. “You’re awake,” she says softly, relief evident in her tone. “Thank goodness.”
“I am, and we’re heading out.”
Her brow furrows immediately. “So soon?”
Before I can answer, Ryder speaks up. “We can’t afford to wait. Paige feels drawn to the place from her vision, so we have to trust her instincts.”
Poppy’s eyes flick between us, worry etched deep into her expression. “At least take extra hands. You don’t know what you’re walking into.”
“We’ll bring some enforcers,” Remy assures her. “They’re already up and getting ready.”
Poppy sighs, clearly uneasy but understanding the necessity. “Jaxon’s still in bed, so I’ll stay with him. The rest of you go.”
More Kickass Werewolf Reads
Dive into our collection of free werewolf romance novels—where fierce Alphas, daring heroines, and heart-stopping twists await. Every story burns with forbidden desire, loyalty, and destiny. Don’t wait—here’s a world where love bites hard and nothing is stronger than the call of the mate.
Leave a Reply