The familiar kitchen felt alien under the new weight in Selene’s chest. The bond was a living thing, a low-grade electrical hum that centered in her sternum and pulsed outward, connecting her to Caleb’s steady presence beside her. Walker’s assessing gaze lingered a moment longer, then he dried his hands on a towel.
“Had a good birthday, I hope?” he asked, his voice gentle.
Selene’s throat felt tight. “Yes.”
Jakob scoffed quietly at the table, not looking up from his textbook. Lucian’s typing paused, his sharp eyes flicking to Caleb, then to Selene’s hand still joined with his. Eli stood up from the couch, padding softly into the kitchen, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern.
“Where’s Celeste?” Caleb asked, his voice neutral but his question loaded. The Alpha tone was there, su
